Fibroids are benign tumors which grow from the muscle layers of the uterus. They are the most common benign neoplasm in females. Fibroids are stimulated by the hormone estrogen, produced naturally in your body.
Uterine fibroids often do not require treatment, but when they are problematic, they may be treated surgically or with medication — possible interventions include a hysterectomy, hormonal therapy, a myomectomy, or uterine artery embolization.
Uterine fibroids shrink dramatically in size after a woman passes through menopause.
First line medical treatment may involve oral contraceptive pills, either combination pills or progestin-only, in an effort to manage symptoms. If unsuccessful, further medical therapy involves the use of medication to reduce estrogens in an attempt to create a medical menopause-like situation.
You could read more about the condition at the following link-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibroids
The following factors have been associated with the growth of fibroids:
Being overweight, obesity, Never having given birth to a child (called nulliparity), Onset of your period prior to age 10.