It’s no secret that chronic stress wreaks havoc on your body, and your reproductive health is no exception. Does that mean that stress also contributes to uterine fibroids? While their exact cause isn’t fully understood, research suggests that stress may contribute to fibroid development and symptom severity.
Here, our Fresno Fibroid Center team explains the connection between stress and fibroids and how we can help you find relief.
Fibroids (leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths that vary in size, number, and location within your uterus.
You might suspect that you have a fibroid if you experience:
While some women don’t have symptoms, others may deal with significant discomfort.
Stress triggers your body’s "fight or flight" response. This automatic response is designed to save you from a potential threat. It’s why your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline — so that you defend yourself from that threat.
When stress becomes chronic, this hormonal imbalance can impact your mental and physical health, including your reproductive health.
Here’s how stress may be linked to fibroids:
Fibroids are sensitive to hormones, especially estrogen. That’s why fibroids can shrink during menopause when estrogen levels dip. Chronic stress may disrupt the balance of your hormones and potentially contribute to fibroid growth.
A preliminary National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded study suggests that stress may influence uterine fibroid development by increasing specific microRNA activity in your uterine muscle.
MicroRNAs, small RNA molecules, help regulate gene expression, but when they’re dysregulated, you’re at risk for cancer and other conditions like uterine fibroids.
In other words, stress can contribute to microRNA dysregulation that may contribute to fibroids growth.
High stress levels can increase inflammation in the body. Certain immune system molecules and cells involved in inflammation can influence your fibroid growth. To make matters worse, the entire area can stay inflamed, creating an environment that supports fibroid development.
Your gut microbiota helps maintain intestinal balance and prevent inflammation by producing metabolites that interact with your immune cells, support gut health, and regulate immune responses.
Unfortunately, if this balance is disrupted (called gut dysbiosis), it can contribute to inflammation, creating the perfect environment for fibroids to grow.
Even if stress doesn’t directly cause fibroids, it can exacerbate your symptoms. If you’re under significant stress, you may experience heightened pain, more intense cramping, or heavier bleeding.
Stress may also worsen other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, creating a cycle that magnifies the discomfort associated with fibroids.
While chronic stress and fibroids can be nothing short of challenging, the good news is that both can be managed.
When it comes to stress, explore stress management techniques that speak to you. Exercise, meditation, reading, calming music, and creating a less busy schedule can do wonders for reducing stress levels.
Our team can determine your type of fibroid and recommend the right treatment based on its location and severity.
To learn about your fibroid treatment options, call our Fresno, California, at 559-216-0746, or click here to book an appointment online.
