Can Fibroids Shrink Naturally? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you’re not alone. These benign growths affect up to 80% of women by age 50, particularly those of African American descent, who are more likely to experience larger and more symptomatic fibroids at younger ages.

It’s no surprise, then, that one of the first questions many women ask is:
"Can fibroids shrink naturally?"

It’s a good question, and the short answer is - sometimes, yes!
But the longer answer depends on your age, hormonal changes, lifestyle, and the size and location of your fibroids. Let’s unpack what’s possible naturally, and when it’s time to consider safe, minimally invasive treatments like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

First, a Quick Recap: What Are Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas or myomas) are non-cancerous tumors that develop in or around the uterus. They can vary in size from tiny, undetectable nodules to large masses that distort the uterus and cause significant symptoms like:

• Heavy or prolonged periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain

While some women remain symptom-free, others find that fibroids severely impact their quality of life.

So, Can Fibroids Shrink on Their Own?

The answer depends on several factors, including your

• Stage of life
• Hormone levels, and
• Current overall health.

1. Menopause and Fibroid Regression

One of the most common natural shrinking scenarios occurs during menopause. Fibroids are estrogen-sensitive, which means they tend to grow in response to high levels of estrogen and progesterone during the reproductive years. When these hormones decline during menopause, fibroids often shrink and sometimes disappear altogether.

The Bottom Line: If you're nearing menopause and your symptoms are manageable, a  ‘watch and wait’ approach may be reasonable.

2. Pregnancy: Growth, Then Possible Shrinkage

During pregnancy, fibroids often grow due to increased hormone levels. However, after childbirth, research into post-partum women suggests they can shrink, especially if hormone levels drop and breastfeeding continues. That said, pregnancy-related fibroid growth can cause complications, so close monitoring is essential.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes: Can They Help?

There’s growing interest in whether lifestyle interventions, like diet, exercise, and supplements, can reduce fibroid size or at least manage symptoms.

While there’s no proven evidence to suggest that fibroids disappear through diet alone, some studies suggest that healthier lifestyle choices may influence fibroid development or slow growth.

So what about weight management?

Obesity is linked to higher estrogen levels, which may encourage fibroid growth. Therefore, losing weight can reduce circulating estrogen, which, in turn, may lower your fibroid risk.

What about a vegetarian or plant-based diet?

Some evidence points to the benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale contain compounds that may support hormonal balance. The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Research reports something similar, stating that a higher consumption of foods like broccoli, Chinese cabbage, tomato and apple may prevent the onset of fibroids, or at least, significantly reduce the risk. 

If you want to find out more about how diet can influence fibroids, check out this post on the subject from the MINT website.

3. And Vitamins…?

There is evidence to support the fact that low Vitamin D levels are associated with increased fibroid risk. Supplementation, if you're ‘diet deficient’, may help prevent further growth.

Important Note: While lifestyle and dietary changes might help with prevention or symptom management, they won’t eliminate existing fibroids, especially larger ones.

What About Herbal Remedies and Natural Supplements?

A quick online search reveals dozens of herbal ‘cures’ for fibroids. While some supplements (like green tea extract or turmeric) show early promise in lab studies, there’s limited clinical evidence to support their effectiveness in shrinking fibroids.

Caution: Natural doesn’t always mean safe. Herbal remedies can interact with medications or affect hormone levels unpredictably. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying supplements.

When Natural Shrinkage Isn’t Enough

Even if fibroids shrink slightly with menopause, lifestyle changes, or supplements, symptoms can persist or worsen over time. That’s when medical treatment becomes essential.

Understandably, many women want to avoid invasive surgery like hysterectomy, which is where Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) comes in.

UFE: A Proven, Non-Surgical Option

UFE is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by vascular specialists like Dr Akinwande and his team at MINT (Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy).

Here’s how it works:

• A tiny catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the groin or wrist
• Tiny particles are injected to block the blood supply to the fibroid
• Without blood, the fibroid shrinks, and symptoms improve.

Most women return to normal activity within a week, and over 90% report significant relief from symptoms.

So, Is UFE Right for You?

You might be a good candidate if:

• You want to avoid major surgery
• You’re not planning to become pregnant
• Your fibroids are causing heavy bleeding. pain or generally affecting your quality of life, or
• Natural options haven’t worked.

In Summary: Can Fibroids Shrink Naturally?

Yes, some fibroids can shrink naturally, especially with menopause. And while diet and lifestyle can play a supporting role, they’re not a guaranteed fix. If your fibroids are interfering with your life, you don’t have to settle for surgery. UFE is a safe, effective, and non-surgical treatment option that preserves your uterus and gets you back to living life fully

Ready to Talk About Your Options?

At the Midwest Institute for Non-Surgical Therapy (MINT), our team of compassionate vascular specialists helps women take back control from fibroids without surgery. If you’re tired of waiting for symptoms to improve, we’re here to help.

Contact us today at (314) 255-2204 or visit our website to schedule your consultation and see if UFE is right for you.