Natural Alternative Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that form from muscular tissue in the uterus. By age 45, it’s estimated that around 70% of people who have a uterus will develop at least one. They are among the most common noncancerous tumors for people who have a uterus.

Uterine fibroids can vary in size from microscopic to several inches across. You can have one fibroid growth or several. If you suspect that you have fibroids, you should always check with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment options.

For some people, following fibroid diet suggestions and other natural remedies can help make a difference in their symptoms. 

Uterine Fibroids Symptoms

While many uterine fibroids are small and don’t cause symptoms, larger fibroids are more likely to cause symptoms.

Some common issues are:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Bleeding between periods
• A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Constipation
• A frequent need to urinate
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Reproductive problems (such as infertility, multiple miscarriages, or early labor)

Natural Treatments for Uterine Fibroids

The following natural treatments have been shown to be effective for some people in reducing fibroids and treating symptoms. Their usefulness depends, in part, on the severity of your condition. Always check with your healthcare provider before trying any treatment to make sure it’s right for you.

Nutrition/Fibroids Diet

Diet and nutrition may play a role in the risk of uterine fibroids. In particular, people who eat more red meat and drink alcohol have been found to be more likely to have fibroids.

A study found that those who drink a beer or more a day have a 50% increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. A diet low in fruits and vegetables has also been found to increase the risk.

The study suggests that diets high in the following may be helpful to prevent or slow fibroid growth:

• Fish (especially oily fish such as salmon and mackerel)
• Lean meats (such as chicken and turkey)
• Green vegetables
• Legumes
• Citrus fruits
• Green tea

Eating foods with vitamin D may also have a protective benefit. Studies show that those who were deficient in vitamin D had the largest fibroids.

Weight Management

People who are overweight have been found to be at a higher risk of fibroids. One study found that people with a body fat percentage greater than 30% are at higher risk. Another noted that obese patients are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids.

By maintaining a healthy weight through a nutritious diet and exercise, you may be able to reduce your risk for uterine fibroids. 

Herbal Medicine

The most common traditional Chinese medicine for uterine fibroids is Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang, a combination of herbs that has been shown to be effective in treating menstrual cramps, either by itself or with standard treatment for fibroids. A study found that combining Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang with the medication mifepristone, a standard therapy for fibroids was found to be more effective than mifepristone alone.

Western herbalists may use herbs to help treat fibroids. Herbs used for uterine fibroids that may have effects on sex hormones include Paeonia lactiflora (peony) and Poria cocos (poria mushroom), both of which are found in the Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang formula, as well as Vitex agnus castus (Chaste tree berry), Actaea racemosa (black cohosh), among others.

However, even herbal medication may have side effects and sometimes the available information on safety is limited. Let your doctor know if you are considering any herbal medicine.

Green Tea

Drinking green tea could help get rid of fibroids or manage their symptoms. A 2013 study found that the flavanol EGCG, found in green tea, reduced the size of uterine fibroids and improved symptoms of anemia and blood loss.

Acupuncture

For people in the U.S. who use natural medicine to treat fibroids, about 16% try acupuncture for symptoms. While studies show it can help with menstrual cramps and bleeding, there is a lack of evidence on its effect on fibroids.

Those who try it may find it useful in combination with other natural remedies and standard medical therapy.

Standard Medical Treatments

Most people with fibroids don’t have symptoms. In those cases, treatment is not required, although your healthcare provider will monitor them to make sure they’re not changing. If fibroids get bigger or start causing symptoms, your healthcare provider may suggest using medications or possibly surgery.

Medication

The most common medication for fibroids is gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. This medication can block hormone production and shrink fibroids, relieving symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain. It’s usually taken for less than six months because it can reduce bone density if taken for longer.

Your healthcare provider may also suggest progestins, which can help control bleeding but may not reduce the size of fibroids. Other medications include mifepristone, raloxifene, danazol, or tranexamic acid.

Procedures

Surgical options are also available if your symptoms are severe or your fibroids are getting too large. One option, a myomectomy, allows the fibroids to be removed while the healthy areas of the uterus are left in place.

Most people who have a myomectomy can still become pregnant and give birth. However, new fibroids can still grow back, and about one-fourth of patients will need a hysterectomy several years later.

A hysterectomy is when the uterus is removed during surgery. It is the only permanent solution for getting rid of fibroids, but it’s only performed if you don’t wish to become pregnant in the future because you cannot do so after your uterus is removed.

There are other non-surgical options to treat fibroids such as uterine artery embolization or MRI-guided focussed ultrasound.

Causes

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. High levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may stimulate the growth of uterine fibroids. Fibroids tend to get bigger during pregnancy, as these hormone levels increase, and shrink during menopause, as hormone levels decrease. 

A Word From Verywell

Always consult your healthcare provider if you suspect you have a medical condition, including uterine fibroids. Self-treating and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences. Likewise, if you are already undergoing standard medical treatment for fibroids, speak with your healthcare provider before trying any natural solutions.