Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Causes, and Management
Fun fact: I discovered I had a fibroid when I got pregnant.
While fibroids are generally benign, they can cause perinatal complications. So as you can imagine, learning about it while pregnant was a bit unnerving. It continued to grow throughout my pregnancy but thankfully caused no issues.
While I don’t have data to say for sure when this fibroid developed, what I do know is that increased stress is associated with increased risk of fibroid growth. And I had a lot of it in my late 20s/early 30s along with estrogen dominance and a short luteal phase. I was mentally, physically, and emotional exhausted from school, work, interning, social obligations, family obligations, and working out too intensely.
When we’re chronically stressed out, the brain lets the body’s know. That’s for sure. We have symptoms. We’re just taught to ignore them or internalize them. But that is something we simply cannot afford to do. Especially not when 70% of white women and 80% of black women will have at least one fibroid by the age of 50.
This correlation between stress, hormones, and fibroids is why I wanted to write this post. Millennial women are suffering from burnout at unprecedented levels right now and fibroids are just one of the ways in which burnout can manifest in the body.
Signs and Symptoms
Uterine fibroids are benign growths of uterine muscle. Many individuals are not aware that they have fibroids because they don’t have visible symptoms. In those that do exhibit symptoms, the most common include:
Heavy flow
Menstrual periods lasting 7+ days
Constipation
Feelings of pain or fullness in the pelvis (lower stomach area)
Frequent urination (Fibroids can put pressure on the bladder)
Aches and pains in legs or back
Complications during pregnancy and labor
If your period has been weird, irregular or painful, I want you to know that while it might be common, it’s most certainly not normal. It definitely shouldn’t be preventing you from participating in your daily activities or causing you pain. If they are, talk to your healthcare provider.
Causes
Unfortunately, like many conditions that only affect individuals with uteruses, the exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known. What research we do have points to genetics as well as an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen and progesterone stimulate the development of the uterine lining during your luteal phase in preparation for pregnancy. They also appear to promote fibroid growth. Fibroids have increased estrogen and progesterone receptors as compared to uterine muscle cells without fibroids.
When you think about the connection between stress and burnout and estrogen balance and fibroids, it all makes sense. Stress impacts estrogen/progesterone balance which directly influences fibroid growth.
Prevention and Management
MANAGE STRESS
Studies show that emotional stress is correlated with risk of fibroids. Try yoga, meditation, breath work, and setting boundaries for your energy.
SUPPORT YOUR LIVER WITH HIGH QUALITY, LEAN PROTEIN
Animal sources of protein are easier for the body to digest, absorb, and make into other proteins. They support the liver’s detoxification process helping your body get rid of waste, estrogen, etc. as well as all kinds of benefits for your hormones and physical health.
Shoot for 80-100 grams/day. When in doubt, add an egg!
ADD FIBER TO YOUR PLATE
Fiber is the indigestible material found in plant-based foods and helps remove excess estrogen from your body, especially cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale. Shoot for 30 grams/day.
One easy ways to add fiber to your plate is by throwing a handful of leafy greens into soups, smoothies, pasta and egg dishes.
SUPPORTIVE SUPPLEMENTS
I’m all about a food first approach but sometimes you might need a boost from certain herbs and nutrients to help your body along especially when there’s chronic inflammation or stress involved. It’s not a cure all, just a cherry on top, so focus on the foundations.
Vitamins that can help: B, D, C, A, K
Minerals that can help: Choline, Magnesium, Zinc, Omega 3s
Note: Before you add vitamin or mineral supplements to your regimen, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you’re approaching it the proper way.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce fibroids in size and relieve symptoms.
WATCH CAFFEINE & BOOZE
Too much can put extra stress on your liver detox process and impact cortisol levels. Watching intake here can help manage fibroid symptoms.
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Are you tired of feeling disconnected from your body? Do you need help understanding how to support your hormones and with positive nutrition and self care practices that help you feel empowered and energetic and HAPPY?
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