Uterine fibroids are more common than most women realize. They’re noncancerous growths that can show up during the childbearing years, and while they often cause no symptoms, they can sometimes make life uncomfortable. From heavy periods and bloating to back pain and pressure, fibroids aren’t always easy to ignore. Many women feel stuck between “wait and see” or heading straight into surgery. But the truth is, there are natural, gentle ways to support your body and possibly help shrink or manage fibroids. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. A thoughtful approach that respects the body’s own rhythm can offer real relief, especially when guided by experienced naturopathic professionals.
Let’s explore how natural care can become part of the conversation—supportive, nourishing, and deeply in tune with the needs of your body.
Food Choices That Quiet The Fire
Fibroids often thrive when the body is inflamed or under hormonal stress. That’s where food comes in. What’s on your plate can play a huge role in how your body handles fibroids. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins helps reduce estrogen dominance, which is often linked to fibroid growth. Think leafy greens, flaxseeds, lentils, and berries. Fiber is your friend here because it helps your body eliminate excess hormones through digestion. When waste isn’t lingering in the system, there’s less chance for hormone levels to rise beyond what’s comfortable.
But it’s not just about what to eat—it’s also about what to skip. Foods that are high in sugar, heavily processed, or packed with artificial additives can contribute to inflammation and hormone disruption. That doesn’t mean you need to be perfect. It just means being more aware of what helps you feel better versus what weighs you down. Caffeine, alcohol, and red meat have also been linked to worsening symptoms in some women with fibroids.
These shifts aren’t about restriction—they’re about giving your body the space and support it needs to function better. And when that’s paired with guidance from naturopathic doctors in San Diego, it becomes even more effective. These practitioners often personalize food plans that consider hormone levels, lifestyle, and other health concerns to create an approach that’s easy to stick with and actually works.
Herbs That Speak The Body’s Language
When it comes to natural fibroid support, herbs have been used for generations to balance hormones and soothe the body. Some of the most trusted plant allies in this space include chaste tree berry (vitex), milk thistle, and dandelion root. These herbs aren’t just random folk remedies—they work with the body to support liver function, reduce estrogen overload, and promote hormonal balance.
Chaste tree berry, for example, doesn’t contain hormones, but it helps regulate the pituitary gland, which plays a key role in the menstrual cycle. It can help ease heavy bleeding and improve regularity for some women. Milk thistle and dandelion both support detox pathways in the liver, making it easier for the body to break down and excrete hormones that might otherwise contribute to fibroid growth.
Of course, herbs aren’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why naturopathic consultations in San Diego are so valuable. They provide a chance to discuss what’s really going on in your body and design an herbal plan that fits your needs. Some herbs may not be right depending on other conditions or medications, so professional guidance helps you avoid trial and error and get the most out of your efforts.
These consultations can also open the door to other supportive options like homeopathy, botanical extracts, or even targeted dietary supplements that address nutrient deficiencies that may be fueling hormonal imbalances. Fibroids aren’t just a hormone issue—they can be part of a bigger picture, and herbs are a smart, gentle way to bring more harmony into that picture.
The Power Of Stress Reduction And Gentle Movement
Many women notice their fibroid symptoms get worse during stressful times. That’s not just a coincidence. Chronic stress raises cortisol, and high cortisol can interfere with the balance of estrogen and progesterone. This imbalance can encourage fibroids to grow or worsen symptoms like bloating, cramping, and fatigue. Stress also weakens digestion and immunity, two systems that help keep the body balanced overall.
That’s where movement and mindfulness come in. Gentle practices like yoga, walking, and deep breathing can help release built-up tension and promote better circulation in the pelvic area. Improved blood flow can help reduce stagnation and inflammation in the uterus. You don’t need to go all out—just 20 to 30 minutes of mindful movement a few times a week can make a noticeable difference.
Meditation, journaling, and even time in nature can also help regulate stress hormones and provide a sense of grounding. When the nervous system is calmer, the body is better able to do its repair work. It’s in these quieter, supported spaces that healing often begins.
And while self-care is key, sometimes deeper support is needed to help rebalance stress, hormones, and nutrient absorption. That’s where therapies like IV therapy in San Diego can offer an extra layer of nourishment. These treatments deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion and allowing for quicker replenishment of vitamins and minerals that may be low due to chronic stress or hormonal issues. Many women find this kind of therapy helps with fatigue, immunity, and hormonal resilience, giving their body a gentle nudge in the right direction.
A Whole-Body Approach With Natural Support
Fibroids are complex, but they don’t have to be overwhelming. A whole-body approach means looking at the hormonal, digestive, emotional, and lifestyle factors that influence your body. Sometimes, fibroids are a signal—not a problem to fix, but a sign that something in the system could use more support. That’s where natural medicine really shines.
At Avena Health, care isn’t about quick fixes or temporary solutions. The focus is on understanding how your body works as a complete system and creating a personalized plan that supports it gently over time. From hormonal testing and customized herbal blends to detox plans and IV nutrient therapy, there’s a lot that can be done to support fibroid health without surgery or medication.
A naturopathic consult can help you understand where imbalances might be coming from and how to gently correct them. It’s not about suppressing symptoms—it’s about helping the body work better overall. And for many women, that’s the turning point. That’s when periods become lighter, energy improves, and fibroids start to shrink or cause less trouble.
Natural care works best when it’s consistent, and when it’s guided by someone who understands how your body speaks. With support from naturopathic doctors in San Diego, you’re not just managing fibroids—you’re learning how to care for yourself in a deeper way.
Healing With Intention
Natural fibroid care is about listening, adjusting, and supporting your body where it needs help. It’s not a race and there’s no one-size-fits-all plan, but there are thoughtful, effective options out there. The right foods, herbs, movement, and professional support can work together to bring the balance your body has been asking for.
When care comes from a place of intention and understanding, the path forward gets a little easier—and a lot more hopeful.
Media Credit: All photos licensed from Adobe.
Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a San Diego native, completed her undergraduate degree at California Polytechnic State University, earning a BS in animal science with minors in Spanish and Psychology. She then earned her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and taught fifth grade in the central coast of California for two years. After being extremely involved in her grandfather’s journey with Parkinson’s disease and end-of-life care, Dr. Kostrzewski decided to move back to San Diego and enroll at Bastyr University California. Dr. Kostrzewski received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University California in June of 2019, and then went on to complete her residency at Bastyr. Before AVENA Wellness, DR. K started her own private practice, focusing on management of neurodegenerative conditions, and continued teaching at Bastyr as adjunct faculty, until founding Avena Health.