Fibroids (leiomyomas) are uterine growths or noncancerous tumors composed of smooth muscle cells and connective components. Fibroids are quite prevalent, with up to 70% of women developing uterine fibroids during their lifespan. You could have one or more fibroids at the same time.

Fibroids vary in shape and size, with some as little as seeds and others reaching the size of a grapefruit or greater. Fibroids can grow or shrink over time, and sex hormones (such as estrogen and progesterone) influence whether they shrink or grow.

Although uterine fibroids do not always cause symptoms, larger fibroids can cause pain and discomfort, including sex pain, low-back pain, and painful menstrual periods. Continue reading to find out how home remedies, lifestyle modifications, and doctor-prescribed therapies can help treat fibroids and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.

Diet 
Although nutrition alone will not decrease fibroids, it may help you find respite from discomfort. According to research, a diet poor in fruits and vegetables may raise your risk of developing fibroids.

Certain diets, such as fruits and vegetables, lean meats, legumes, fatty fish, and green tea, may help prevent or reduce fibroid growth.

Eating red meat, drinking alcohol, and not getting enough vitamin D are all linked to fibroid growth. According to one study, women who were weak in vitamin D had the most fibroids. Including vitamin D-fortified items in your diet, such as cereal and milk, mushrooms, eggs, and almonds, may help prevent fibroid development and growth.

Exercise 
Exercise will not significantly reduce the size of any existing fibroids, but studies show that regular physical exercise may help women maintain a healthy hormonal balance and prevent the development of fibroids. Endorphins (feel-good hormones) are released during exercise, which may help alleviate fibroid-related pain.

Eating a decent, balanced diet and exercising on a regular basis may help ease fibroid symptoms, but there is no evidence that they can shrink fibroids. If your fibroids are interfering with your everyday life, your doctor may recommend prescription drugs and/or medical procedures to shrink or remove the fibroids.

Mifeprex 
The hormone progesterone has been linked to the development of uterine fibroids. Mifeprex (mifepristone) is a progesterone blocker. This medicine has been demonstrated to effectively treat fibroids; it can shrink existing fibroids as well as minimize related symptoms such as heavy bleeding, longer menstrual cycles, pelvic pain and pressure, menstrual cramps, and anemia.

GnRH Agonists 
Hormone-producing gonadotropin (GnRH) agonists are medications that limit the production of estrogen and progesterone, effectively putting your body into a state of temporary menopause in order to help shrink fibroids.

Although GnRH agonists efficiently shrink fibroids, they can have substantial side effects such as decreased bone mineral density.

Because of the potentially hazardous side effects, GnRH agonists are frequently administered on a short-term basis. There is also a chance that the fibroids will reappear once the medicine is stopped. For these reasons, GnRH agonists are frequently administered to women who are awaiting fibroid removal surgery.

Uterine Artery Embolization
Uterine artery embolization (UAE), also known as uterine fibroid embolization, is a minimally invasive surgery that may help to alleviate fibroid symptoms. Your healthcare professional will inject small particles (called embolic agents) into the arteries using a flexible tube (catheter) to obstruct the blood flow to fibroids. The fibroids shrink or die as a result of this.

The success rate of uterine artery embolization is high. Following UAE, more than 91 percent of women report a reduction in symptoms such as heavy menstrual flow, anemia, and pelvic pain. One year after the surgery, researchers observed a 73% reduction in fibroids in a 2021 study.

Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) through laparoscope is a treatment that employs heat to kill fibroid tissue and greatly reduce its size. Small incisions are created in the abdomen to provide your doctor access to the fibroids while protecting the surrounding healthy tissues (e.g., ovaries, uterus).

Most women will see relief from fibroid symptoms three to six months after the operation. According to a 2019 analysis of RFA studies, fibroid volume fell by 66 percent a year following the procedure.