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Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are common, hormone-sensitive growths. Alongside your gynecologist, we address estrogen balance, vitamin D, insulin, inflammation, and iron loss.
What you may be noticing
Heavy, prolonged periods with clots. Pelvic pressure or fullness, frequent urination, constipation, back pain, or a belly that looks bloated. Some women have no symptoms and discover fibroids during a routine exam or ultrasound.
Very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting needs urgent care. Rapidly growing fibroids, new pelvic pain, or bleeding after menopause need prompt gynecological evaluation.
Why it is rarely one thing
Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the smooth muscle of the uterus. They are very common in the reproductive years and often shrink after menopause. I look at them as the meeting point of several root causes rather than a single one.
Most fibroids begin when a susceptible muscle cell acquires a genetic change, most often in a gene called MED12. Growth then depends on hormone signaling: estrogen sensitizes the tissue, progesterone acts as a key growth signal, and fibroid tissue can make its own estrogen locally. The growth itself is largely a dense, fibrous matrix. When fibroids are numerous, very early, or aggressive, a hereditary pattern involving the enzyme fumarate hydratase deserves consideration with your physician.
The terrain around that growth matters. Low vitamin D is associated with greater risk and growth. Insulin resistance and excess body fat raise estrogen exposure. Sluggish bile flow and bowel elimination let estrogen recirculate, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals add to the toxic burden bucket. Chronic inflammation and a diet low in vegetables and fruit are associated with higher risk, and ancestry plays a strong role. Not only a growth, but a hormonal and inflammatory environment.
Patterns we look for
- Vitamin D status.
- Estrogen and progesterone balance, including estrogen metabolites.
- Bile flow, bowel regularity, and estrogen clearance.
- Insulin resistance and body composition.
- Inflammation markers.
- Ferritin and iron loss from heavy bleeding.
- Thyroid function.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure.
- Family history and features that suggest a hereditary pattern.
How I evaluate it
The comprehensive functional neurological exam assesses autonomic balance and stress physiology, which shape the hormonal signaling that feeds fibroid growth.
Functional labs may include vitamin D, a complete blood count, ferritin, a full thyroid panel, a hormone profile with estrogen metabolites, fasting insulin, HbA1c, and inflammatory markers. I coordinate with your gynecologist for imaging, monitoring of fibroid size, and discussion of medical or procedural options.
How we address it
- Coordinate with your gynecologist for diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment options.
- Open drainage pathways for estrogen clearance: daily bowel movements, bile flow, fiber, and cruciferous vegetables.
- Lower endocrine disruptors in plastics, fragrance, and personal care products.
- Replenish vitamin D to a healthy range.
- Restore insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
- Replenish iron lost through heavy bleeding.
- Calm inflammation with a plant-rich, whole-food pattern; castor oil packs over the lower abdomen are a traditional comfort practice I sometimes add, a working hypothesis rather than an established fibroid treatment.
Some fibroids need procedural treatment, and there is no shame in choosing it. Addressing the hormonal terrain supports you before, during, and after any intervention and may reduce the conditions that encourage new growth.
Iron deserves particular attention. Months or years of heavy bleeding quietly drain iron stores, and restoring ferritin often changes how you feel even before the fibroids change.
A balanced hormonal environment supports a healthier uterus.
Book your Comprehensive Functional Medicine Eval/Neurological Exam today to discover what the contributing root causes are that are underlying your health concerns.