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Fibroids Root Causes & Natural Treatments in NYC

What Are the Root Causes of Fibroids and What Natural Treatment Options Can Help?

Uterine fibroids are common non-cancerous growths that potentially affect fertility and menstruation. Conventional medicine does not pinpoint an exact cause for fibroids, but naturopathic medicine identifies factors such as genetics, diet, obesity, and environmental exposure.

Women with uterine fibroids benefit from holistic naturopathic approaches for long-term management. Studies by Erica Marsh at the University of Michigan show that 30% of women undergo surgery to remove fibroids, but this is not fixing the reason why the fibroid grew in the first place. 

Identifying the root cause and implementing lifestyle changes shrinks fibroids and prevents their recurrence.

This article will discuss the role of exercise, stress reduction, gut health support, and natural treatment for hormonal imbalance in NYC to prevent fibroid growth. This offers better outcomes in the long run and reduces the need for surgery.

 

What Exactly Are Uterine Fibroids and Why Do They Matter for Women’s Health?

Uterine fibroids, also referred to as leiomyomas, are benign tumors that form on the wall of the uterus. They can be: 

  • Submucosal Fibroids: On the endometrium 
  • Intramural Fibroids: On the myometrium 
  • Subserosal Fibroids: On the outer surface

Data from the Office on Women’s Health suggests that 20-80% of women will develop fibroids by the time they reach 50. They are most common in their 40s but can occur earlier in the reproductive years.

Most fibroids remain asymptomatic and small. Sometimes, they even resolve on their own once a woman goes through menopause. However, their presence sometimes causes fertility issues, menstrual irregularities, and other reproductive health issues.

Perimenopause support for Manhattan women can help manage fibroids.

 

What Are the Main Root Causes Behind Fibroid Development?

Fibroids develop because of multiple contributing factors like genetic predisposition, environmental exposure, and biological mechanisms. Endocrine disruptors, like the chemicals found in today’s personal care products, interfere with your hormonal regulation.

Medicine has yet to point to an exact cause, but stem cell research in uterine smooth muscle is emerging. According to data at Northwestern University, a single stem cell goes through a mutation and multiplies uncontrollably. This activates other cells around it and leads to mass formations. 

Customized natural treatment for hormonal imbalance in NYC addresses the root cause of fibroids. This helps you control the triggers and improve long-term outcomes.

 

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How Do Hormonal Imbalances Contribute to Fibroid Growth?

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Hormonal imbalances contribute to fibroid growth because they can lead to higher production of estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids have more receptors for these hormones than normal cells, which leads to fibroid proliferation.

Women with fibroids also experience a phenomenon called “estrogen dominance.” This happens when estrogen levels are unnaturally higher than progesterone. This leads to faster fibroid growth and symptoms like heavy bleeding during menstruation. We can test this on a DUTCH test and we will also be able to see if you are actually metabolizing the estrogen properly, which can also lead to proliferation. 

High insulin-like growth factor (IGF) levels make matters worse because they amplify the hormonal effect. High IGF is also associated with imbalanced hormones and weight gain in NYC women. Those struggling with their weight could also experience faster fibroid progression.

 

Can Diet and Lifestyle Choices Increase Your Risk for Fibroids?

Unhealthy diets and lifestyle choices increase the risk of fibroids because they create a hormonal imbalance. High-glycemic and processed foods aggravate the hormone content. A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to  high estrogen production, which feeds fibroids.

 

What Foods Might Be Triggering Fibroid Growth?

High-glycemic foods, red meat, dairy, and processed food are the most commonly accepted triggers for fibroids. Let’s see how they do this:

  • High-Glycemic Food: Regular consumption causes insulin surges, stimulating IGF. Examples include white bread, pastries, or sugary drinks.
  • Red Meat: Can aggravate the growth due to saturated fat content. With that said, many patients can still enjoy grass fed beef as long as they are being conscious of other foods that can contribute to fibroid growth, as mentioned in this list. 
  • Dairy: Contains residue of growth hormones.
  • Processed Food: Causes chronic inflammation. Examples include fast food, packaged snacks, and frozen meals.

Foods that are not labeled as hormone-free or organic are most likely to contain traces of growth hormones. Be mindful of snacks, as they contain artificial additives, sodium, and trans fats. These frequently lead to fibroid growth. 

 

How Does Obesity or Weight Gain Play a Role in Fibroids?

Weight gain and obesity play a role in fibroids because excess fat is linked to higher estrogen production. Obesity also contributes to hormonal imbalances and inflammation, which promote fibroid proliferation. This is common in people from urban environments who have a sedentary lifestyle.

Studies by Kirsty Mair at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, also show that adipose tissue contributes to 100% of circulating estrogen. This means that the greater your weight, the higher your estrogen levels will be.

 

Are There Links Between Stress and Gut Health in Fibroid Development?

Stress and gut health lead to fibroid development because they increase cortisol levels. This indirectly affects hormone balance, worsening the estrogen dominance. Immune system functions and repair mechanisms are also weakened which compromises the reproductive system. 

Emerging studies also suggest that gut microbiome dysbiosis influences systemic inflammation and induces fibroids. Studies by Efthalia Moustakli at the University of Ioannina show that dysbiosis prevents the enzyme β-glucuronidase from deconjugating estrogen. It is not favorable to recycle estrogen which happens in this case, which can contribute to fibroids. 

It also marks gut health as a hidden cause of acne since the body tries to find different ways to detox.

 

What Natural Dietary Changes Can Help Manage or Shrink Fibroids?

