What are fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus). About 20 to 80 percent of women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50. The good news is that, in many cases, fibroids shrink back on their own, especially after menopause. There are also natural routes you can take to support fibroids.

You can have one fibroid or multiple growths. The effect of fibroids on health is determined by factors such as the size of the fibroids, the number of fibroids and the location.

Fibroids are also referred to as:

• benign tumours
• uterine leiomyomas
• myomas

Fibroids can grow in any part of the uterus. They are named according to where they’re found:

• intramural fibroids grow inside the uterus walls
• submucosal fibroids grow into the cavity space of the uterus
• subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus

Moderate to severe cases where symptoms are very uncomfortable and not improving, may be treated with surgery or ultrasound therapy.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

While most fibroids are not cancerous, they can still cause health issues.

There are some people with fibroids who experience small amounts of pain or no pain at all. Some aren’t even aware they have them. It is thought that 20-50% of people have symptoms[i] which can include experiencing a lot of pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and other symptoms including anaemia, urinary incontinence, pain during sex and weight gain:

• 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 pregnant
• Anaemia: Heavy menstrual blood loss can cause a significant loss of haemoglobin, which is the iron-rich protein found in red blood cells. It helps transport oxygen around the body.
• Pain during sex: Fibroids may cause discomfort during sex, this is often due to pelvic floor muscle contractions.
• Incontinence is due to the fibroids putting pressure on your bladder
• Weight gain may be attributed to the added fibroid tissue growth. However, fibroids generally don’t tend to cause a significant amount of weight gain.

Mental Health:

Fibroids can also affect your mental health. Women with fibroids may be at greater risk of developing depression or anxiety[ii].

Please get your symptoms checked out by a GP if they are severe and of concern.

What causes fibroids:

Age: fibroids most commonly occur in women between 30-50.

Increased body mass: Being overweight increases the risk as fat tissue produces oestrogen[iii]

Genetics: A family history of fibroids can increase the likelihood of development.

Age you started your period: Starting menses before the age of 10 is linked with an increased risk of fibroids.

Alcohol intake, those with a higher alcohol intake are more at risk[iv]

Vitamin D deficiency[v] and high blood pressure also increase the risk

Simple lifestyle changes can make all the difference:

• Maintaining a healthy weight[vi] to balance oestrogen[vii]
• Managing stress levels
• Avoiding smoking
• Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
• Balance blood pressure: regular exercise as well as several dietary and nutrient profile factors can improve blood pressure readings. See our article here.

Dietary advice for fibroids

As defined by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, endocrine-disrupting chemicals are “chemicals that interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse reproductive, neurological and immune effects.”

The reproductive organs have many receptors for hormones. This is partly why endocrine disruption may be a cause of fibroid growth. Researchers found oestrogen stimulates the growth of uterine fibroids during a woman’s reproductive years[viii]. Therefore, oestrogen must be balanced to reduce fibroid occurrence.

Try these simple tips to make sure you eat a healthy diet to help you manage your weight and oestrogen levels:

• Focus on unprocessed / less processed whole-foods.
• Focus on high fibre intake, healthy plant-based fats, and high quality proteins, including fatty fish
• Eat a variety of colourful vegetables and whole fruits daily

Researchers have seen a positive effect of the Mediterranean diet on fibroids[ix]. The Mediterranean diet involves plenty of green vegetables, quality fats such as olive oil and nuts, fresh fruit, legumes, meat and fish.

Other ways to reduce oestrogen include:

Avoiding plastics, a study found that almost all commercially available plastic products release oestrogen-like chemicals into our food and drink[x]. Instead, opt for glass packaging where possible.

DIM (diindolylmethane) is a metabolite of a phytochemical called indole-3-carbinol found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage. DIM encourages active and healthy oestrogen metabolism. Try DIM Ultra (60 Caps) with added milk thistle by Pure Encapsulations or Cell Active DIM 60 caps by Cytoplan.

Other supplement options for fibroids

Green Tea 500mg – Green Tea extract has been seen in studies to shrink fibroids (by around 32%)[xi]. Green tea has a potent anti-oxidant effect.

Inositol Powder 250g [xii] - Myo-inositol (MI) increases insulin sensitivity, and decreases hyperandrogenism (a medical condition characterised by high levels of androgens).

High Potency NAC (60 caps) - N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that inhibits free radicals and may therefore reduce fibroid occurrence.

Liquid Vitamin D3 (50ml) - Studies have found a correlation between people with a Vitamin D deficiency and fibroids. Increasing Vitamin D intake could help inhibit the growth of fibroids[xiii].

Testing options for fibroids

DUTCH test: this dried urine test looks at your hormone levels and their metabolites. This would be the go-to for working out hormonal issues. It includes sex hormones, cortisol and DHEA which helps to evaluate stress levels felt throughout the day and which may be contributing to your symptoms. Most importantly, in the case of fibroids, this test will identify how you metabolise oestrogen, and may therefore point towards the cause of fibroids in some individuals.

Thyroid function: it is worth checking thyroid function, as this commonly changes around menopause. Thyroid function is also inextricably linked to reproductive health and hormone production and function. Usually testing for markers such as: TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), FT3 & FT, thyroid function tests can be sought privately or through your GP. Talk to us for further advice.

Metabolomix Plus Advance: this finger prick test provides a fully detailed analysis of individual vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and amino acids status, markers for gastrointestinal function, oxidative stress, essential fats status and the nutrient and toxic elements clearance. It helps to identify your nutritional needs, which if supported appropriately, could help with supporting a healthy uterus and reproductive system by making sure your body has everything it needs for optimal health.

NutrEval: This test provides a unique and comprehensive assessment of nutritional status, which is the same as the Metabolomix Plus Advanced with added extras. This test requires a full blood sample done via a partner phlebotomy service together with the urine sample and this provides the analysis of some additional markers such as vitamin D, glutathione and homocysteine.