How Turmeric Can Help in Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids or uterine leiomyomas are benign tumours that are common in the women of reproductive age.

These tumours arise from the overgrowth of smooth muscle or connective tissue in and around the uterus (the womb).

There are no known definite causes of fibroids in the uterus but several risk factors include being overweight. Certain races are known to be more sustainable to this for example African-Americans.

Uterine fibroids seldom show any symptoms, but those that do include heavy periods, abdominal pain, frequent urination, and reproductive problems.

Lower abdominal pain and pain during intercourse are also some common symptoms seen in the presence of fibroids.

If not removed, they can also cause infertility or miscarriages. These can be found through gynecological examinations.

How Turmeric can help in uterine fibroids

Turmeric is a common ancient herb that is used for edible and medicinal purposes all over the world. It is used in curry and other food items made usually in Asian countries to add flavour, colour, and aroma.

Medicinally, it has been used since centuries to treat several simple and complex disorders like bruises, swelling, cold, flu, fever, stomach problems, eye problems, skin ailments etc.

Recent research has proven its efficacy for the treatment of arthritis and several types of cancers as well.

Research has revealed that the active ingredient in turmeric, which is responsible for its characteristic colour, odour and most of the medicinal properties, is curcumin.

It has potent anti oxidant, anti inflammatory and healing effects that help in curing diseases like cancers including uterine fibroids.

1. Inhibitory effect of curcumin on uterine tumor cell proliferation

Uterine fibroids are caused by excessive growth of smooth muscle cells in and around the uterus.

They appear as lumps in the uterine wall and though very common, they are one of the biggest threats to the reproductive health of women.

Several reasons may cause excessive growth of the tissue in the uterus and this uncontrolled growth needs to be stopped to cure this ailment.

A human receptor in the cells of several organs called PPAR-Ƴ (peroxisome proliferators – activated receptor – gamma) is involved in inhibition of growth of fibroids.

PPAR-Ƴ is a receptor that when bound by inflammatory molecules such as Arachidonic acid or its metabolites, is activated. Once activated, it inhibits the growth and proliferation of the target cells.

Curcumin has been shown to be one of the compounds that can bind to and activate PPAR – Ƴ.

In the uterus, curcumin binds to this receptor on the uterine tissue cells and activates it. The activation of PPAR – Ƴ leads to the control of unnecessary growth of the uterine smooth muscle cells and tissues, leading to healing of fibroids.

What it means: curcumin from turmeric helps in inhibition of the unnecessary and excessive growth of the uterine tissues which helps in controlling uterine leiomyomas or fibroids .

How Turmeric Can Help in Uterine Fibroids

2. Curcumin induces programmed cell death in uterine fibroids

It is usually not enough to stop the growth of the tumour cells.

The lumps of tumour that are already present need to be removed as well. Thus it is important to kill these tumour cells to heal the fibroids completely.

In general, our body has its own mechanism to kill cells which is called apoptosis or programmed cell death.

Apoptosis occurs in the cells in case of presence of any irreparable damage which can turn the cells cancerous or harm neighbouring tissues.

For this purpose, some molecules called pro-apoptotic factors are activated when the cell senses any irreparable damage. Contrary to these, anti-apoptotic factors are activated in the cells which prevent any unnecessary cell death.

However, some cells with irreparable damage escape apoptosis and become cancerous. These cells then continue dividing and form tumours.

Mostly, anti-apoptotic factors are highly up regulated in such cells and pro apoptotic factors are down regulated.

Recently, in several clinical investigations, it was revealed that curcumin from turmeric has the ability to induce apoptosis in the cells of uterine fibroids.

Curcumin has been shown to up regulate pro-apoptotic factors in these cells which then undergo autophagy.

Autophagy is a method employed by the cells to commit suicide. They release the digestive chemicals and digest their own components, thus undergoing programmed cell death.

Curcumin has been shown to induce apoptosis via autophagy in these cells, controlling the formation of fibroids.

What it means: curcumin induces programmed cell death in the cells forming fibroids or tumours in the uterine fibroids/leiomyosis. This controls and heals the disorder naturally .

3. Curcumin decreases the formation of fibroids in the uterus

Uterine fibroids are tumours of the cells that lead to fibrosis. These cells usually secrete a lot of extracellular matrix components (the molecules that fill up space on the outside of cells).

These components include collagen and other fibrous proteins.

The deposition of these extra cellular matrices (ECM) components makes the tissues hard and non-flexible. This is the characteristic of fibrosis.

In the uterus, the cells which turn cancerous and form tumours are the ones which secrete these extracellular matrix components which cause additional problems.

