The Connection Between Fibroids And Estrogen

July 7, 2022 3:19 pm Published by Meenakshi Jain, M.D., FACOG

Is there some relationship between fibroids and the hormone estrogen? With the numerous and life-altering side effects of having fibroids, women should know about the connection between fibroids and estrogen, and if there is anything they can do to relieve their symptoms.

Hormonal Imbalances Affect A Woman’s Health

Any type of imbalance in either estrogen or progesterone, the two female hormones, can seriously affect your health. There are some things doctors don’t know about fibroids, but what doctors do know is they are quite sensitive to hormones.

Doctors also know that changes or an imbalance in these hormones can affect the growth of fibroids. Too much estrogen can increase the risk for fibroids and make them worse.

Estrogen And Progesterone: Two Important Hormones For Women

Estrogen is actually a steroid hormone that manages the growth of the uterus and replacement of its lining which is shed each month during menstruation. Progesterone manages menstruation itself by getting the body ready for pregnancy each month by supplying the uterus sustenance to encourage the implantation of a fertilized egg.

If estrogen levels are too high, it can lead to fibroid development and growth, and if you don’t have sufficient progesterone, the body can’t stop the growth. Progesterone not only limits the effects of estrogen on fibroids, but it also can deter their growth and may limit their size.

Hormone Treatments For Fibroids

Although fibroids are non-cancerous tumors, they can severely affect a woman’s life. Let’s not overlook their many symptoms including heavy painful periods, anemia, abdominal pain, lower back pain, constipation, and sometimes infertility just to name a few.

There are women with fibroids who are asymptomatic, but for those who suffer with the painful symptoms, hormonal treatments may help.

Progesterone Therapy

This type of treatment for elevated estrogen can help with pain and fibroid growth. It can temporarily stop growth but is not a cure. Unfortunately there are some negative side effects like weight gain, fatigue, and insomnia. This therapy works better for women with smaller fibroids and is less effective for large fibroids or multiples.

Low Estrogen Diet

Certain foods can elevate estrogen and should be eliminated from your diet if you are symptomatic. Butter, margarine, fatty and processed meats, white flour products and sugary foods lead the list.

This diet works best for keeping estrogen in check.

If you continue to suffer with the symptoms of uterine fibroids, there are other treatments available to consider.