3 simple strategies PROVEN TO SHRINK FIBROIDS
to the arteries supplying the fibroids with blood. Over a short time, the lack of blood makes the fibroids shrink.
“I spent two weeks deciding what to do. That whole time, my uterus would drop several times a day and I would have to push it back up. I finally called my doctor, crying, and asked for the name of a specialist who did UFE.
“She referred me to Dr. Eric Hardee at Houston Fibroids. In June of 2019, I had the procedure, which thankfully was covered by insurance. I went home a few hours later with just a Band-Aid on my wrist. I was a little nauseous and uncomfortable for a few days, but back to work in less than a week.
“Within a month, I had fewer prolapses each day. Within two months, all of my symptoms were gone. At six months, my ob-gyn confirmed my fibroids had shrunk back into the uterine wall, ending my prolapses. I’ve since learned that African American women develop fibroids two to three times more frequently and at younger ages. Many are only offered hysterectomy. I was fortunate my doctor recommended UFE. Two years later, no complications. The fear, pain and embarrassment is gone. I have my life back!” —As told to Cynthia McVey
Going outside for 10 minutes daily in a tank top and shorts could shrink fibroids by 75%, suggests an animal study in the journal Epidemiology. The reason? Sun exposure helps your body make vitamin D-3, a nutrient shown to prevent abnormal cell growth. Stuck inside? Supplement with 2,000 IUs of vitamin D-3 daily.
It’s rich in EGCG, a compound that can shrink fibroids by a third and reduce symptom severity by 37% when consumed daily, reveals a study in the International Journal of Women’s Health. The researchers say EGCG inhibits the growth of fibroid cells and triggers cell death. Aim for four 10-oz. servings daily.
Cut back on red meat, which can lift levels of fibroid-triggering estrogen, and eat three to five servings of veggies a day. They’re rich in fiber, which binds to excess estrogen to flush it from the body. Tip: Aim to include cruciferous veggies like kale and broccoli, which have a compound that boosts estrogen excretion.