A special molecule called fibronectin in one of the major components of the extracellular matrix in the uterine tissues and in case of fibroids, it is usually found in large amounts in the tumour lumps. It plays a major role in the ECM and promotion of growth of cells.

Fibronectin binds to the ECM components and holds them in place. It also binds to the receptors in the neighboring cells and initiates more secretion of ECM components and promotes the growth of the cells.

Altered expression of fibronectin, thus, has been shown to be the reason for fibroids.

Curcumin from turmeric has been proven to be a potent inhibitor of fibronectin in the uterine tissues. It not only prevents fibronectin secretion, it also acts as a neoplastic agent which means that it prevents the formation of new cells.

What it means: curcumin helps in inhibiting the production or regulating the production of fibronectin which ultimately helps in controlling growth of the fibroid tissue and stopping the deposition of extracellular matrix components that makes the fibroids hard .

4. Curcumin shows inhibition of development of blood vessels in tumour lumps

Development of blood vessels or angiogenesis is a process in which the tumour cells secrete factors so that the blood vessel formation takes place in it and they get proper oxygen for their survival.

This process is important to make sure that the tumour proliferates properly.

The tumour cells secrete certain growth factors that attract the blood vessels and they outgrow in the region of the cancerous lumps. Inhibiting this process devoids tumour cells of oxygen supply leading to their death.

Studies on curcumin and its effect on reproductive disorders have shown that the compound inhibits the process of angiogenesis or blood vessel development in the extra growth in the uterine tissue.

In other words, it does not allow the blood vessels to grow in the vicinity of tumour cells.

It does so by inhibiting the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor, which is an important angiogenic compound that the tumour cells make use of, for angiogenesis.

Inhibiting VEGF leads to the lack of angiogenesis in fibroid lumps, suffocating them to their death.

What it means: curcumin from turmeric inhibits the growth factors that help in developing blood vessels I the fibroid tissue. This leads to the restraining of oxygen supply to these cells and the tumour cells die .

5. Curcumin acts as an anti-inflammatory agent

Inflammation is one of the important reasons that lead to the alteration of the cells. This alteration causes abnormal release of growth factors and abnormally high cell division which results in uterine fibroids.

Turmeric has been identified as one of the important dietary phytochemical that helps in amelioration of the inflammation by healing the uterine tissues of any injury or infection.

It also reduces the amount of inflammatory molecules circulating in the blood and protects the cells.

What it means: turmeric helps in regulation of the inflammation in the uterine tissues by healing them of any injury or infection.

This leads to reduced damage to the cells of the uterus and lesser chances of occurrence of uterine fibroids.

Dosage and consumption

Turmeric is usually used as an edible in small amounts in curry and other food items.

Turmeric powder is taken in the doses of 400 – 600 mg, three times a day. Cut root can also be consumed dried or fresh. The fresh cut root can be taken in 1.5 – 3 grams per day and dried root in the amounts of 1 – 3 grams per day.

Refer our detailed article on turmeric dosage here>

Since turmeric is not well absorbed in the body, black pepper can be taken with it in small amounts to increase its absorption. More details here>

Another way is to take turmeric with fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, etc.

If you are including turmeric in curries etc, most probably they will have fats and thus will take care of absorption anyways.

Turmeric can be added to almost anything from curries, smoothies, salads etc. Here are some great recipes yo get you started>

Two of the best ways to turmeric are 1) golden paste (recipe here) and 2) turmeric milk (recipe here)

Precautions and side effects

Traditionally, turmeric is being consumed for centuries all around the world.

Recent research done on turmeric has proven its traditional use to be extremely effective with minimal or no side effects.

Turmeric as a spice is very safe. But if you are taking curcumin supplements, be careful.

Overconsumption of turmeric, however, can sometimes cause mild stomach ache, diarrhoea and kidney stones. Turmeric also decreases blood glucose, thus taking it in medicinal doses along with diabetes medications can lead to hypoglycaemia.

Turmeric increases the time of blood clotting or in other words, slows down clotting. Thus, it can increase the effects of drugs that slow blood clotting or interfere with the ones that increase blood clotting.

Consumption of turmeric in medicinal doses should be stopped at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery to avoid the risk of bleeding and slow clotting.

Also, not much research has been done on the consumption of turmeric in medicinal doses by pregnant women and nursing mothers. Thus, it should be avoided during such times.

Summary

Turmeric has been found to heal uterine fibroids through its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to induce cell death in the tumour cells in the uterus.

It also reduces the growth of the extra cells in the outgrowth and reduces the factors that promote fibroids.