Dietary changes, such as incorporating fruits, vegetables, and anti-inflammatory foods, are an effective way to manage or attempt to shrink fibroids. The goal of these foods is to bring hormones back into balance, so they’re no longer flooded.

 

Which Fruits and Vegetables Should You Prioritize for Fibroid Relief?

You should prioritize cruciferous vegetables and citrus fruit for fibroid relief. They help detoxify the body and offer antioxidant properties. Some of the best choices include: 

  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cauliflower
  • Kale
  • Oranges
  • Grapefruit

You should incorporate fiber-rich options in at least two daily meals to support hormone metabolism. This includes leafy greens, berries, and carrots. Apples are great snacks, but remember that the skin should stay on leaving the fiber. 

 

What About Anti-Inflammatory Foods – How Do They Support Fibroid Treatment?

Anti-inflammatory foods support fibroid treatment by reducing inflammation and supporting hormone balance. This helps you manage symptoms and potentially slows the development of fibroids. 

Focus on omega-3 sources and whole grains like: 

  • Salmon
  • Flaxseeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Oats (preferably gluten free oats. We like Bob’s red mill brand!)
  • Barley

Remember that hydration supports good hormone transport through lymphatic circulation. Consider drinking herbal teas like ginger, dandelion root, and green tea for an anti-inflammatory effect. These also help you balance hormones naturally for better sleep in Manhattan

 

Which Herbs and Supplements Offer Promise for Natural Fibroid Treatment?

Herbs and supplements like green tea, curcumin (from turmeric), and resveratrol offer promise for natural fibroid treatment thanks to their anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effect. 

Studies at Johns Hopkins Medicine show that the EGCC compound in green tea inhibits fibroid cells and reduces them by 46%. This makes green tea extract supplements a powerful ally.

Supplements like vitamin D, A, and B-complex are also effective for hormone regulation. Deficiencies are common among women with fibroids, and their absence causes hormonal instability. 

Hormonal imbalances can show internally through fibroids, and externally through cystic acne. Targeted hormones and skin care for women restore hormonal and gut balance through herbs and deficiency support.

 

How Can Exercise and Stress Management Aid in Fibroid Symptom Relief?

Exercise and stress management aid in fibroid symptom relief because they promote better blood flow, reduce inflammation, and regulate your hormones. Both help you maintain a healthy weight and low cortisol levels, which potentially slow fibroid growth. 

 

What Types of Exercise Are Best for Women with Fibroids?

Low-impact exercises such as yoga and swimming are the best options for women with fibroids. They reduce pelvic pressure and improve circulation, keeping the inflammation levels low. 

Below are some other exercises that women can try: 

  • Pilates for core strength and weight management
  • Cycling or walking through Manhattan parks to promote lymphatic drainage
  • Dance-based fitness to improve cardiovascular levels and reduce cortisol
  • Water sports to get full body movement without the joint stress or pelvic pressure

Regular movement helps you maintain a healthy weight and balanced hormone levels. This reduces the chances of estrogen dominance, which is the main driver for fibroids.

Studies by the BMJ group reveal that more than 6 hours of sedentarism per day increases the chances of fibroids by 100% during perimenopause. This is the case in women who are overweight or have a family history of fibroids.

 

Why Is Stress Reduction Crucial, Especially in Busy Urban Life?

Stress reduction is crucial, especially in busy urban life, because it reduces adrenal fatigue and systemic inflammation. A body that is constantly stressed leads to excess cortisol production in the adrenal gland. This disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis and, in some cases, leads to estrogen dominance. 

Mindfulness practices such as yoga, box breathing, guided meditation, and journaling can calm the nervous system and regulate the hormones. Cortisol levels are also minimized, which means it’s easier for your hormones to stay balanced.

Check out some tips for adrenal health to prevent burnout in urban NYC. Remember that consistency is key.

 

What Role Does Perimenopause Play in Fibroid Changes and Management?

Perimenopause plays an important role in fibroid changes and management because of the fluctuating hormones. Estrogen can spike, creating an imbalance with progesterone. This leads to fibroids and symptoms such as: 

  • Heavier bleeding or longer periods
  • Increased pelvic pressure
  • Painful intercourse
  • Frequent urination
  • Bloating

Things change once a woman reaches menopause. Estrogen drops significantly, causing fibroids to shrink naturally. Data by Kenta Oue at Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine shows that fibroids shrink by up to 26% after reaching menopause. This offers relief, although the transition frequently brings discomfort and potential complications (e.g., anemia from bleeding). 

Consider natural strategies like herbal support, gut and liver support, stress management, and anti-inflammatory nutrition. Adaptogens like chasteberries and ashwagandha can help balance the hormones.

Whole foods, omega-3s, and cruciferous veggies support detox. Fiber, hydration, and probiotics also help the body eliminate excess hormones.

 

When Should You Consult a Naturopathic Doctor in NYC for Personalized Fibroid Care?

Consider consulting a naturopathic doctor in NYC for personalized fibroid care when you experience heavy or irregular bleeding and pelvic pain. If your symptoms worsen or the fibroids don’t shrink after menopause, it might be time for a holistic evaluation.

Customized naturopathic plans integrate diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes that are suitable for urban women. This treats the root causes of fibroids, preventing them from appearing. 

These treatments are comprehensive and go beyond conventional options. You can get stress, hormonal migraines, and remedies for NYC pros in one plan.

In our experience:

For women who have large fibroids that require surgical intervention, or even smaller ones that are causing significant blood loss with menses, it’s important to remember to prioritize balancing your hormones and supporting your health post surgery to avoid fibroids growing back. You can remove the fibroid, but in order to prevent more from growing, you need to fix why they grew in the first place. 

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