Uterine fibroids may be less common in Latina women than previously estimated, according to a new study.
The study, led by researchers at the Michigan Medical Research Institute, is one of the largest in the United States to confirm cases of fibroids using ultrasound, which is considered a more accurate method than self-report or medical records alone.
“There are limited data on how uterine fibroids affect Latina women,” said lead author Erica E. Marsh, MD, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Michigan Medical School and chief of the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at UM Health von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital.
“These findings will help us better understand this population and will inform future research and patient counseling and treatment approaches.”
The study included 621 Latina women of reproductive age, primarily of Mexican descent, between the ages of 21 and 50. The researchers found that 11.8% had uterine fibroids, a lower rate than previous estimates of 37% in this group.
According to the study results, the prevalence increases with age, from 3.5% in women aged 21 to 30 to 18.7% in women aged 41 to 50. Journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Ajogu).
Opening the door to future research on uterine fibroid development
This data comes from ELLAS (Environment, Leiomyoma, Latinas, and Obesity Study), the largest study in the United States specifically focused on uterine fibroids in Latinas. The study, based in southeastern Michigan, utilized community-based participatory research (CBPR) techniques to investigate how factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the environment influence fibroid development and growth.
For too long, prevalence data for ultrasound-confirmed uterine fibroids in Latina women have been unavailable. By using CBPR principles that emphasize community and respect in our research, we are now able to access powerful data from ELLAS on so many aspects of Latin American reproductive health, not just uterine fibroids. ”
Felix M. Valbuena Jr., MD, Community Co-Author, CEO of CHASS Center in Detroit
Uterine fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths within the uterus. Previous research suggests that up to 70% of white women and more than 80% of black women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50.
Many people with fibroids have no symptoms, but some experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, fertility problems, or pregnancy complications. Uterine fibroids are also the leading reason for hysterectomy in the United States, contributing to an estimated $35 billion in annual medical costs.
Researchers say the new findings provide important context for both clinicians and patients and can help improve conversations about risk and care.
Marsh said future studies could investigate possible protective factors, including diet, environmental exposures, and other health and social influences, that may help explain why Latinas/LatinXers have lower rates of uterine fibroids.
“Understanding these differences may provide important clues about how uterine fibroids develop,” Marsh said. “That knowledge could ultimately benefit all patients.”
sauce:
Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan
Reference magazines:
Marsh, E.E. Others. (2026). Uterine fibroids in Latinos: Findings from the Environment, Leiomyomas, Latinos, and Obesity Study. Journal of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2026.04.006. https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(26)00186-9/abstract
