Surgery-Free Solutions: The Ultimate Guide to Shrinking Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the muscle tissue of the uterus of women. They are quite common, with up to 70% of women developing fibroids during their lifetime, and can vary in size and number. While they are often harmless, fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy periods, urinary incontinence, and infertility. Traditionally, fibroids are treated with surgery, but there are alternative methods that women can use to shrink their fibroids. This article will explore the cause of fibroids and offer suggestions for diet modifications, herbs, and supplements that can help women manage their fibroids without surgery.

Causes of Fibroids

While the exact cause of fibroids is not known, there are several factors that can increase a woman's risk of developing them. These include hormones, genetics, age, ethnicity, and diet. One of the primary hormones associated with fibroids is estrogen, which can cause fibroids to grow and spread. As a woman ages and approaches menopause, her estrogen levels naturally decline, which can cause fibroids to shrink on their own. However, women who have higher than average estrogen levels, such as those who are overweight or who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), are more likely to develop fibroids.

In addition to hormones, genetic factors can also play a role in fibroid development. Women who have close family members with fibroids are more likely to develop them themselves. African American women are also at a higher risk of developing fibroids than women of other ethnicities. Age is another important factor, with fibroids most commonly developing in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

Diet Modifications

Diet can play a significant role in managing fibroids. Certain foods can help shrink fibroids while others can cause them to grow. Women who are diagnosed with fibroids can benefit from modifying their diet to reduce their symptoms and limit fibroid growth.

Foods to Eat: Women who want to manage their fibroids with diet should focus on eating whole, plant-based foods. Green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli, kale, and spinach, are essential for their high fiber and vitamin content. Cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage and Brussels sprouts, are also beneficial because they contain compounds that limit estrogen production. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like flaxseed, chia seeds, and salmon, are also recommended because they can reduce inflammation and limit estrogen production. Other beneficial foods include fruits, nuts, and legumes.

Foods to Avoid: Women with fibroids should avoid or limit foods that can cause estrogen levels to rise. These include soy products, red meat, and dairy. Processed foods, sugar, and caffeine should also be limited because they can cause inflammation and disrupt hormone levels.

Herbs and Supplements

Certain herbs and supplements can help women manage their fibroids. These natural remedies are often available at health food stores and can be used in conjunction with diet modifications to reduce fibroid symptoms and limit growth.

Vitex

Also known as chasteberry, vitex is an herb that can help balance hormones by regulating the pituitary gland. It can help reduce fibroid size and limit symptoms like heavy bleeding.

Milk Thistle

Milk thistle is a natural liver detoxifier that can help the liver break down excess hormones, like estrogen. This can limit fibroid growth and reduce symptoms like bloating and constipation.

Black Cohosh 

This herb can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce pain associated with fibroids. Black cohosh can also help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.

Red Raspberry Leaf

 

Red raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic that can help reduce heavy bleeding and cramping associated with fibroids. It can also help regulate menstrual cycles and promote hormone balance.

Fibroids are a common health issue for many women, but they don't always require surgical intervention. Women who are diagnosed with fibroids can manage their symptoms and limit fibroid growth with a combination of diet modifications, herbs, and supplements. By focusing on whole, plant-based foods and avoiding foods that can cause estrogen levels to rise, women can manage their fibroids naturally and avoid the potential side effects of surgery.

For more tips and tricks to help shrink your fibroids and manage the symptoms associated with having them, check out GlamPreezy as she shares her personal fibroid healing journey.

References

"Alternative Treatments for Fibroids." Healthline. Accessed June 29, 2021. https://www.healthline.com/health/fibroids-alternative-treatments 

"Fibroids." WomensHealth.gov. Accessed June 29, 2021. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/fibroids 

Lee, John R., M.D. "Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment." WebMD. Accessed June 29, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/women/uterine-fibroids/ss/slideshow-fibroid-overview 

"Top 10 Herbs for Uterine Health." Natural Fertility Info. Accessed June 29, 2021. https://natural-fertility-info.com/top-10-herbs-for-uterine-health.html.