How to Prevent Uterine Fibroids

Protecting Yourself Against Fibroids

Exercise regularly. Uterine fibroids are hormonally mediated, much like tumors caused by breast cancer (although fibroids are not cancerous). Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop fibroids. Studies also suggest that the more physically active you are, the more that exercise will help you prevent fibroids. People who exercised 7 or more hours per week were significantly less likely to develop fibroids over a period of several years than people who exercised two hours or less per week. Research suggests that vigorous exercise is much more helpful in reducing your risk than light or moderate exercise. Vigorous exercise for 3 or more hours per week may reduce your risk of developing fibroids by 30-40%. (However, even light exercise is better than no exercise at all!)

Manage your weight. Research indicates that fibroids are more likely to occur in overweight or obese people (i.e., those with a BMI above the “normal” range). This may be because of the higher levels of estrogen in obese people. Being overweight increases your risk of developing fibroids by about 10-20%. Very obese people are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than people within a normal BMI range. You can calculate your BMI using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website here. Or, you can use the following formulas: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2 or weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703.

Drink green tea or use green tea extract. Some research has shown that green tea may help prevent the development of fibroids in rats. While it has not been confirmed in humans, green tea has numerous other health benefits, so it can’t hurt. Green tea has been shown to reduce the severity of fibroid symptoms for people who already have fibroids. If you are sensitive to caffeine, avoid over-consuming green tea. It is higher in caffeine than some other teas and can cause nausea, jitteriness, or irritability in some people.

Consider changing your diet. Several studies suggest that consuming red meat is linked to an increased risk of developing fibroids. Eating green vegetables is associated with a decreased risk. No evidence currently exists that suggests changing your diet will “prevent” fibroids. However, the health benefits of reducing red meat consumption and eating green vegetables are significant. Red meat consumption has been linked to many health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and early mortality. Green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Eat foods high in Vitamin D, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel). Vitamin D may reduce your risk of developing fibroids by over 30%. Vitamin D can also shrink the size of existing fibroids. Some research suggests that increasing dairy consumption — milk, cheese, ice cream, etc. — may reduce the risk of developing fibroids in African Americans.

Recognize sham remedies. Some websites and “alternative” health sources suggest that remedies exist that can prevent or “cure” fibroids. Common remedies include enzymes, dietary changes, hormone creams, and homeopathy. There is no scientific evidence to support any of these treatments.

Understand that pregnancy and childbirth may have protective effects against developing uterine fibroids. Although researchers are not entirely certain why this is the case, those who have been pregnant have a lower risk of developing fibroids. Pregnancy may also reduce the size of existing fibroids in some cases. However, some fibroids may get bigger during pregnancy. Because fibroids are poorly understood, there is no way of knowing whether your fibroids will grow or not during pregnancy. Some research suggests that the protective effect of pregnancy is strongest during and immediately after pregnancy than for those whose pregnancies were farther in the past.

Understanding Fibroids

Know the risk factors of developing uterine fibroids. Fibroids are very common, especially in those who have reached childbearing age. People who have not had children may be at higher risk of developing fibroids. Your risk of developing fibroids increases as you age. People between the age of 30 and menopause are the most commonly affected. Having a family member, such as a sister, mother, or cousin, with uterine fibroids increases your risk of developing them. People of African descent appear more likely to develop fibroids, especially as they age. Some studies suggest that African American people are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than white people. 80% of African American people develop fibroids by age 50, compared to 70% of white people. (Though, again, keep in mind that a large percentage of people who have fibroids do not experience any symptoms or problems related to the presence of the fibroids.) People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) above the “normal” range” are more likely to develop fibroids. People who began menstruating at an early age (i.e., before 14) are at a higher risk of developing fibroids.

Recognize the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Many people who have fibroids do not know they have them. In many people, fibroids do not cause significant health problems. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, see your physician: Heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding Significant change in menstruation patterns (e.g., sharply increased pain, much heavier bleeding) Pelvic pain, or feelings of “heaviness” or “fullness” in the pelvic area Pain during sexual intercourse Frequent and/or difficult urination Constipation Backache Infertility or recurrent miscarriage

Discuss treatment options with your doctor. If you do have fibroids, discuss treatment options with your doctor. In many cases, treatment is not necessary. However, in some cases, medication or surgical procedures may be necessary. The treatment your doctor recommends will vary depending on several factors, such as whether you wish to become pregnant in the future, your age, and the severity of the fibroids. Drug therapy, such as hormonal birth control, may reduce heavy bleeding and pain. However, it may not prevent new fibroids or keep fibroids from growing. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) may be prescribed to shrink fibroids. The fibroids regrow rapidly once these medications are stopped, so they are primarily used pre-operatively to shrink fibroids in preparation for hysterectomy. They may have side effects including depression, decreased sex drive, insomnia, and joint pain, but many patients tolerate these medications well. Myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) may allow you to conceive children after the procedure. The risks depend on how severe the fibroids are. You may also be able to conceive after having MRI-guided ultrasound surgery, although this procedure is not widely available. Other treatments for more severe fibroids may include endometrial ablation (surgical destruction of the uterus lining), uterine fibroid embolization (injection of plastic or gel particles into the blood vessels surrounding the fibroid), or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Hysterectomy is considered the last resort when other treatments and procedures have not worked. You cannot have children after some of these procedures. People who conceive after undergoing embolization may experience complications with their pregnancies, so this method is not recommended for people who may become pregnant in the future.