Can Functional Medicine Help Manage Uterine Fibroids in Young Women?

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynecological conditions affecting women worldwide. While they are most often seen in women in their thirties and forties, many young women in their late teens and early twenties are also receiving this diagnosis. For a 20-year-old, being told you have fibroids can feel overwhelming. Concerns about fertility, menstrual health, and long-term well-being quickly surface.

At Midas Wellness Hub, under the guidance of Dr. Shibani, we approach fibroids from a functional medicine perspective. Rather than simply focusing on removing the fibroid or suppressing symptoms, we ask a more important question: Why did the fibroid develop in the first place? Understanding the underlying imbalances is the key to creating a sustainable, long-term solution.

Understanding Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They vary in size from tiny nodules to large masses that can distort the shape of the uterus. While fibroids are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact quality of life.

Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, frequent urination, and sometimes difficulties with fertility. However, not all fibroids cause symptoms; some are found incidentally during routine checkups.

Research has consistently shown that fibroids are hormonally driven, particularly influenced by estrogen and progesterone. An excess of estrogen, especially when not balanced by adequate progesterone, is one of the most significant factors in fibroid growth. This state is often described as “estrogen dominance.”

But hormones alone are not the full story. Functional medicine looks at fibroids as the result of multiple interconnected factors, hormonal imbalance, liver detoxification pathways, gut health, stress, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies.

The Functional Medicine Lens

In conventional medicine, fibroid management often involves medication to control symptoms, hormonal therapy to reduce bleeding, or surgical procedures such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. While these approaches can be effective in certain cases, they do not always address the underlying reasons why fibroids formed in the first place. This is where functional medicine differs.

At Midas Wellness Hub, Dr. Shibani emphasizes that fibroids are not the disease themselves but a manifestation of deeper imbalances in the body. By identifying and correcting these root causes, we can not only manage fibroids more naturally but also reduce the risk of recurrence.

Key Root Causes Behind Fibroid Development

• Hormonal Imbalance

Excess estrogen relative to progesterone fuels fibroid growth. This imbalance may be due to environmental factors, poor detoxification, stress, or disrupted ovulation.

• Liver Detoxification Issues

The liver is responsible for metabolizing and clearing excess estrogen. If detoxification pathways are sluggish, estrogen builds up in the body, further feeding fibroid growth.

• Gut Health and Estrogen Recycling

The gut microbiome, particularly the estrobolome, plays a crucial role in breaking down and eliminating estrogen. If gut bacteria are imbalanced or if constipation is frequent, estrogen can be reabsorbed into the bloodstream, worsening hormonal imbalance.

• Nutritional Deficiencies

Low levels of Vitamin D, magnesium, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids have been linked to higher rates of fibroids. Deficiency reduces the body’s ability to regulate inflammation and maintain hormonal balance.

• Chronic Stress and Cortisol Dysregulation

Stress alters the delicate balance between cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone. Prolonged stress leads to higher cortisol levels, which in turn suppress progesterone and create conditions favorable for fibroid growth.

• Inflammation

Ongoing inflammation from processed foods, poor lifestyle habits, or undetected sensitivities can make the uterine environment more favorable to fibroid formation.

The Midas Functional Medicine Approach with Dr. Shibani

Functional medicine for fibroids is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Every woman’s body is unique, and so is her healing plan. At Midas Wellness Hub, Dr. Shibani creates personalized protocols that target the root causes of fibroids while supporting the body’s natural ability to restore balance.

Here are the key pillars of our approach:

• Nutrition for Hormonal Balance

Food is the foundation of healing. A diet rich in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cauliflower helps support estrogen detoxification. High-fiber foods improve bowel movements, ensuring estrogen is properly eliminated. Reducing intake of red meat, processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine lowers the risk of hormonal imbalance.

Dr. Shibani often emphasizes that nutrition is not about restriction but about empowerment. Each meal is an opportunity to provide the body with tools for healing.

• Gut and Liver Support

Healing begins in the gut. Probiotics and prebiotics restore microbial balance, while adequate hydration and fiber reduce estrogen reabsorption. The liver is supported with foods and herbs that enhance detoxification, such as turmeric, green tea, lemon, and milk thistle.

• Correcting Nutritional Deficiencies

Through testing, we often discover that young women with fibroids are deficient in Vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Correcting these deficiencies helps regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and strengthen overall resilience.

• Lifestyle and Stress Management

Stress is often underestimated in women’s health. Daily stressors, whether from academics, career, or relationships, directly influence hormonal health. At Midas, we incorporate stress management strategies like yoga, meditation, and breathwork. Sleep hygiene is another cornerstone, adequate, restorative sleep helps balance cortisol and reproductive hormones.

• Movement and Exercise

Moderate, regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, reduces stress, and helps regulate hormones. The goal is not excessive exercise but consistent, enjoyable movement that promotes balance.

• When Functional Medicine Works Best

Functional medicine is especially effective for young women with small to medium fibroids or those experiencing early symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or irregular cycles. It can reduce symptoms, slow fibroid growth, and in some cases even shrink fibroids naturally.

For larger fibroids or cases with severe symptoms such as extreme bleeding, anemia, or significant fertility issues, conventional treatments may still be necessary. However, even in these cases, functional medicine complements medical treatment by supporting recovery, preventing recurrence, and improving long-term hormonal health.

Dr. Shibani’s Perspective

As Dr. Shibani often says, “True healing begins when we stop chasing symptoms and start listening to what the body is trying to tell us. Fibroids are not just a diagnosis; they are a message that something deeper needs attention.”

At Midas Wellness Hub, this philosophy guides every step of our care. Our goal is to empower women, especially young women at the start of their health journey, to take control of their bodies with knowledge and confidence. Fibroids, while challenging, can be a turning point, a chance to adopt healthier habits, restore balance, and prevent future complications.

The Midas Difference

What sets Midas Wellness Hub apart is our integration of modern science with a holistic, functional approach. We combine advanced testing with personalized nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle strategies. Our protocols are not temporary fixes but long-term solutions designed to create sustainable health.

For a 20-year-old facing fibroids, this means more than just symptom relief. It means building a strong foundation for future fertility, balanced hormones, and overall wellness. It means addressing the root cause today to prevent bigger health concerns tomorrow.

Conclusion

Fibroids may be common, but they are not inevitable, nor do they need to control your health journey. With a functional medicine approach, guided by Dr. Shibani and the team at Midas Wellness Hub, fibroids can be managed naturally and effectively. By focusing on nutrition, gut and liver health, stress management, and correcting deficiencies, young women can experience real relief while building lifelong hormonal resilience.

At Midas, we believe in treating the person, not just the diagnosis. For young women diagnosed with fibroids, this means healing from the root, restoring balance from within, and stepping into a healthier, more empowered future.