5 Steps That Can Help Prevent Uterine Fibroids
Key takeaways:
There’s no way to stop uterine fibroids from developing. But there are steps you can take to lower your risk of developing fibroids.
Avoiding alcohol and certain chemicals can lower your risk of developing uterine fibroids.
Getting enough vitamin D, eating plant-based foods, and staying active can also help lower the chances of developing uterine fibroids.
Table of contents
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that form in the muscle layer of the uterus. They are also called myomas or leiomyomas.
Fibroids can cause heavy and painful periods. They can also cause symptoms like back pain, stomach pain, and pain during sex. Some people also have trouble getting or staying pregnant if they have fibroids.
Can you prevent uterine fibroids?
No. There’s no way to completely prevent uterine fibroids from forming.
But there are steps you can take to lower your chances of developing uterine fibroids. Taking these steps can be especially helpful if you’re at higher risk of developing fibroids.
You may be at higher risk for developing uterine fibroids if:
You’re in your 30s or 40s and nearing perimenopause.
You’re Black.
You’ve never been pregnant.
You have family members who also have uterine fibroids.
You have a history of certain medical conditions, like high blood pressure or obesity.
Read more like this
Explore these related articles, suggested for readers like you.
Whether you’re at higher risk or simply want to do everything you can to reduce your risk, here are five steps you can take to lower your risk of developing uterine fibroids.
1. Move more
Research suggests that staying active can lower the chances of developing fibroids. It’s not clear why physical activity may keep fibroids from forming.
Exercise lowers the levels of circulating estrogen in the body. Exercise also increases the levels of other hormones that bind estrogen and keep it from entering the bloodstream. This also decreases estrogen levels.
High estrogen levels are associated with fibroid development. So it’s possible that anything that helps keep estrogen levels within a healthy range will also help lower the risk of developing fibroids.
2. Eat less processed foods
Some foods are more likely to contribute to inflammation and hormone imbalances. This includes ultra-processed foods and foods that are high in sugar or fat. Red meat and soy products may also impact your risk of developing uterine fibroids.
But foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber fight inflammation and promote hormonal balance. This can keep estrogen and progesterone levels in balance and lower the risk of developing uterine fibroids.
Add more of these foods to your diet to help lower your chances of developing uterine fibroids:
Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach, or swiss chard
Broccoli and cauliflower
Sweet potatoes
Carrots and bell peppers
Berries like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit
Apples
Pineapple
Kiwi
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, mackerel, and sardines
3. Drink less alcohol
Drinking alcohol may lead to higher estrogen levels in the blood. In one study, people who drank two or more alcoholic drinks a day were more likely to develop fibroids. But other studies haven’t shown a definitive link between alcohol and uterine fibroids.
Alcohol is linked to inflammation and other medical conditions. Cutting back on alcohol can improve both your physical and mental health and it may also lower the chance of developing uterine fibroids.
4. Get enough vitamin D
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to an increased risk of developing fibroids. There’s compelling evidence that vitamin D slows the growth of fibroid cells, including those in uterine fibroids. Most people don’t get enough vitamin D, and this can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D supplements can bring your vitamin D levels back to normal. This can have a positive effect on your bone and heart health. It may also help lower your chances of developing fibroids.
5. Avoid endocrine disrupting chemicals
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in your body. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be found in many everyday products, including personal care products.
Phthalates are one example of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. They have been linked to an increased risk of developing fibroids and with the development of larger fibroids. Avoiding phthalates may reduce your risk of developing fibroids. You can look for phthalates on ingredients lists of your personal care products. Phthalates may be listed under the names:
Diethyl phthalate (DEP)
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
When should you get care for uterine fibroids?
Some people don’t experience any symptoms from uterine fibroids. You don’t need to get care if you have fibroids and they don’t bother you. But you should get medical care if your fibroids are causing symptoms like:
Heavy or painful periods
Bleeding between periods
Pelvic pain
Pain with sex
Abdominal pain or distension (swelling)
Back pain
There are medications that can ease or even stop these symptoms. Medications won’t get rid of fibroids, but they can help you live comfortably with your fibroids. Surgery is an option if medications don’t help.
The bottom line
There’s no way to completely prevent uterine fibroids from forming. But there are steps you can take to lower your chances of developing fibroids. These steps may be especially helpful if you’re at higher risk for developing fibroids. Some things you can do include staying active, eating foods high in antioxidants, lowering how much alcohol you have, and taking vitamin D supplements. It’s also a good idea to stay away from endocrine-disrupting chemicals, like phthalates.
Why trust our experts?
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Uterine fibroids.
Baird, D. D., et al. (2006). Association of physical activity with development of uterine leiomyoma. American Journal of Epidemiology.
Bariani, M. V., et al. (2021). The role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in uterine fibroid pathogenesis. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity.
Chiaffarino, F., et al. (2017). Alcohol consumption and risk of uterine myoma: A systematic review and meta analysis. Public Library of Science One.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2018). What are the risk factors for uterine fibroids? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Krzyzanowski, J., et al. (2023). The role of nutrition in pathogenesis of uterine fibroids. Nutrients.
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (2024). Endocrine disruptors.
Vafaei, S., et al. (2023). Evidence-based approach for secondary prevention of uterine fibroids (the ESCAPE approach). International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Vafaei, S., et al. (2024). Empowering strategies for lifestyle interventions, diet modifications, and environmental practices for uterine fibroid prevention; unveiling the LIFE UP awareness. Nutrients.
Wise, L. A., et al. (2004). Risk of uterine leiomyomata in relation to tobacco, alcohol and caffeine consumption in the Black Women’s Health Study. Human Reproduction.
