Private health

Q:

My mother suffered for years from fibroids—and my sister just found out that she has one. Her doctor told her they’re genetic, so now I’m worried! Is there anything I can do to reduce my chances of getting fibroids too?

A:

While research does suggest that uterine fibroids—benign tumors that grow on the uterine wall—can be genetic, there are several steps you can take to lower your risk.

First, aim to increase your levels of vitamin D. According to one government study, women who are D-deficient are 32% more likely to develop fibroids than women with healthy levels of the vitamin. To increase your stores, consider supplementing with 2,000 IU of vitamin D-3 daily. I also recommend walking outdoors to get sun exposure when the weather permits, since your body makes vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. Plus, the exercise you’ll get is another risk reducer: A study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences revealed that women who engage in regular physical activity reduce their fibroid odds by 40%.

Dietary strategies can also help lower your risk of fibroids: Consuming four servings of calcium-rich dairy foods each day has been shown to reduce women’s risk by 30%, while eating two or more daily servings of fruit lowers risk by 11%. And opt for organic foods when possible, since pesticides can have hormone-disrupting effects that may cause fibroids. In addition, consider limiting soy, which can prompt fibroid growth.

I also suggest watching for signs that fibroids may have developed, like difficulty urinating, abdominal pressure or pain or prolonged or heavy periods. If you do notice any of these symptoms, visit your doctor for targeted care.

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