Natural Treatments for Fibroids

The Basics | Lifestyle Changes | Herbal Remedies | Medical Intervention

Can You Treat Fibroids Naturally?

Many women suffering from fibroids are looking for alternatives to surgery, especially a hysterectomy, to help find some relief from their symptoms.

While it is true that the following list of treatments won't 'cure' or shrink your fibroids, some of them can be very effective in helping you better manage the severity of your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

What are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (called leiomyomas) are a common, benign growth in the uterus, made up of muscle and connective tissue from the uterine wall. Fibroids can grow in a single node (that is, by itself) or in a cluster. Most clusters vary in size between 1mm and 20cm in diameter. In some extreme cases, they can grow to the size of a watermelon.

There are 4 major types of fibroids:

• Intramural fibroids - these grow in the wall of the uterus itself.
• Subserosal fibroids - these are the most common type of fibroid and start as intramural before projecting outside the uterus.
• Submucosal fibroids - these fibroids are uncommon, and grow inside the uterus and project into the space where a baby grows during pregnancy.
• Pedunculated fibroids - these grow on a stalk attached to the uterus and are the least common type of fibroid.
  
  

Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that can show when you have fibroids. These are the most common ones:

• Heavy periods 
• Passing large clots
• Tiredness
• Painful periods and/or sex
• Infertility
• A feeling of pressure in the pelvis
• Frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation 
• Leg or back pain
• Incontinence 

Causes

We don’t know for sure what causes uterine fibroids, but we do know that some women are more likely to get them than others. Factors that can increase your risk include:

• Family history
• Pregnancy
• Obesity
• Blood pressure
• Age
• Diet
• Early-onset of puberty

Natural Treatments for Fibroids

For many women, lifestyle changes represent the first and, sometimes, best course of action, since only women who are suffering from symptoms need to worry about treating their fibroids.

After menopause, most women find that their fibroids will shrink on their own. This is because their estrogen and progesterone levels have dropped - the two hormones responsible for fibroid growth.

So, if you have mild symptoms and can manage the pain with medication such as Panadol or ibuprofen, lifestyle changes may help you find further relief. It is also worth noting that some of these changes can help prevent fibroids from growing in the first place.

Lifestyle Changes

Before looking at the specifics, it is important to note that lifestyle changes cannot ‘cure’ or shrink fibroids - they can only help you better manage your symptoms. It should also be noted that an overall healthier lifestyle (optimal weight, healthy diet, increased exercise etc.) will improve your quality of life with fibroids.

Weight Loss

In 2011, Chinese researchers discovered a link between obesity and an increased production of estrogen, the hormone responsible for fibroid growth. They concluded that, in premenopausal women, increased exercise and activity, leading to a lower BMI, was linked with a decreased risk of fibroids.

Increased Exercise

A 2011 study found that exercise can lower estrogen and progesterone levels in women - the two hormones associated with fibroid development and growth.

We recently covered the topic of fibroids and exercise in great detail, and also provided a list of exercises that are suitable for women suffering from the symptoms of fibroids. 

Diet Changes

A healthy lifestyle is largely built on a foundation of good eating habits, and there are certain foods that you should eat more of, and some you should avoid, if you have fibroids.

The same researchers that concluded a lower BMI reduced your risk of fibroids also found that increased consumption of fruits and vegetables reduced the risk of fibroids. Add these whole foods to your daily diet:

• Raw and cooked vegetables and fruit
• Dried fruit
• Whole grains
• Brown rice
• Lentils and beans
• Whole grain bread and pasta
• Quinoa
• Fresh and dried herbs

As a general rule, you should be trying to limit the amount of processed foods you consume, but for fibroids sufferers this is of more importance.Limit simple refined carbohydrates like:

• White rice, pasta, and flour
• Soda and other sugary drinks
• Corn syrup
• Boxed cereals
• Baked goods like cakes, cookies, and doughnuts
• Chips
• Crackers

Vitamins and Supplements

It’s quite common for symptoms of fibroids to become more intense during menstruation. There are a number of vitamins that be help ease the bloating and cramping associated with period pain:

• vitamin B1
• vitamin B6
• vitamin D
• vitamin E
• magnesium
• omega-3 fatty acids

Reduce Alcohol

There does appear to be a link between alcohol consumption and fibroid growth, although there does need to be more research conducted. 

One study found that consumption of just 0.5 standard drinks per week increased the risk of developing fibroids.

Herbal Remedies

Some women may also be interested in herbal remedies to complement their healthy lifestyle, and while there is little scientific data to support the use of herbal medicine to treat fibroids, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that may make alternative medicine worthy of consideration.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

A very common treatment for fibroids in China is a herbal medicine formula known as Guizhi Fuling Formula, and it is claimed this formula can shrink fibroids naturally.

In 2014, researchers reviewed 38 randomised clinical trials of the formula, to see if it could in fact shrink fibroids and relieve pain.

While some studies wee positive, the researchers were inconclusive in their findings, stating that the reviewed trials were poorly conducted.

They did note, however, that Guizhi Fuling Formula taken with mifepristone (an abortion pill, that was used in some of the trials alongside Guizhi Fuling Formula) showed promising results in reducing fibroid volume. 

Green Tea

A 2013 study found that green tea, due to it’s high concentration of antioxidants (in particular, one called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG), may help slow the growth of fibroids by bringing down inflammation and high estrogen levels. Green tea may also improve symptoms of heavy bleeding due to fibroids, such as low iron. 

Curcumin

Curcumin is an antioxidant found in turmeric, and does have some anti-inflammatory properties that some claim can shrink fibroids or stop them growing, but this claim has not yet been supported by any research.

It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Some research claims curcumin destroys fibroid cells or stops them from reproducing. However, this claim has not been scientifically proven as yet.

Medical Intervention

As mentioned at the top of this article, lifestyle changes and natural remedies cannot actually cure your fibroids, they can only help your better manage your symptoms.

To treat and shrink your fibroids, you’ll need medical intervention with either medication or a surgical procedure. 

We cover both the pharmacological and procedural treatment options in greater detail in our blog, uterine fibroids - understanding your treatment options.