Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsNatural TreatmentsStandard TreatmentsCausesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Natural Treatments
Standard Treatments
Causes
Frequently Asked Questions
Uterine fibroidsare abnormal growths that form from muscular tissue in theuterus. By age 45, it’s estimated that around 70% of people who have a uterus will develop at least one.They are among the most common noncancerous tumors for people who have a uterus.
Uterine fibroids can vary in size from microscopic to several inches across. You can have one fibroid growth or several. If you suspect that you have fibroids, you should always check with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options.
For some people, following fibroid diet suggestions and other natural remedies can help make a difference in their symptoms.
Flavia Morlachetti / Getty Images
Uterine Fibroids Symptoms
While many uterine fibroids are small and don’t cause symptoms, larger fibroids are more likely to cause symptoms.
Some common issues are:
Natural Treatments for Uterine Fibroids
The following natural treatments have been shown to be effective for some people in reducing fibroids and treating symptoms. Their usefulness depends, in part, on the severity of your condition. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying any treatment to make sure it’s right for you.
Nutrition/Fibroids Diet
Diet and nutrition may play a role in the risk of uterine fibroids. In particular, people who eat more red meat and drink alcohol have been found to be more likely to have fibroids.
A study found that those who drink a beer or more a day have a 50% increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. A diet low in fruits and vegetables has also been found to increase the risk.
The study suggests that diets high in the following may be helpful to prevent or slow fibroid growth:
Eating foods with vitamin D may also have a protective benefit. Studies show that those who were deficient in vitamin D had the largest fibroids.
Vitamin D can be found in fish, such as tuna and salmon, as well as in fortified foods, like milk and cereal. And sunlight is one of the best sources of vitamin D,
Weight Management
People who are overweight have been found to be at a higher risk of fibroids. One study found that people with a body fat percentage greater than 30% are at higher risk.Another noted that patients with obesity are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids.
By maintaining a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and exercise, you may be able to reduce your risk for uterine fibroids.
Herbal Medicine
Western herbalists may use herbs to help treat fibroids. Herbs used for uterine fibroids that may have effects on sex hormones includePaeonia lactiflora(peony) andPoria cocos(poria mushroom), both of which are found in the Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang formula, as well asVitex agnus castus(Chaste tree berry),Actaea racemosa(black cohosh),among others.
However, even herbal medication may have side effects and sometimes the available information on safety is limited. Let your doctor know if you are considering any herbal medicine.
Green Tea
Drinking green tea could help get rid of fibroids or manage their symptoms. A 2013 study found that the flavanol EGCG, found in green tea, reduced the size of uterine fibroids and improved symptoms of anemia and blood loss.
Acupuncture
For people in the U.S. who use natural medicine to treat fibroids, about 16% tryacupuncturefor symptoms.While studies show it can help with menstrual cramps and bleeding, there is a lack of evidence on its effect on fibroids.
Those who try it may find it useful in combination with other natural remedies and standard medical therapy.
Standard Medical Treatments
Most people with fibroids don’t have symptoms. In those cases, treatment is not required, although your healthcare provider will monitor them to make sure they’re not changing. If fibroids get bigger or start causing symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest using medications or possibly surgery.
Medication
The most common medication for fibroids isgonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. This medication can block hormone production and shrink fibroids, relieving symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain. It’s usually taken for less than six months because it can reduce bone density if taken for longer.
Your healthcare provider may also suggest progestins, which can help control bleeding but may not reduce the size of fibroids. Other medications include mifepristone, raloxifene, danazol, or tranexamic acid.
Procedures
Surgical options are also available if your symptoms are severe or your fibroids are getting too large. One option, amyomectomy, allows the fibroids to be removed while the healthy areas of the uterus are left in place.
Most people who have a myomectomy can still become pregnant and give birth. However, new fibroids can still grow back, and about one-fourth of patients will need a hysterectomy several years later.
Ahysterectomyis when the uterus is removed during surgery. It is the only permanent solution for getting rid of fibroids, but it’s only performed if you don’t wish to become pregnant in the future because you cannot do so after your uterus is removed.
There are other non-surgical options to treat fibroids such asuterine artery embolizationor MRI-guided focussed ultrasound.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. High levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may stimulate the growth of uterine fibroids. Fibroids tend to get bigger during pregnancy, as these hormone levels increase, and shrink during menopause, as hormone levels decrease.
A Word From Verywell
Always consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you have a medical condition, including uterine fibroids. Self-treating and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences. Likewise, if you are already undergoing standard medical treatment for fibroids, speak with your healthcare provider before trying any natural solutions.
Frequently Asked QuestionsSmall fibroids are often left untreated if they aren’t causing any problems. However, the fibroids may continue to grow and multiply. This can lead to heavy, painful periods, mid-cycle bleeding, frequent urination, constipation, chronic back pain, and reproductive problems.The decision to remove fibroids doesn’t depend only on their size. It depends on whether they cause troubling symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding, or potential infertility.Possibly, but more research is needed. Animal studies have shown that turmeric and other herbal remedies can help to shrink uterine fibroids in rodents.However, this does not necessarily mean that it will work in humans.
Small fibroids are often left untreated if they aren’t causing any problems. However, the fibroids may continue to grow and multiply. This can lead to heavy, painful periods, mid-cycle bleeding, frequent urination, constipation, chronic back pain, and reproductive problems.
The decision to remove fibroids doesn’t depend only on their size. It depends on whether they cause troubling symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding, or potential infertility.
Possibly, but more research is needed. Animal studies have shown that turmeric and other herbal remedies can help to shrink uterine fibroids in rodents.However, this does not necessarily mean that it will work in humans.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Fibroids.
Dalton-Brewer N.The role of complementary and alternative medicine for the management of fibroids and associated symptomatology.Curr Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2016;5:110-118. doi:10.1007/s13669-016-0156-0.
Yang Y, He Y, Zeng Q, Li S.Association of body size and body fat distribution with uterine fibroids among Chinese women.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2014;23(7):619-26. doi:10.1089/jwh.2013.4690.
Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah AS, Al-hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-86. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021.
Liu T, Yu J, Kuang W, et al.Acupuncture for uterine fibroids: Protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(8):e14631. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000014631.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
