Fibroids getting you down?

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop within the uterine muscle. They are the most common benign tumours in women, affecting up to 70% or even 80% of women at some point in their lives. While many cases go undiagnosed, the heavy bleeding associated with fibroids can cause anaemia, fatigue, and pain, leading to a decreased quality of life for women affected by the condition. The good news is that there are several things you can do to address fibroids, ranging from lifestyle changes to medical interventions.

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Lifestyle Changes
1. Manage Your Weight
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing fibroids. Therefore, it's important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce your risk. To achieve this, you should aim to consume a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. In addition, you should avoid or limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol. Regular physical activity can also help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of fibroids.

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2. Increase Your Intake of Fiber
Eating a high-fiber diet can help reduce your risk of developing fibroids. This is because fiber helps to remove excess estrogen from your body. Foods that are high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Aim to consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day.

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3. Consider Supplementation
Supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals may also help reduce the risk of fibroids. For example, studies have shown that vitamin D may help reduce the risk of fibroids. Magnesium and vitamin E may also be beneficial. For some women, calcium-d-glucarate can be helpful in reducing estrogen reabsorption.

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4. Reduce Your Exposure to Environmental Toxins
Exposure to environmental toxins may increase the risk of developing fibroids. Therefore, you should take steps to reduce your exposure to toxins. This includes avoiding household chemicals, such as cleaning products, and using natural alternatives instead. You should also avoid processed foods and choose organic produce whenever possible.

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Acupuncture and Fibroids:

Studies have showed that acupuncture could provide a therapeutic effect on fibroids by reducing their size and symptoms, such as menstrual pain and bleeding. Studies have also shown that acupuncture can increase the levels of serum estradiol and progesterone, which can regulate the menstrual cycle and improve symptoms associated with fibroids. Acupuncture may also help to improve the microcirculation around the fibroids, which can improve their nutritional supply and promote their shrinkage. Overall, while further research is needed to confirm the findings, the study suggests that acupuncture may be a safe and effective complementary therapy for women with uterine fibroids.

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Functional medicine approaches to fibroids prioritise anti-inflammatory measures, modifiable lifestyle factors, and reducing exposure to environmental toxicants. Nutrients and dietary habits associated with myoma development risk include low intake of fruit, vegetables, and vitamin D as well as pollutants in food. Lifestyle interventions such as diet, exercise, and stress management can decrease the risk of fibroids, while surgical and radiologic therapies are typically used to treat the tumours. Working with a Functional Medicine practioner can be very helpful in finding long-term natural solutions.

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