Many African American women are living with fibroids. My mother has them and has had surgery. Two of my very close friends have had surgery for fibroids the size of oranges and grapefruits. It is extremely common among black women. I thought that I’d provide some background info on fibroids and their connection to weight. What you eat can be a major factor as well as exercise.
What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroid tumors, also known as leiomyomata, are hard muscle tissue masses that grow within the walls of the uterus. Usually benign, tumors can range in size from small to as large as a grapefruit. Elevated estrogen levels, stress and weight gain play a role in their development. Large uterine fibroids may affect fertility, and are most common among women of childbearing age (30-40 years of age). Fibroids grow in 25% of all women. They are the leading cause of a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. Black women and those with a family history of fibroids are at increased risk. We are 3 times more likely to get fibroids than other races. This is because fibroids in black women seem to grow more quickly, and are more likely to cause symptoms.
Symptoms of uterine fibroid tumors include:
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pain
• Lower back pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Painful periods
• Spotting between periods
• Infertility
• Constipation
• Enlargement of lower abdomen
Foods to keep at a minimum to prevent growth of fibroid tumors include:
• Dairy
• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Soy products
• Saturated Fats
• Caffeine
These are also foods that we know are connected to weight gain and poor health.
What is the connection between fibroids and being overweight?
Overweight women are more likely to develop fibroid tumors. Excess abdominal fat overproduces estrogen that causes tumors to grow. Exercise to reduce fat can help reduce the risk of fibroids, but does not mean that tumors will not appear. Strength training can decrease the advancement of estrogen dependent fat cells and help prevent fibroid growth. Exercise promotes blood flow to the uterine muscles and decreases muscle tension and pain. It also helps to regularize menstrual periods and hormones. Some people even believe that yoga, salsa, and belly dancing will also help to reposition the fibroids to ease the symptoms. Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily can help to flush toxins from the body’s system in general and that can also affect hormone levels.
It is unknown what causes fibroids or all the factors that make them or grow. Many treatment options exist to help relieve fibroids. Attention to a healthy diet can help symptoms as well as help to prevent them from forming. A healthy diet plan can improve your overall health and keep your weight at a healthy level. My best tip for Black Women is to eat as clean as possible and add regular exercise to your life. Even if it’s just walking on the weekends or during your lunch break. Regular aerobic activity not only decreases body fat, but also lowers estrogen levels. Consult a doctor if you suffer from fibroids. Explore the numerous treatment options that will help relieve symptoms and help prevent more tumors from developing.
If you are interested in information on natural and holistic ways to cure your fibroids, Click Here.
Renita says
My sister has to have surgery for this very thing coming up soon. I know this was a problem in my family as well as many other factors and I took precautions . I read and changed mylife on how I consumed everything.
Brenda says
I wish I would have known about this four yrs ago. I had an uterine fibroid embolism first, in order to stop its growth and to preserve the (slim) chance of bearing children. One year later I had to have a hysterectomy. Funny thing is, I never really thought anything about fibroids. I always assumed it was a post menopausal thing…sad, huh?
Ever since my surgery four years ago, My weight has EXPLODED (84 lbs) and I don’t want to do anything or go anywhere out of embarrassment and pain. Do you have any tips on what causes the weight gain and how to fight it off? Thanks!
Tara says
I was diagnosed with fibroids tumors about 90days ago. I thought my stomach was hardening due to exercise. I was devasted and scared when the ultrasound tech said you have 6 fibroids of various sizes – one the size of a grapefruit. I became discouraged and stopped working out. The information in this article increased my knowledge on what foods I should avoid…I go back to the doc Dec 23rd where the decision to remove them will be made…Wish me luck ladies and thanks for the info
Ajima Jackson says
Make sure that you go online and read about options. Some docs will try to push you to drastic surgeries. There are a lot of options, some more drastic than others. Get more than one opinion if you feel you need to. It’s your health.
Denise says
I had 6 fibroids taken out of various sizes. The recovery took about 4-6 weeks. I’m totally fine now and you can barely see the incision.
Jamie says
“Had to have a hysterectomy” is such an unfortunate comment! Doctors often push women to have that surgery because there’s no way the fibroids will grow back, but they don’t tell them they have other options and often times patients don’t do research about the other options they have. I’m 40 yrs old, have had fibroids since I was in my 20’s, but they never gave me any issues. 5 yrs ago I had several had large fibroids removed via a myomectomy, but I found out recently that I have 5 large ones again:( I don’t have any children and would like at least one of my own, but at this point I’m about ready to throw my uterus in the street!! I’m bloated, uncomfortable, retaining water and my stomach looks like I’m 12 months pregnant. I work out and eat healthy 90% of the time, but lately, the fibroids have me extremely uncomfortable. I have an appointment w/ a new OBGYN and I’m going to ask her about anti-estrogen therapy in hopes of shrinking the fibroids. LADIES, PLEASE BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE AND DON’T LET ANY DOCTOR TELL U YOU ONLY HAVE 1 OPTION, BECAUSE THAT’S A LIE! GO ONLINE AND RESEARCH OTHER OPTIONS, ASK QUESTIONS AND KNOW THAT A HYSTERECTOMY IS NOT YOUR ONLY OPTION!!
Nisa says
What’s pissing me off about this whole thing is I knew nothing about fibroids,
other than the fact that I knew two people who had them, that I know of, and they
make your period and pregnancy painful. That was it. The real kicker is mother
is an RN and has been since at least 1974. Why the hell didn’t she warn me about this?! Someone could have told me that weight gain could lead to this. I’m sure I have this going on because (like A LOT) of black women, I have a nice shape but could stand to loose 10 or 80 pounds. I would have been more serious about preventing the
weight gain had I known this could pop up. For real, I just don’t think a lot of people talk about this.
Natalie says
Im so upset i dont know wats going on i have fibrous tumors i just need to know can u lose weight from because i lost alot of weight i dont eat that much can it be that but when i do my belly starts hurting real bad
Ajima Jackson says
Hi Natalie, I would really suggest that you speak with your OBGYN doctor. If you are having pain, that should be addressed by a professional. You can speak with your regular doctor as well.
Okiwmute says
Please .my Mother is having an issue after geting read of her fibrod am so worry becuse she has been losing alot of weight am so afraid please tell me what to do am from africa
Ajima Jackson says
Seek the advice of a doctor. Fibroids usually don’t cause weight loss.