Although not often spoken about publicly, uterine fibroids are a common condition that can have a significant impact on quality of life; disrupting work and home life.


Different names/same condition

  • Leiomyoma
  • Uterine leiomyoma
  • Uterine fibroids
  • Myoma
  • Fibromyoma

The position of the fibroid in the womb determines its type:

diagram of the womb with fibroids

Receptors in fibroids indicate that growth is driven by the sex hormones oestrogen & progesterone.

hormonal balance

Fibroids do not appear prior to menstruation starting. In many instances they regress postmenopause.


Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids is one of the main reasons for hysterectomies being performed by the NHS.

diagram of the womb with fibroids

Although fibroids are tumours, they are non-cancerous.

diagram of the womb with fibroids

The most common surgical procedure for dealing with fibroids are:
  • Myomectomy (removal of the fibroids)
  • Hysterectomy (removal of the womb)

hormonal balance

80% of black women have fibroids by the age of 50

70% of white women have fibroids by the age of 50