uterine fibroid

Uterine fibroid: causes, herbal treatments and useful supplements

I often get questions from women with uterine fibroids about whether there are natural or alternative treatments.
Not surprisingly, the number of questions is high, given the increasing prevalence of this condition. Statistics show that about half of all women aged between 21 and 49 have uterine fibroids, and half of these - around 25% of the total, about 2 million women in Romania - show symptoms.

It is important to note that herbal treatments do not replace the treatment recommended by a doctor. I consider them "supplementary" rather than "alternative". The recommendations below do not guarantee a cure, but may help to improve your health. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle and cannot replace treatments prescribed by a doctor.

What is uterine fibroid

Uterine fibroid is a benign tumor of the uterine muscles - so it is not cancer. When you get this diagnosis, there's no need to panic.
Although the exact cause is not fully understood, a major role is played by an imbalance between the female hormones - oestrogen and progesterone - in the sense that oestrogen predominates (oestrogen dominance). The measures presented in this article aim to reduce or eliminate this hormonal dominance.

Warning: herbal treatments cannot completely 'melt away' a large fibroid, but they can reduce symptoms, slow the growth and improve quality of life.

Nutrition in uterine fibroids

The aim is to reduce excessive levels of oestrogen.

Recommended foods:

  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale) - contain natural compounds (indole-3-carbinol, DIM) that help to metabolize estrogen properly.
  • Plant fiber - supports the elimination of estrogen through bile and stool.

Foods to avoid:

  • Dairy fat (may contain hormone residues)
  • Refined oils (sunflower, corn, soy) - pro-inflammatory effect
  • Sugar and refined carbohydrates

Recommended diet:

  • Low carbohydrate diet and intermittent fasting - reduce insulin levels, a hormone that stimulates fibroid growth.
  • Insulin is a growth factor that promotes the proliferation of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue in fibroids and increases the level of free (active) estrogen.

Supplements useful in uterine fibroids

  • Kelp - source of iodine from seaweed; may reduce sensitivity of uterine tissue to estrogen. Do not use without medical advice in thyroid disorders. Dosage: according to manufacturer's instructions
  • DIM - broccoli extract; promotes estrogen detoxification. Dosage: according to manufacturer's instructions
  • Vitamin D3+K2+magnesium - deficiency is associated with increased risk of fibroids, and magnesium reduces uterine cramps and spasms. Dosage: 2 capsules a day. Periodically (every 6-8 months) dose vitamin D in the blood and if it reaches around 100 ng/ml, stop. When it drops to or below 60 ng/ml, resume.
  • Omega-3 liposomal - anti-inflammatory effect. Dose: 1 capsule per day
  • AHCC and Zeolite - general support for immunity and detoxification, especially useful if there is chronic inflammation. Dosage: AHCC Mycelcaps: 3 capsules a day or AHCC Vitals, 2 capsules a day. Zeolite: start with one capsule on the first day and increase by one capsule a day until you reach 6 capsules a day.

Recommended lifestyle

  • Regular exercise - reduces circulating oestrogen and helps balance hormones.
  • Avoiding exposure to xenoestrogens (BPA in plastics, pesticides, parabens in cosmetics) - these can stimulate fibroids.

Conclusion

Uterine fibroid is a common condition, but there are natural measures that can support medical treatment and improve quality of life. A balanced diet, the right supplements and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce estrogen dominance and slow the growth of fibroids.

Below you will find some of the featured supplements.

Please understand that the recommendations are not a substitute for medical treatment and do not guarantee a cure, but, it is possible that they may produce an improvement in health.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Food supplements do not cure and cannot replace treatments prescribed by a doctor.