6 Tips for Fibroid Management (and 4 things to Avoid)

Our Houston fibroid practice can help your fibroid management with minimally invasive treatments such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization. And we are proud to offer you relief from painful symptoms like long, heavy periods. But we also know that it takes time to decide how to treat your uterine tumors. And, in the meantime, you may improve your symptoms with easy lifestyle changes.

And here’s a bonus fact: no matter what, these fibroid-fighting tips should boost your general health, too. So you’ll feel better long after you find a lasting solution to these non-cancerous growths.

6 Keys to Fibroid Management and Prevention

Want to stop fibroids from getting bigger? Help manage your fibroid symptoms? Or stop these growths before they form? Try these lifestyle changes!

1.       Add fruits and veggies to your diet. Studies suggest that fruits such as apples and tomatoes, and  veggies like broccoli and cabbage, could lower your risk of developing fibroids. Already got fibroids? Guess what: a healthier diet, packed with fruits, vegetables and lots of whole-grains  could minimize your symptoms or even prevent fibroid growth.

2.       Watch your blood pressure, since research suggests a link between fibroid growth and elevated blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help keep blood pressure under control. But you may also need to see your doctor if lifestyle measures can’t help you maintain a normal blood pressure.

3.       Manage stress. No one knows why some women develop fibroids while others don’t. But some studies suggest your stress levels could impact fibroid development. Focusing on self-care and soothing exercise routines, including yoga and meditation, can help you keep the stress monster off your back.

4.       Get an ultrasound. New research shows that an ultrasound designed to measure the elasticity of your uterine tissue can help predict your fibroid risk. Called ultrasound elastography (USE), this type of imaging could speed up diagnosis of conditions like fibroids or adenomyosis, or may even help prevent fibroid growth.

5.       Take care. Sometimes, just taking a rest in a comfy position can help relieve your fibroid pain. Try propping your legs up with a pillow or pulling your knees into your chest to get pressure off your pelvis and back.

6.       Consider supplements such as Vitamin D, which studies suggest may lower your fibroid risk. You may also find that certain forms of birth control can help relieve fibroid symptoms. But talk to your doctor before adding any new supplement or medication to your routine, especially if you’re already dealing with a pre-existing health condition.

What Not to Do with Fibroids

If you’ve got fibroids already, some lifestyle moves could actually make your symptoms worse. Here’s four things you should NEVER do if you’re living with fibroids:

1.       Eat processed foods, red meat, and high-fat dairy products, as well as caffeine and alcohol. Studies suggest that including these in your diet could make your fibroid symptoms.

2.       Skip workouts. Exercise may feel like its too much when you have fibroid pain. But studies link weekly exercise with lowered fibroid risks. So keep up the sweat, even when you don’t feel like it.

3.       Load up on sugar. Diets high in sugar are linked to increased fibroid risks.

4.       Smoke. While cigarettes are bad for every aspect of your health, it’s also likely to make your period pain worse, since it limits oxygen flow to your pelvic region.

Need more help managing fibroid pain? We’re here for you! Schedule your fibroid consultation today, so our Houston area specialists can help you find a fibroid fighting solution that works for your lifestyle.

Sources: WebMD