Studies also suggest that the more physically active you are, the more that exercise will help you prevent fibroids. Women who exercised 7 or more hours per week were significantly less likely to develop fibroids over a period of several years than women who exercised two hours or less per week. [4] X Research source 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!)[5] X Research source
Being overweight increases your risk of developing fibroids by about 10-20%. [7] X Research source Very obese women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than women 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.
Green tea has been shown to reduce the severity of fibroid symptoms for women who already have fibroids. [9] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source 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. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
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. [12] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source Green vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. [13] X Research source 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. [14] X Trustworthy Source National Institutes of Health U. S. government agency for biomedical and public health research Go to source Some research suggests that increasing dairy consumption — milk, cheese, ice cream, etc. — may reduce the risk of developing fibroids in African American women. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Pregnancy may also reduce the size of existing fibroids in some cases. [18] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source 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 women whose pregnancies were farther in the past. [19] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Your risk of developing fibroids increases as you age. Women between the age of 30 and menopause are the most commonly affected. [21] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Having a family member, such as a sister, mother, or cousin, with uterine fibroids increases your risk of developing them. [22] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Women of African descent appear more likely to develop fibroids, especially as they age. Some studies suggest that African American women are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than white women. 80% of African American women develop fibroids by age 50, compared to 70% of white women. (Though, again, keep in mind that a large percentage of women who have fibroids do not experience any symptoms or problems related to the presence of the fibroids. ) Women with a BMI (Body Mass Index) above the “normal” range” are more likely to develop fibroids. [23] X Research source Women who began menstruating at an early age (i. e. , before 14) are at a higher risk of developing fibroids. [24] X Research source
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
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. [27] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source 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 women 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. [28] X Trustworthy Source American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Professional association of OB/GYNs focused on education and public outreat initiatives Go to source 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. Women cannot have children after some of these procedures. [29] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source Women who conceive after undergoing embolization may experience complications with their pregnancies, so this method is not recommended for women who may become pregnant in the future.
