fibroid Prevention and management
Women’s hormones are a constant and delicate dance between estrogen and progesterone. In a past blog we have discussed the symptoms and effects of high estrogen levels. When estrogen gains dominance over the pairing, being a steroid hormone it can cause growths such as fibroids, enlarged uterus, and ovarian cancer. When progesterone is available in ample amounts, it will help counter these growths and manage their size. Let’s dig deeper into the minute details of fibroids and how to take a root cause approach and managing them.
Breaking Down Fibroids
Fibroids are non cancerous tumors made up of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. Uterine fibroids are actually quite common with an estimate of 70-80% of women developing them in their lifetime. The reason this statistic is shocking is that they are not always symptomatic or a cause for major concern. Fibroids can vary greatly in size, rate of growth, and symptoms.
Fibroids are most often found in a routine pelvic exam with your gynecologist. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is worth requesting a check up:
Heavy periods and long cycles
Spotting mid cycle
Low back pain and bad cramping
Pain during sex
Frequent need to urinate
Constipation
Difficulty getting pregnant
If your suspicion of fibroids is confirmed during an exam, your doctor will likely offer a pelvic ultrasound or MRI to further examine the fibroids and determine their size. A scan can also help determine what type of uterine fibroid you have. There are 3 types:
Intramural fibroids that develop in the muscular wall of the womb
Subserosal fibroids (most common) that develop outside of the womb., These can push outside of the uterus and begin to push onto the pelvic wall, growing very large and developing a stalk that attaches to the uterus
Submucosal fibroids that develop in the muscle layer beneath the womb’s inner lining and protect outside the uterus.
A main concern for many women, aside from the physical discomfort of fibroids, is how they can affect fertility. If in a certain location and of a large enough size, fibroids can actually obstruct the fallopian tubes and also distort the endometrial cavity. They are found to be present in around 5-10% of women who struggle with infertility. One study even showed that removing uterine fibroids from women increased the rate of pregnancy from 25-42%.
Estrogen: The Fuel Behind Fibroids
Although a direct hormonal cause of fibroids is yet to be concluded from lack of research, there is am ample amount of evidence of a connection between estrogen dominance and the growth of fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are most common in child bearing years. There are no pre-pubertal cases of uterine fibroids, and the rate of growths post-menopause declines drastically
Rapid decrease in uterine fibroids is seen with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) treatment, which causes a decline in the production of ovarian estrogen
Uterine fibroids have estrogen and progesterone receptors and grow much faster during pregnancy due to the influx of these hormones
Estrogen levels and therefore fibroid growth can be impacted by other vitamins and minerals alongside diet and lifestyle. Unpacking this next can help us to further understand natural treatment options.
The Impact of Iodine and Vitamin D
Since a clear link has been shown between levels of estrogen and the growth rate of fibroids, it is a fair approach to focus on how we can reduce estrogen levels through what we eat and specific nutrient levels.
A mineral we should all be focusing on, not only those suffering with fibroids, is Iodine. Iodine deficiency is a large scale issue in the general population as our soils are deficient and it is replaced by the toxin Bromine in commercial dough since the 80’s. Our bodies need Iodine:
Iodine metabolizes estrogen down to its most benign form by increasing levels of enzymes and locking the estrogen into the receptors in its most non-toxic form.
Iodine down-regulates estrogen receptors therefore stabilizing levels of hormones in the body
Iodine has a strong anti-estrogen effect that is shown also to treat fibrocystic breasts, ovulation pain, irregular and heavy periods, endometriosis, and other conditions trademarked by estrogen dominance
Foods that contain Iodine include seafood and seaweed, egg yolks, iodized salt, and leafy greens
It is important to note that if you are going to supplement with Iodine, you should test your thyroid first and consult with a naturopathic doctor, as high levels can impact your thyroid. It can also help to supplement with selenium (eat Brazil nuts) to keep iodine levels in check and increase consumption of foods naturally higher in iodine such as kelp.
Vitamin D is another important level to keep an eye on for fibroid growth slowing and prevention. One study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center showed that supplementing with 2000 IU’s of Vitamin D daily for a year showed a great reduction in blood estrogen levels,
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin also classified as a hormone due to its’ known effects on the reproductive system
Vitamin D helps your body to metabolize calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, all of which guide hormone balance in women
Studies show that women with sufficient Vitamin D levels have as much as a 32% lowered risk for uterine fibroids when compared with those that are deficient
Studies show that in addition to reduced occurrence of fibroids, the size of fibroids that do grow are significantly smaller in size when the women are supplementing with Vitamin D
If you are supplementing with Vitamin D, D3 is the most active and easily used by the body form
Supplementation and monitoring levels of these vitamins and minerals is certainly important for fibroid management, but we can also look into lifestyle changes and natural supplements.
Prevention and Management: Diet and Supplementation
As always, it is crucial to pay attention to our diet and lifestyle when it comes to everything involving hormone health, and especially on the topic of fibroids. Being overweight puts you at risk for fibroid growth as fat cells produce excess estrogen. Adipose tissue is actually the bodies primary site of estrogen production. Here are some specific foods that assist the body in estrogen detoxing and slowing fibroid growth:
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage in addition to citrus fruits and apples that contain high amounts of fiber will help the body maintain heathy and balanced levels
Keep an eye on Vitamin D by consuming dairy products and salmon.
Cut back on red meat, which is shown to have a possible connection to uterine fibroid development
Broccoli sprouts contain Sulforophane, a powerful antioxidant that aids the body in metabolizing estrogen
Papaya, tomatoes, grapes, peaches, and watermelon contain high levels of Lycopene which is shown to reduce fibroid growth
Drink Green tea. Green tea has EGCG which is shown to significantly reduce size and symptoms of uterine fibroids
Increase fiber intake, as fiber is an important part of phase 3 estrogen detoxification via the gut
Although tweaking your diet by consuming more fiber and antioxidant rich foods can largely help with fibroids, you can also look to herbal remedies and supplements to help you on your journey.
Curcumin, the antioxidant found in turmeric, is significantly anti-inflammatory and can slow the growth of fibroids
NAC, the precursor to the liver’s master antioxidant Glutathione, can help with how excess estrogen is metabolized through the liver
Reservatrol, found in blueberries, raspberries, and grapes, is shown to aide in slowing of fibroid growth
Ginger is highly anti-inflammatory and can help with enlarged and symptomatic fibroids
Burdock Root tea is highly anti-inflammatory, assist in estrogen detoxing, and arctigenin which shrinks tumors
Ginger tea in anti-inflammatory and also increases blood flow, therefore increasing oxygen and nutrients to the uterus and detoxifying
Supplementing with Vitex, or Chastetree Berry, can help to raise progesterone levels and control estrogen dominance, consequently controlling the growth of fibroids
Topical castor oil packs over the pelvic region can help reduce inflammation *do not use while on period, as it can increase bleeding
Uterine fibroid management can be stressful and overwhelming when it becomes a cause of pain and discomfort. It is helpful to know that not only are they very common and often harmless, but also that you have the power to utilize home remedies and lifestyle changes to prevent and slow them down. Understanding that fibroids feed off of high estrogen, which feeds off of unbalanced hormones and improper nutrient levels, can help you begin your journey and take away the confusion.
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