Imagine them as little (or sometimes not-so-little) muscle and fibrous tissue bundles. Some fibroids are tiny and almost impossible to detect. Meanwhile others can grow so large that they actually distort and enlarge the uterus.
About 25-30% of pre-menopausal women are diagnosed with fibroids. But experts believe the actual number could be as high as 70-80%.
And here's something that might surprise you - Women of African-Caribbean descent are diagnosed with fibroids two to three times more often than White women. Not only that, they tend to face symptoms earlier and more severely.
The good news though? These growths rarely develop into cancer and typically shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone levels.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Some fibroids may be asymptomatic. But more often than not, they make their presence known with symptoms that can really affect your day-to-day. Here are a couple signs to watch out for:
What is the main cause of fibroids?
The main culprit for fibroids is often estrogen dominance. This happens when the body has more estrogen than progesterone. While being a key hormone that prepares the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy each month, estrogen can also unintentionally encourage fibroids to grow.
Fibroids can act like little hormone sponges. They have more estrogen and progesterone receptors than the normal muscle cells of the uterus. This makes fibroids super sensitive to these hormones.
That's why fibroids generally make their appearance or grow during your reproductive years when estrogen is at its peak. And after menopause, fibroids typically shrink as estrogen levels taper off, which can bring some relief.
What causes estrogen dominance?
Estrogen dominance can arise from a variety of factors, many of which are related to lifestyle and environmental exposures. Understanding these causes is necessary for addressing and managing the condition.
1. Environmental Exposures
One significant cause of estrogen dominance is exposure to xenestrogens—synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen in the body. These can be found in:
- Plastics
- Pesticides
- Household Cleaners and Personal Care Products
- Fragrances
2. Diet
Diets loaded with processed foods, refined sugars, and seed oils can throw our hormones off kilter. Also, if your meals are irregular, you might notice your blood sugar levels bouncing like a yo-yo, which isn't great for hormonal stability.
3. Liver Dysfunction
Think of your liver as a filter for your body's hormones. It breaks down estrogen and clears it out. But if your liver is under strain—say, from illness, alcohol, or other stresses—it might not do its job well.
The result? Estrogen hangs around longer than it should, accumulating and leading to estrogen dominance.
4. Obesity
Did you know that body fat, especially around your midsection, isn't just sitting there? It's actually producing estrogen, which can raise your overall estrogen levels. This extra estrogen can result in an imbalance.
5. Stress
It's no secret that stress can take a toll on our bodies, but did you know it also messes with our hormones? Chronic stress leads to an increase in cortisol, a stress hormone that can unfortunately lower progesterone levels. This imbalance can worsen estrogen dominance.
6. Genetics
Sometimes, our body's tendency towards estrogen dominance is written in our DNA. Genetic predispositions that affect how our bodies handle hormones—like how sensitive our receptors are to them—can make some individuals more prone to estrogen dominance.
7. Medications
Lastly, certain medications can inadvertently boost estrogen levels. Hormone replacement therapies, hormonal birth controls, and even some antidepressants can tip the hormonal scales towards estrogen dominance.
That's why it’s always a good idea to discuss the potential hormonal effects of any medication with your healthcare provider.
How do I get rid of my fibroids naturally?
Your daily habits can be a powerful tool in managing fibroids. Here’s a closer look at how simple adjustments to your lifestyle habits can have a big impact on your symptoms and overall health.
1. Avoid Environmental Hormone Disruptors:
We at VO, think it is incredibly important to assess how much plastics, pesticides, household cleaners and personal care products, and fragrances are used in your daily life and try your best to avoid them as much as possible. Yes, this means your favorite scented candles, car fresheners, and body soap! Avoiding plastic that is heated like TV dinners & microwaved takeout boxes. Even trying your best to eat organic; to avoid pesticides that are sprayed on conventional foods. This avoidance could help with restoring your hormonal balance.
2. Weight loss
Studies have shown that reducing excess body fat can greatly improve hormonal imbalances that lead to fibroids, like estrogen dominance. Start with a 30 minute walk per day! This will help with lowering the stress hormone, cortisol, and will help you burn fat.
3. Improve Your Eating Habits
Focus on eating for your hormones. We recommend eating a high protein breakfast within 30 minutes of waking to set your blood sugar off on the right start in the morning (when it's most important for hormones). Continue to eat high protein (20-30g) meals throughout the day.
What not to eat if you have fibroids:
There are certain foods that might make fibroid symptoms worse by causing your blood sugar to spike and your body to pump out more insulin than it needs.
Here are some foods that might be good to cut back on OR if you must have them, consume them after you've had protein:
- white rice, pasta, and flour
- soda and other sugary drinks
- corn syrup
- boxed cereals
- baked goods like cakes, cookies, and doughnuts
- chips
- crackers
Also, try to keep an eye on your salt intake. Yes, our body needs it, but too much can affect your blood pressure. Sticking to less than 2,300 milligrams (about a teaspoon of salt) per day is advisable to help manage blood pressure. It can also be beneficial for those dealing with fibroids.
What foods and supplements are good for fibroids?
Let's focus now on the foods that can be your allies in managing fibroids.
Incorporating the right kinds of foods can not only reduce inflammation but also lower your risk of fibroids. Here’s a list of wholesome choices to consider adding to your daily meals:
- Vegetables and fruit
- Fresh and dried herbs
- Lean meats and fish
- Organ meats
- Whole grains
- Lentils and beans
- Quinoa & other high fiber foods
- Foods with bright colors for gut health!
Don’t overlook the benefits of milk and dairy products. Dairy, especially raw dairy products, are loaded with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These are minerals that are thought to play a role in preventing fibroid growth. Including a moderate amount of dairy in your diet might not only offer nutritional benefits but also help in keeping fibroids at bay.
Make sure to get your vitamins!
Research has also shown certain vitamins and supplements can help manage fibroids:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Check out our favorite supplements here.
4. Use herbs
Several herbs are traditionally used to help manage symptoms associated with fibroids.
- Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus): Also known as vitex, chasteberry is believed to help regulate hormone imbalances that can contribute to fibroid growth. It is the active ingredient in our, Hormone Helper, which we formulated to help balance hormones. Get it here!
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Ginger is another herb known for its anti-inflammatory properties, potentially useful for reducing inflammation and pain related to fibroids. Get ginger and other anti-inflammatory herbs in our Herbal Reset Tea.
- Red clover (Trifolium pratense): This herb contains phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. It may help balance estrogen levels. Get it in our Yoni Steaming Blend.
- Yarrow (Achillea millefolium): Yarrow is known for its ability to reduce menstrual bleeding and cramps, which can be beneficial for those with fibroids. Find it in our Yoni Steaming Blend.
As you explore natural options for managing fibroids, herbs can offer a promising path forward. At Veladya Organica, we are dedicated to providing you with high-quality herbal remedies that support women’s health, including conditions like fibroids. Our products; Hormone Helper, Yoni Steaming Blend and Herbal Reset Tea is the trio we recommend to those experiencing fibroids and are all are crafted with care to serve your reproductive system and inflammatory response.
Integrating these into your daily routine, alongside healthy lifestyle choices, may help alleviate symptoms and support your healing.
It is important to remember that you can make a difference in your health, naturally, by trusting the power of Mother Earth and all she provides. Get outside, get moving, and stay faithful in the body's innate healing abilities.
