Understanding Fibroids, Your Hormones & What Your Body Needs
Understand what's really going on beneath the surface, especially the links between Fibroids, gut health, inflammation, chronic stress, and more.
(P.S. this guide is best viewed on a desktop)
When you’re ready to turn that knowledge into action, join The Hormone Sisterhood Membership or explore 1:1 coaching for step-by-step guidance and support.
01
What are fibroids?
Fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are non-cancerous growths that develop most commonly in or on the uterus.
Uterine fibroids are made of muscle and fibrous tissue (a type of firm, connective tissue found throughout the body) and can vary in size, number, and location (inside the uterus, on the outer wall, or in the uterine muscle). They’re very common- especially among Black women and women in their 20s to late 40s.
02
What are the different types of fibroids?
Fibroids are classified by where they grow:
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Submucosal fibroids grow on the inside of the uterus and extend into the uterine cavity from the lining of the uterus (endometrium)
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Intramural fibroids grow within the muscle wall of the uterus (the uterine wall)
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Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer wall of the uterus
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Pedunculated fibroids grow on a long, narrow stalk (called a peduncle) which attaches it to the uterus
03
What causes fibroids?
Fibroids develop mainly due to estrogen stimulation (they grow in response to estrogen, which encourages fibroid cells to multiply). Fibroids are much more sensitive to estrogen stimulation than is normal muscle tissue.
Estrogen stimulation is higher when there is a hormonal imbalance, called estrogen dominance (having too much estrogen in relation to progesterone). Estrogen dominance increases the amount of estrogen stimulation fibroids receive, encouraging their growth- especially during pregnancy, use of estrogen-containing birth control, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause. Estrogen dominance can be caused by poor detoxification, gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals.
Other factors like progesterone, inflammation, and insulin resistance can also affect fibroid growth.
Excess body fat increases estrogen production, which may worsen fibroids.
Supporting your liver and gut helps your body clear excess estrogen, which may help manage fibroid size.
Fibroids don’t always grow- some stay stable or shrink over time.
04
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Many women with fibroids experience no symptoms. However, when symptoms are present, common ones include heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, bloating, frequent urination, constipation, and pain during sex.
As fibroids grow larger, they can put pressure on nearby organs like the bowel or bladder. Significant growth can also cause the entire uterus to enlarge, which may worsen symptoms.
05
Can fibroids affect fertility or pregnancy?
Yes- depending on their size and location, fibroids can affect fertility, make it harder to implant an embryo, or increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm labour, or needing a C-section. But many women with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies.
06
Why are fibroids more common in Black women?
Research shows Black women are more likely to develop fibroids earlier, and more severely.
This may be due to a mix of genetics, chronic stress, vitamin D deficiency, hair and beauty product exposure, and systemic health disparities.
07
Can fibroids shrink naturally?
Yes, some fibroids shrink naturally, especially after menopause when estrogen levels drop.
Fibroids can also shrink through lifestyle and nutrition changes, like reducing inflammation, improving liver and gut health, and lowering estrogen dominance.
08
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids are usually diagnosed with pelvic imaging, such as a transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic MRI scan for a more detailed look.
09
Can fibroids grow back after surgery?
Yes- surgery can remove fibroids, but if the root causes like estrogen dominance, inflammation, and toxin exposure aren’t addressed, fibroids can grow back.
10
What natural approaches can help manage fibroids?
Natural fibroid management involves:
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supporting your liver and gut health to promote hormone balance
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reducing estrogen dominance
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balancing blood sugar
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regular gentle exercise
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eating an anti-inflammatory diet
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lowering inflammation
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reducing toxic exposure
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reducing stress to calm the nervous system
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quality sleep
For practical guidance on making lifestyle and nutrition changes- and to get the ongoing support and coaching you need to stay consistent- consider joining Hormone Sisterhood. You’ll find a community, tools, and expert help designed specifically to support your hormone health journey.
11
How are fibroids and gut health connected?
Gut health affects how your body metabolises and eliminates estrogen. If your gut microbiome or digestion isn’t working well, estrogen may recirculate into your bloodstream and worsen estrogen dominance.
Inflammation in the gut can also contribute to hormonal imbalance. Poor gut health puts extra strain on the liver and kidneys, which can reduce estrogen clearance and further promote estrogen dominance.
12
Is there a link between fibroids and other hormone conditions?
Fibroids often overlap with conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and thyroid disorders.
They share root causes like estrogen dominance, inflammation, gut and liver dysfunction, and insulin resistance.
Supporting the whole body helps all of these.
13
Does perimenopause affect fibroids?
Yes, perimenopause brings hormone fluctuations that can cause fibroids to grow, shrink, or change in symptoms.
For some women, fibroids improve after menopause when estrogen levels decline.
14
Do I need surgery for fibroids?
Not always. Some fibroids can be managed naturally (see question 10).
However, if symptoms are severe, or you’re trying to conceive and fibroids are interfering, options like myomectomy or uterine artery embolization (UAE) may be offered.
Always explore both conventional and holistic options.
Reminder: We are not broken. Our bodies are not working against us. With the right knowledge and support, we can move from struggling to managing our symptoms with confidence and empowerment.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical or fertility care.
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