As our understanding of fibroids as a condition grows, research has started to emerge that suggests certain nutrients and herbal supplements may support management and help to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with fibroids, or even to have an impact on their size and proliferation.
While these developments are extremely exciting, supplements are not the primary form of treatment for fibroids. The first course of action for anyone who suspects, or who has been diagnosed with fibroids is to seek medical care from a licensed healthcare practitioner who can assist with a proper treatment or management plan.
That being said, we’re unpacking some of the supplements that have shown promise in fibroid management so that you can have an educated discussion with your healthcare practitioner to see if any of the below can and should be incorporated into a holistic healthcare plan that’s right for you.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for immune function and may play a role in regulating cell growth and reducing inflammation. Research suggests that women with sufficient vitamin D levels may have a lower risk of developing fibroids.[1] Adequate sun exposure and dietary sources such as oily fish, egg yolks and fortified foods can help maintain optimal vitamin D levels, but for women who are extremely deficient, supplements with a higher concentration may be necessary. However, it is important to note that taking in too much can result in vitamin D toxicity[2] and a host of associated health issues, so it’s crucial to tackle supplementation under the guidance of a doctor.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that green tea extract may inhibit the growth of fibroid cells and reduce the size of existing fibroids[3]. However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness for fibroid management. A new trial sponsored by Yale university is currently underway to assess its effectiveness in treating fibroids in women seeking fertility treatment[4]. As with other forms of supplementation however, overdoing it can have adverse effects – in this case on your liver[5]. Chat to your healthcare practitioner about how to safely incorporate this into your management plan.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Turmeric is a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to its active compound curcumin. It can be consumed in cooking or taken as a supplement. A few studies have suggested that it might prevent the multiplication of fibroid cells[6] and hamper the formation of fibroids[7], however these were tests performed on tissue samples and more research is required to truly establish its effectiveness.
Iron
Uterine fibroids can cause extremely heavy menstrual periods, where women lose more blood than normal. This can result in anaemia – a condition where the body does not have enough haemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells) to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, resulting in weakness and tiredness among a host of other symptoms. Studies suggest that submucosal fibroids (fibroids that bulge into the uterine cavity) and those close to the uterine area in general, are particularly likely to provoke heavy menstrual bleeding with subsequent anaemia[8]. To make haemoglobin, cells require iron, so in severe instances where iron taken from the red meat, seafood and leafy green vegetables in your diet aren’t doing the trick, supplementation may be needed. We’ve previously devoted an entire article to treating anaemia with iron available here[9]. As with the other supplements on this list, checking in with your GP or doctor is essential, as they can monitor your iron levels and recommend the right iron supplement to get you back on track with fewer adverse side effects.
Medical Knowledge and Supplementation Work Together
Your body can benefit from many of the above nutrients simply by incorporating foods that contain them into a healthy and balanced diet in moderation. Taking in more Vitamin D can be as simple as getting healthy sun exposure and incorporating some fortified foods, green tea’s active properties can be enjoyed through a daily cup, Turmeric is a common cooking spice, and iron can be found in multiple healthy meat and vegetable sources. However, if you feel like you’d benefit from taking a step into additional supplementation, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a supplement regimen. They will be able to assess your level of deficiency where relevant and/or advise you on the right supplements to support your overall fibroid management plan for best results.
