As women, we want to lower fibroid risk, even though we don’t know why these non-cancerous tumors form. Still, we do know some factors that can impact risk, including your genes, race and hormones. More specifically, estrogen seems to have a strong link to fibroid growth.
Given that link, we now know that being exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can increase your risk for fibroids, because they change the way hormones work in the body. BPA (or Bisphenol A, a common plastic additive) is one of the worst offenders, because it activates and binds to estrogen receptors. By doing so, it can raise your estrogen levels, making this your body’s dominant hormone. Now, that’s how BPA indirectly influences your fibroid risk. But it can also directly affect fibroid growth. And, in combination, this seems to explain why estrogen dominant women have a significantly higher fibroid risk. And, it explains why you can lower your fibroid risk by balancing out those hormone levels.
You are estrogen dominant if your body produces more estrogen than progesterone. Now, both hormones are an important part of your bodies functioning, but they need to remain balanced, or else you’ll start experiencing problematic symptoms.
As we mentioned earlier, environmental exposure can lead to hormonal imbalances, but your body can also get out of whack on its own. For some women, that won’t be an issue, because their bodies will naturally break down the estrogen to restore an internal balance. However, some women’s bodies can’t do that. As such, they may notice estrogen dominance symptoms such as:
· PMS
· Weight gain
· Dense breasts
· Fibroids
· Endometriosis
· Heavy periods
· Fatigue
· Reduced sex drive
· Fertility problems
There are three tests typically used to diagnose a hormonal imbalance. The one your doctor chooses will depending on your age and the symptoms you’re experiencing.
If you’re pre-menopausal, you’ll likely be able to detect estrogen dominance with a blood test. If you’ve gone through menopause, though, a saliva test may prove more accurate. Or, if your doctor suspects your body struggles to break down estrogen, you may need a dried urine test to confirm your diagnosis.
Now, if your tests come back positive for estrogen dominance, the problem could be due to your diet, environment or your genetics. But, because lifestyle factors are likely contributing to the imbalance, we can often counteract estrogen dominance by making simple changes to your daily routine.
Here are some easy lifestyle changes that can help you restore your hormonal balance.
1. Shift your Diet
Go easy on meat and dairy products that are packed with added hormones. Instead, opt for organic products, especially when it comes to meat. At the same time, add more fiber to your diet, and look for crunchy veggies such as kale, broccoli and cauliflower, since they can help your body expel.
While those veggies are super foods for hormonal balancing, adding more veggies and fruits of any kind can help, since a Science Direct study revealed that women who ate lots of fruits and veggies—even if they weren’t organic—had a 10% lower fibroid risk compared to women who ate fewer than one serving per day of these important dietary staples.
2. Do a detox.
Remember how plastic contains BPA, that awful hormone disruptor? Well, if you go through your pantry and toss out plastic water bottles and storage containers, you could help restore your hormonal balance—and help the environment at the same time!
3. De-stress daily.
Stress can also lead to hormonal imbalances, so it’s critical to actively work against your stressors. Aim to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Make time for daily self-care, even if it’s something as simple as sipping your morning tea without interruptions. Finally, consider working yoga into your routine, to help relieve stress and stay active while you’re at it!
About that yoga practice…getting regular can help lower your fibroid risk by managing stress, and by helping you reach your ideal weight. That’s important when it comes to lowering your fibroid risk, since carrying extra weight can raise your estrogen levels.
Now, we can’t always restore your hormonal balance by changing your lifestyle. For that reason, it’s important to discuss your options with your licensed healthcare provider, to make sure you’re appropriately managing estrogen dominance. Of course, even with a lower fibroid risk, you may still develop these uterine growths. So, if that happens, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our Atlanta fibroid specialists, so we can discuss your treatment options.
Sources: Fertility and Sterility Journal, Mayo Clinic
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