The Women’s Wellness Center of New York has a long history of helping women understand their own bodies. This team of diagnosticians, fibroid surgeons, and expert OB-GYNs located on the Upper East Side can help women struggling with uncomfortable or even painful medical issues, including ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts. While their main service focus is performing surgery to remove uterine fibroids, they also know that other treatments can be effective before uterine fibroids reach the stage where surgical intervention is necessary.

What exactly are uterine fibroids? They are benign tumors that form in the myometrium, also known as the muscle layer of the uterus. They are very common, afflicting upwards of 60% of reproductive-aged women and 80% of women within their lifetime. However, most women don’t experience pelvic pain or other discomfort, and so don’t even know they have them.

Depending on their size and number, women can live with fibroids. No medication will shrink them in the long-term, but some women have found that making adjustments to their diet can help. Red meat, which can be high in hormones — especially estrogen, which causes fibroid growth — should be avoided, as should any foods that are high in saturated fats.

While dairy can provide much-needed vitamin D, high-fat dairy items like ice cream and butter can cause spikes in estrogen. Opt for organic, hormone-free dairy products to avoid feeding your fibroids. Other foods to avoid are anything high in caffeine or salt.

Some foods may help manage fibroid growth. These include fruits and vegetables, beans and lentils, and unprocessed grains. These can, respectively, battle inflammation, help you maintain better blood sugar levels, and metabolize your estrogen more effectively. While there isn’t firm science backing up these claims, the anecdotal evidence is certainly strong enough that revamping your diet may be worth a try.

To learn more about surgical and non-surgical management of fibroids, call the Women’s Wellness Center of New York today at (646) 754-3300. You can also explore their website which has a wealth of information. If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit the talented team of medical professionals at the Women’s Wellness Center of New York and learn how you can listen to your body and improve your way of living.