If you’ve recently been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you’re not alone. Fibroids affect millions of women and are one of the leading reasons for gynecologic surgery in the United States. While some women never experience symptoms, others struggle with heavy periods, pelvic pain, fatigue, infertility, or pressure on the bladder and bowel.
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, with locations serving Denver, Wheat Ridge, Longmont, and surrounding communities, we work alongside your gynecologist to identify nutrition, lifestyle, metabolic, and environmental factors that may influence overall hormone health. Although functional medicine cannot remove fibroids, it can help optimize your health while you explore the treatment options that are right for you.
What Are Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop from the smooth muscle of the uterus. They can range from microscopic to larger than a grapefruit and may occur individually or in clusters.
Fibroids are influenced by estrogen and progesterone and most commonly develop during the reproductive years. They often shrink after menopause when hormone levels naturally decline.
Types of Fibroids
Fibroids are classified by where they grow in the uterus.
- Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type.
- Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity and are more likely to cause heavy bleeding and fertility concerns.
- Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus and may press on nearby organs.
- Pedunculated fibroids are attached by a stalk and may develop inside or outside the uterus.
The location of a fibroid often determines the symptoms it causes.
Who Gets Fibroids?
Fibroids are extremely common. Up to 70–80% of women develop them by age 50, although many never know they have them because they don't cause symptoms.
Several factors increase risk:
- Age between 30 and 50
- Family history of fibroids
- African American ancestry, with earlier onset and often larger fibroids
- Early onset of menstruation
- Overweight or obesity
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Insulin resistance
- High blood pressure
What Causes Fibroids?
Researchers believe fibroids develop because of a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Potential contributors include:
- Estrogen and progesterone signaling
- Genetics
- Growth factors in the uterus
- Chronic inflammation
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Environmental chemical exposures
While these factors may influence fibroid development or growth, they do not explain every case. Many women with fibroids have no obvious risk factors.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
Symptoms vary depending on the size, number, and location of fibroids.
Common symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Passing blood clots
- Prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Low back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
- Recurrent miscarriage (in some cases)
- Fatigue related to iron deficiency anemia
Some women have no symptoms and discover fibroids during a routine pelvic exam or ultrasound.
Can Fibroids Cause Weight Gain or Belly Bloating?
Fibroids don't directly cause fat gain, but larger fibroids can increase abdominal size and create a sensation of bloating or fullness. Depending on their location, they may also put pressure on the intestines or bladder, contributing to discomfort.
Can Fibroids Make You Tired?
Yes. Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids can lead to iron deficiency and anemia, which may result in fatigue, weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. If you're experiencing these symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend a complete blood count (CBC), ferritin, and iron studies.
Can Fibroids Affect Fertility?
Many women with fibroids conceive and have healthy pregnancies. However, fibroids that distort the uterine cavity or are located within the uterus may interfere with implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage, depending on their size and location. If you're trying to conceive, it's important to discuss fibroids with your gynecologist.
Can Fibroids Turn Into Cancer?
This is one of the most common concerns women have.
The good news is that fibroids are benign tumors, and cancer arising from what appears to be a fibroid is very rare. Any rapidly growing pelvic mass or new symptoms after menopause should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Foods That May Support Hormone Health
Although no food can eliminate fibroids, a nutrient-dense diet may support healthy hormone metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Aim to include at least one of these daily:
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale)
- Broccoli sprouts
- Carrots
- Rosemary
- Berries
- Beans and lentils
- Flaxseed
- Omega-3-rich fish
- High-fiber foods
Fiber plays an important role in healthy digestion and may support the elimination of metabolized hormones through the digestive tract.
Foods and Drinks to Limit
Some dietary choices may contribute to inflammation or hormonal imbalance.
Consider limiting:
- Alcohol
- Excess caffeine (if it worsens symptoms)
- Highly processed foods
- Sugary beverages
- Fried foods
- Charred or smoked meats
- Excess red meat
Focus on whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible.
