Although Fibroids and Thyroids are far apart in the body, there’s a close connection between both, even closer than their suffixes.
Perhaps you’ve asked the question: Are thyroid problems and uterine fibroids linked? Both are common in women, especially Black women, and involve hormonal imbalances.
Thyroids and Fibroids: What Are They?
Thyroids: Thyroids are just like thermostats. They are small glands in your neck that control metabolism and hormones; they regulate body functions like the heartbeat and menstrual cycle.
When it’s out of whack (overactive or underactive), it can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings.
Fibroids: These non-cancerous growths in the uterus are influenced by hormones like estrogen and can cause heavy periods, pelvic pain, or even fertility issues.
The connection between the two is this: Both conditions are hormone-driven! Remember the two key hormones in a woman’s reproductive health? Estrogen and Progesterone.
Estrogen Dominance
There’s something called Estrogen Dominance, and here’s how it works.
As a woman, when you’re healthy and your body functions well, your cycle is maintained by hormones balancing each other out: in the first half of the cycle, estrogen rises, creating estrogen dominance, and in the second half, progesterone rises, resulting in progesterone dominance. They work within its timeline and create a balance during the cycle.
Could They Be Linked?
Here’s what the research says:
1. Hormonal Overlap: Thyroid hormones interact with estrogen, a key player in fibroid growth. Imbalances in one system might affect the other.
2. Shared Risk Factors: Obesity, stress, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are triggers for both conditions.
3. Inflammation: Thyroid autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s may increase inflammation, possibly worsening fibroid growth.
Fibroids and Thyroid have estrogen dominance in common, and women are often found to have both conditions. Women with low thyroid function (i.e., hypothyroidism) are 3x more likely to have fibroids.
What Can You Do?
Managing these conditions means being proactive:
Check Your Hormones: Regular check-ins with your doctor can track thyroid and estrogen levels.
Live Healthy: Eat well. Exercise and reduce stress to lower risks.
Your diet should contain a healthy mix of coloured vegetables. Just remember to “eat the rainbow.” Fruits, Vegetables, and nuts – essentially foods rich in dietary fibre, and stay hydrated.
Avoid EDCs: Limit exposure to chemicals in plastics, beauty products, and processed foods.
If you’re dealing with thyroid issues, fibroids, or both, don’t ignore your symptoms. Prioritize yourself, stay informed, and lean on your healthcare provider for guidance.
Your health journey is personal, but with the right tools and support, you can take control and thrive.