Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, or ACOG. They are the most common type of growth found in a woman's uterus, ACOG reports. Many fibroids are so small they don't cause symptoms, but some women experience problems because of the size, number or location of uterine fibroids, according to Dr. Erika Banks, director of the Montefiore-Einstein Fibroid Center and associate professor of ob-gyn at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. Though the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, Banks notes that diet may play a role in these growths.
Function
Diet is thought to affect uterine fibroids because certain foods, as well as excess body weight, contribute to the amount of estrogen circulating in a woman's body. "Estrogen promotes the growth of fibroids," Banks says. "We know this because fibroids shrink and disappear after menopause when estrogen levels drop off." Additionally, certain foods such as non-organic meats and produce may contain hormones and pesticides that can aggravate fibroids, Banks adds. By eliminating foods that raise the risk of fibroids and eating foods that protect against fibroids, diet can affect uterine fibroids.
Protective Foods
The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation recommends eating green vegetables, fruit and fish, to reduce the incidence of fibroids. In a 2003 Italian study of 675 women published in the "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology," high intake of green vegetables was found to be protective against uterine fibroids. Banks recommends organic vegetables since pesticides may aggravate fibroids. Additionally, foods known as phytochemicals may help protect against fibroids because they limit the amount of estrogen in the body, according to Banks. Phytochemicals include soy and soy products.
Foods to Avoid
Starchy carbohydrates, such as potatoes, white rice and white bread, may increase the risk of uterine fibroids, according to a study published in the May 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Experts don't know exactly why these types of foods encourage fibroid growth, but it may be because they cause blood glucose spikes, which some research has associated with fibroid-promoting hormones, explains Banks. Additionally, the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation recommends limiting consumption of red meat and ham---studies have linked them to uterine fibroids.
The Weight Connection
The National Uterine Fibroids Foundation states that obesity is associated with the presence of uterine fibroids. One possible reason: "Fat cells contain estrogen," Banks notes. "Women who are overweight tend to have higher levels of estrogen circulating in their body than normal-weight women." On the other hand, losing weight will lower estrogen levels, which may protect against fibroids. In one study, women who exercised for seven hours per week slashed their risk of developing fibroids, possibly due to weight loss. Eating foods low in calories will also result in weight loss and lower levels of estrogen, which may produce a similar fibroid-reducing effect, Banks notes.
Warning
Diet changes may not completely banish uterine fibroids. "If you suffer from symptomatic fibroids, you may need to consider medical treatments," Banks warns. According to ACOG, fibroids can cause pain and long, heavy menstrual periods, as well as miscarriages and infertility. Although uterine fibroids are the most common reason for having a hysterectomy, Banks says that there are a number of other surgical options that will relieve fibroid symptoms and preserve a woman's ability to have children. If diet changes don't relieve symptoms, see a doctor specializing in uterine fibroids for a complete evaluation.
References
- Erika Banks, M.D., director, Montefiore-Einstein Fibroid Center, New York, NY
- National Uterine Fibroids Foundation: Fibroid Risk Factors
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Uterine Fibroids
- "European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology," Diet and Risk of Benign Ovarian Cysts; F. Chiaffarino, Oct 10, 2003
- "American Journal of Epidemiology," Association of physical activity with development of uterine leiomyoma; D. Baird, Jan 15, 2007
