How to Prevent Uterine Fibroids

Scientists do not know what causes fibroids to develop, but there is strong evidence that estrogen is the culprit. It is likely that fibroids are passed on genetically, so prevention may prove difficult.

Things You'll Need

• Low-fat Food

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid taking high-estrogen-content birth-control pills, because they have been shown to stimulate the rapid growth of fibroids. Especially if fibroids run in your family, consider switching to an IUD or diaphragm.

• 2

  Maintain a proper body weight. Fat cells carry estrogen, so that the more adipose tissue you carry, the more estrogen you produce.

• 3

  Eat a low-fat diet to decrease estrogen production.

• 4

  Exercise aerobically four to five times a week. Exercise helps regulate your hormone production, keeping them more in balance.

• 5

  Avoid eating large quantities of foods that are high in phytoestrogens, like yams and soy beans, because they contain high levels of naturally occurring unopposed estrogens.