Is Resveratrol Linked With Uterine Fibroids?

Resveratrol and fibroid tumors are linked because of its estrogen-like effects as a protective phytoestrogen against abnormal uterine growth. Uterine fibroid development is considered to be an estrogenic condition, or a condition stimulated or expressed in the presence of estrogen. By limiting how strongly estrogen stimulates uterine tissue growth, resveratrol may be able to slow down the progression of this disease.

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a type of abnormal growth of cells that occurs within the muscle layer of the uterus. Fibroids are very sensitive to estrogen, have greater numbers of estrogen receptors than normal uterine tissue and even produce their own estrogen, according to a 2004 "Journal of Chiropractic Medicine" article by Nicolas LeRoy, D.C. These tumors can hang within or outside of the uterine cavity. They can impinge other structures, namely the bladder, which is located in front of the uterus, and the colon, which sits behind it. The fibroid tumors generally become problematic in a woman's late 30s or early 40s, paralleling the onset of the premenopausal period. During perimenopause, the estrogen levels are often very unpredictable can lead to excessive stimulation of the fibroid tumors and cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, anemia and fatigue.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is considered one of the marvel nutrients of our time. The book, "The Secret Life of Mitochondria," by Joseph L. Evans, M.D. notes that resveratrol has obtained "rock star status" as a cardiovascular nutrient. Evans continues to note that resveratrol is found in many plants and is especially high in red grapes and peanuts. Red wine is a concentrated source of resveratrol, and Evans notes that the more the substance is studied, the greater number of health benefits are being derived from it. It is an excellent antioxidant and has already been associated with anti-cancer, cardio-protective, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities, as well as being key nutrient in fighting nervous system degeneration. Resveratrol has recently been discovered to have phytoestrogenic activity as well.

Phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens are substances found in plants and foods that simulate the action of estrogen. These phytochemicals are considered to be much weaker than the estrogens produced in the body or synthetically derived in the form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Their weak stimulation makes them beneficial in two opposing scenarios. The scenarios depend on the woman's estrogen load.

Tulane University explains that in conditions where the woman is producing low levels of estrogen, such as during menopause, phytoestrogens would fill in and be stimulating. In other conditions where a woman's estrogen levels are too high, such as in uterine fibroids, phytoestrogens compete with the estrogens of the body and are protective against their damaging effects. Tulane University also notes that phytoestrogens have been used to treat estrogen-sensitive cancers and for menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.

Fibroid-Resveratrol Connection

Resveratrol has been found by a "Proceedings of the National Academy of Science" (PNAS) journal article, to stimulate some estrogenic tissues more strongly than others. Specifically, resveratrol stimulates breast cells more so than it does ovarian cells. Resveratrol is a phytoestrogen, but it appears to be selectively stimulating to some tissues versus others.

Resveratrol's connection to uterine fibroids was determined by a number of in vitro studies, outlined on the resveratrol database, Resveratrol.com. The database noted that resveratrol specifically inhibited fibroid cell growth and caused death of fibroid cells in vitro. Resveratrol's properties as a phytoestrogen, according to Resveratrol.com, occurs secondary to its ability to weakly bind to fibroid tumors and protect them from the strongly stimulating estrogens of the body.

Dosages and Warnings

Resveratrol has not yet been studied for fibroids in human trials. Phytoestrogens, like resveratrol are often suggested in a blend of other phytoestrogens, according to Dr. Leroy, D.C., and a specific dose has not yet been established. Researchers have also not confirmed whether or not resveratrol, as a phytoestrogen, can stimulate other estrogen-sensitive tissues in a woman. Women who have breast cancer or who are at an increased risk, may want to discuss the use of this nutrient as an adjunct to their fibroid treatment with their physician or other credentialed healthcare practitioner.