Exploring Relief Options That Go Beyond Just Surgery
So, your doctor has diagnosed you with fibroids. What does that mean for your body, your symptoms, and your future?
Far too often, women are told their pain, heavy bleeding, or bloating is “just part of being a woman.”
But while fibroids are common, the symptoms they cause are not something you just have to live with. And they’re certainly not “normal.”
Every woman deserves more than a one-size-fits-all treatment plan.
Let’s break down what’s really happening—and what you can do to feel better.
“Wait, What Exactly Are Fibroids?”
Fibroids — also called uterine leiomyomas — are benign (non-cancerous) tumors made of muscle and fibrous tissue that grow in or on the uterus. They can vary dramatically in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit or even bigger.
Most fibroids develop during a woman’s reproductive years, and while many women never experience symptoms, others may struggle with heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, and pressure on the bladder or bowel.
Fibroids are incredibly common: studies estimate that up to 70–80% of women will develop them by age 50. Yet despite their prevalence, fibroids are often misunderstood or minimized — and treatment tends to focus primarily on symptom relief or surgical removal.
A Functional Approach: Getting to the Root of Fibroids
Rather than just treating symptoms or jumping straight to surgery, a functional medicine approach seeks to understand why fibroids develop and how to restore your body’s natural balance to discourage their growth.
Research and clinical experience highlight several underlying factors that contribute to fibroid development:
- Hormone Imbalance: Fibroids are sensitive to estrogen. High estrogen relative to progesterone—often worsened by environmental hormone disruptors—can fuel their growth.
- Impaired Detoxification: Your liver and gut help break down and eliminate excess hormones. If detox pathways are overwhelmed or your gut is out of balance, estrogen clearance can slow, promoting fibroid growth.
- Chronic Inflammation: Persistent inflammation is linked to fibroid development and symptoms. Reducing inflammation can help manage fibroids.
- Metabolic Health: Insulin resistance and obesity may increase fibroid risk, highlighting the importance of balanced blood sugar and metabolic wellness.
What Can You Do?
If surgery feels too extreme—or if you’re looking to support your body alongside medical treatments—there are evidence-informed, holistic strategies you can explore. These are drawn from both functional medicine and emerging scientific studies on fibroid health.
Nutritional Support for Hormone Balance & Fibroid Health
✅ Increase Fiber Intake
High-fiber foods (e.g., vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains) support the elimination of excess estrogen via the digestive system. This may help prevent hormonal imbalances that can feed fibroid growth.
✅ Embrace Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, and bok choy are rich in compounds like indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane—which help the liver detoxify and metabolize estrogen more efficiently.
✅ Add Omega-3-Rich Foods
Sources like chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and fatty fish (e.g., salmon, sardines) have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and may help modulate abnormal tissue growth.
⚠️ Reduce Inflammatory Triggers
Limit foods that may exacerbate inflammation and hormonal imbalance:
- Red meat (especially processed)
- Full-fat dairy (especially non-organic, hormone-exposed)
- Refined sugars and processed carbs
These can contribute to estrogen dominance and systemic inflammation—both of which are linked to fibroid progression.
Stress & Hormonal Balance
Chronic stress disrupts your hormone levels—especially cortisol, which can throw off your natural balance of estrogen and progesterone.
Try incorporating simple daily practices like:
- Meditation or breathwork (e.g., box breathing, 4-7-8 method)
- Gentle yoga or stretching
- Walking in nature
- Digital detoxes and intentional rest
These activities not only support hormonal regulation but also improve immune and liver function—critical for those managing fibroids.
When Is Surgery or Medical Treatment Necessary?
In cases of severe symptoms, rapid fibroid growth, or fertility concerns, medical or surgical options like hormonal medications, uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, or hysterectomy may be recommended. Functional approaches can still be valuable before and after these treatments.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve the Full Picture
If you’ve been told to “just wait it out,” or felt dismissed when describing your symptoms, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it.
Your symptoms are real.
Your concerns are valid.
And you deserve more than quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Fibroids aren’t your fault. But they may be your body’s way of signaling that something is out of balance.
With the right approach—one that considers your whole self—it is possible to manage symptoms, support healing, and feel like yourself again.
You have choices.
And it’s time to find the ones that truly work for you.
References
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