Environmental Chemicals That May Affect Hormone Health
Research is ongoing into how certain environmental chemicals may influence hormone signaling. While no single exposure has been proven to cause fibroids, reducing your overall exposure may support long-term health.
Pesticides
Choose organic produce for items on the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen list when possible, and use the Clean Fifteen list to prioritize conventional produce with lower pesticide residues.
It's also important to know that USDA pesticide monitoring does not routinely test for glyphosate (Roundup).
Phthalates
Phthalates are found in many personal care and household products, including shampoos, fragrances, vinyl flooring, adhesives, and nail polish.
Bisphenols (BPA and BPS)
These chemicals may be found in plastic containers, canned foods, thermal receipts, and some food packaging. "BPA-free" products may contain BPS, which may have similar endocrine-disrupting properties.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
PAHs are produced during incomplete combustion and are found in cigarette smoke, gasoline fumes, wildfire smoke, charred meats, smoked foods, and heavily grilled foods.
Lifestyle Changes to Support Overall Health
Simple habits can help reduce your exposure to environmental chemicals and support hormone health:
- Eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods.
- Choose fresh or frozen vegetables.
- Store food in glass rather than plastic.
- Avoid heating food in plastic containers.
- Avoid plastics labeled #3, #6, and #7.
- Choose fragrance-free household and personal care products.
- Wash produce thoroughly.
- Vacuum regularly with a HEPA filter.
- Dust your home frequently.
- Use an air purifier if indoor air quality is a concern.
- Filter your drinking water.
- Exercise regularly.
- If appropriate for you, use a sauna or other activities that promote sweating as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Blood Sugar Balance and Fibroids
Emerging research suggests insulin resistance may play a role in hormone regulation. Supporting healthy blood sugar can benefit overall metabolic health.
Helpful habits include:
- Eating protein with every meal
- Choosing high-fiber carbohydrates
- Including healthy fats
- Strength training and regular movement
- Prioritizing sleep
- Managing stress
Conventional Treatment Options
Treatment depends on your symptoms, age, fertility goals, and the size and location of your fibroids.
Options may include:
- Watchful waiting
- Medications to manage bleeding or symptoms
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus)
- Uterine artery embolization
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound
- Hysterectomy
Functional medicine can complement these treatments by supporting nutrition, metabolic health, and overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fibroids shrink naturally?
Some fibroids may stabilize or shrink over time, particularly after menopause. Lifestyle changes support overall health but are not a proven treatment to eliminate fibroids.
Should fibroids always be removed?
No. Many fibroids don't require treatment if they aren't causing symptoms.
What vitamins help women with fibroids?
Your healthcare provider may evaluate vitamin D, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins if deficiencies are suspected. Supplements should be based on individual needs rather than taken with the expectation of shrinking fibroids.
Can stress make fibroids worse?
Stress has not been shown to directly cause fibroids, but chronic stress can affect hormone regulation, inflammation, sleep, and lifestyle habits that influence overall health.
When should I see a doctor?
You should seek medical evaluation if you have heavy menstrual bleeding, severe pelvic pain, rapid abdominal enlargement, bleeding after menopause, or symptoms of anemia.
Functional Medicine for Fibroids in Denver, Wheat Ridge, and Longmont
If you’re looking for a functional medicine provider in Denver, Wheat Ridge, Longmont, or surrounding areas to support your overall health while managing fibroids, our team at Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic can help. We work collaboratively with your gynecologist to create personalized plans focused on nutrition, blood sugar balance, gut health, inflammation, and reducing unnecessary environmental exposures.
Our goal is to help you feel your best while supporting your body’s natural hormone balance through evidence-informed, individualized care.
Schedule an appointment today to learn how our functional medicine approach can complement your fibroid treatment plan.
We use this supplement to help support healthy signaling pathways for hormones and detoxification support: Environmental Protect: https://altfammed.com/products/environmental-protect