What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths in your uterus. Between 60 and 80 percent of women have or have had fibroids. They’re also called:
benign tumors uterine leiomyomas myomasWhile fibroids aren’t cancerous or life-threatening, they can sometimes cause health problems. Fibroids range in size to as small as a seed to larger than a grapefruit. You can have one fibroid or multiple growths. You may not have any symptoms at all. Most women don’t know they have this condition. Signs and symptoms depend on the size, location, and number of fibroids. You may experience:
periods that last longer than a week heavy menstrual bleeding . spotting or bleeding between periods pelvic pressure or pain backache or leg pain frequent urination difficulty emptying your bladder constipation difficulty getting pregnantNatural treatment of fibroids
Fibroids typically grow slowly or not at all. In many cases, they shrink on their own, especially after menopause. You may not need treatment unless you’re bothered by symptoms. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan. You may need a combination of therapies. In moderate to severe cases where symptoms are bothersome, worsening, or not improved with medication, fibroids may be treated with surgery or ultrasound therapy. Surgery may involve removing just the fibroids or your entire uterus. At-home care, diet changes, and natural remedies may help treat fibroids and relieve symptoms. The lifestyle changes below are also important in the prevention of fibroids. These natural treatments may or may not help your fibroid symptoms, since relief depends on how severe your symptoms are and how your fibroids have progressed. You should speak with your doctor before trying any of these options.
Weight loss
A clinical study in China showed that obesity and excess weight increased the risk for uterine fibroids. This happens because fat cells make high amounts of estrogen. Losing weight may help prevent or reduce the size of fibroids.
Nutrition
Your daily diet is a very important factor in treating fibroids. The right nutrition can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk. Certain foods can also help ease symptoms.
Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies may help to treat fibroids or reduce related symptoms. Further research is needed to find out if these remedies work and what the most effective dosage is. Herbs are potent medicines and can interact with other drugs. They’re also not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Talk with your doctor before taking herbal medicine.
Foods to avoid
According to clinical studies, eating too much red meat increases your risk of uterine fibroids. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk. Eating excess refined carbohydrates and sugary foods may trigger or worsen fibroids. These foods raise blood sugar levels. This causes your body to produce too much insulin hormone. Avoid or restrict simple refined carbohydrates like:
white rice, pasta, and flour soda and other sugary drinks corn syrup baked goods (cakes, cookies, doughnuts) potato chipsFoods to eat
Fiber-rich unprocessed foods help:
curb your appetite balance hormones prevent excess weight gainBrightly colored foods such as fruits and vegetables also help reduce inflammation and
lower your risk for fibroids.
Add these whole foods to your daily diet:
raw and cooked vegetables and fruit dried fruit whole grains brown rice lentils and beans whole grain bread and pasta quinoaBlood pressure
A Dutch study found that there may be a link between high blood pressure and fibroids. Manage your blood pressure to help reduce your risk and improve your overall health:
Limit foods with added salt or sodium. Check your blood pressure regularly and discuss readings with your doctor. Get regular exercise.Vitamins and supplements
Milk and dairy may help to reduce fibroids. Dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These nutrients may help prevent growth of fibroids.
Some types of vitamins may also help reduce the growth and size of fibroids. Research confirms that your risk for fibroids may increase if you have low amounts of vitamin D and vitamin A from animal sources, such as dairy.
Uterine fibroids may worsen menstrual pain, bloating, and cramping. A number of vitamins may help ease these symptoms:
vitamin B-1 vitamin B-6 vitamin E magnesium omega-3 fatty acidsYou can find these vitamins in food as well as supplements. If you want to start incorporating supplements into your daily routine, talk with your doctor before you begin.