Background: Uterine leiomyomata (also known as fibroids) are benign tumors of uterine
smooth muscle that are characterized by overproduction of extracellular matrix. Fibroids are
the leading indication for hysterectomy in the United States. The active metabolite of vitamin
D has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production in fibroid
tissue culture and to reduce fibroid volume in the Eker rat. No previous study has examined
whether vitamin D is related to fibroid status in women. Methods: The National Institute of …