Can I Prevent Fibroids?

While nearly 70% of all women develop fibroids in their lives, we still haven't determined the exact reason why these non-cancerous uterine tumors begin to form. For that reason, it's not fully possible to prevent fibroids. However, by addressing factors that have been linked to fibroid development. including diet, activity levels and chemical exposures, we can reduce your risk and improve your overall well-being.

Understanding Fibroid Risk

Your family history and genetics do play a role in your fibroid risk. Unfortunately, we can't control those two factors. But other potential risk factors, including your hormone levels; weight; diet; and choice of personal products can be controlled to help prevent fibroids.

Diet to Prevent Fibroids

You can reduce your fibroid risk by following an antioxidant-rich diet filled with cruciferous and leafy green veggies and berries. You should also include fiber-filled whole grains, as these can help balance your hormones by reducing levels of estrogen in your body. (Excessive estrogen has been linked to fibroid development.) Finally, eating walnuts, fatty fish and flax seed could help lower inflammation in your body, further helping with fibroid prevention. And, while you're adding new foods, consider avoiding the worst foods for fibroids, including ones that are full of fat and added sugar.

Weight Management and Fibroid Prevention

You can also lower your fibroid risk by reaching and maintaining an ideal weight. Fat cells store estrogen, and estrogen increases fibroid risk, so lowering your total body fat can help prevent fibroids. One way to shed pounds is by following a healthy diet. But you'll enjoy added benefits, including stress management and improved sleep, if you also follow a regular exercise program.

Toxins in the Home

The endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Black women's hair products have been linked to fibroid development. Exposure to microplastics can also increase your fibroid risk. So, to help prevent fibroids, choose natural beauty and cleaning products. And avoid plastics whenever possible, particularly for drinking water and food storage.

Supplements to Prevent Fibroids

Adding a Vitamin D supplement to your routine could help prevent tumor growth, since Vitamin D is now considered a fibroid risk. Green tea supplements may also be helpful. And that's because a recent study linked EGCG, a green tea compound, to reduced fibroid risk.

Help Preventing Fibroids Impact Right Now

The more we learn about uterine fibroids, the better we hope to become at preventing their growth. But for now, the best we can do is recommend strategies to help reduce your fibroid risk. Then, if you still develop symptomatic tumors, we can help you find relief with a consultation at the Dallas Fibroid Center, during which our specialists will help you explore treatment options such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).