Thus, it is emerging as a potent natural compound that can bring in a new hope for the treatment of uterine leiomyomas.

52 thoughts on “How Turmeric Can Help in Uterine Fibroids”

  3. I liked your remedy but don’t have twists of fresh black pepper thou u indicated that its a necessary step…so can’t i use a powdered black pepper spice.

    Reply

  5. I’m taking curamed with DMSO to help with my uterine fibroids. As curcumin can cause heavy menstrual flow – which I already have from fibroids – how many days before my period is due should I stop taking the supplement

    Reply

    • Hi. We have not come across any research on this. If you are experiencing heavy menstrual flow with curcumin please discontinue its use and consult your doctor about this.

      Reply

  7. Hi,
    Please I need your help desperately. I have huge and multiple fibroids for some years now which causes a lot of bleeding during my monthly menstruation and I am have low blood count(anemia). My stomach is really hard and bulging.
    I am scared of having a surgery and I want it totally gone naturally.
    Out of my desperation while surfing the Internet looking for ways to shrink the sizes completely, I came across your website on health benefits of tumeric.
    So I decided to contact you, please what tumeric recipe can you suggest I taje and for how long to completely reduce and eliminate the huge multiple fibroids?

    Reply

    • Hi. Yes you can consume turmeric and ginger tea. Here is the recipe:
      https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-benefits/brew-a-cup-of-turmeric-tea
      Also you may consider consuming Golden Paste and add ginger powder to it.Start with small doses such as 1/4-1/2 tsp and if you see no side effects then increase the dose gradually to 1 tsp 2-3 times a day over a few weeks. Best taken with food to avoid acid reflux. Avoid taking it at the same time when you take meds. http://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/how-to-make-turmeric-paste-or-golden-paste
      http://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/how-to-make-golden-paste-from-raw-fresh-turmeric

      Reply

    • I think using fresh turmeric is better than using powder form. It’s more potent. The powdered form is not as powerful.

      If I can add to the previous comment, why don’t you try fresh turmeric mixed in with milk?
      (I.e. make the fresh turmeric into a paste, and add one tea spoon into a glass of milk. Stir this in and drink.)

      My mother has the same problem as you, and after reading this article I have advised her to do this.

      (Funnily enough she was making me drink this all week, before I decided to do some research on its benifits. Glad to find that it could potentially also help her.)

      Fresh turmeric could be found in most south asian stores or at least in asian stores (in the UK) that have fruit and veg stalls.

      I hope others who read this comment would also think about using fresh turmeric. It’s messy, and it stains. But the potential effects may be worth it? Hopefully.

      Fresh turmeric has helped heal my skin which I burnt. I can almost imagine what wonderful things it can do to your internal body.

      It might work for most people and it might not work. But the main thing is to give it a try.

      Take it for a month before giving up?

      Anyway, I hope your problem resolves and you get better.

      P.s.
      Everything is better fresh. The nutrients are more active and alive in fresh produce. So always opt for that when searching for herbal remedies.
      Pills in a bottle don’t have the same effect as fresh produce.

      Reply

  9. Thank you so much for the information. I have two questions. 1,can someone who had ovarian cyst take turmeric also? 2, for an ulcer patient, can I take black pepper.

    Reply

    • Turmeric should help relieve inflammation in ovarian cysts. It is safe to consume turmeric when you have ovarian cysts but please consult a health practitioner before or if you notice any significant changes during menstrual cycle.
      Whether spices aggravate ulcers or help heal them is still a confusing matter for scientists but to be on the safe side you can avoid black pepper and stick to healthy oils to improve absorption of curcumin/turmeric.

      Reply

  10. May God bless ad be wth u, I was told by my Dr that I’m no longer conceive but after this treatment of Mama kofi Native Healer, I’m about to gv birth to my baby girl.NEVER give up and don’t loose hope highly appreciated Mama kofi Native Healer.You can contact her via Email: mamakofiherbal@yahoo .com or whatspp Number + 233267949257. May God bless ad be wth u.

    Reply

  12. Tnx for d info. My question is, can I mix Cinnamon, garlic n ginger for d treatment or prevention of uterine fibroid?
    2. How long will I tek dis miracle herb to notice changes as regards the excruciating menstrual pain n excessive bleeding? Tnk u

    Reply

  15. I want to have another baby but l have two small fibroids and have problems getting pregnant can l take the fresh saffron and drink it as a tea?

    Reply

    • Turmeric contains curcumin which aids in preventing growth of fibroids. Turmeric tea is great for health but we can’t guarantee whether it would help dissolve the fibroids or if you would require curcumin supplements. It is best to consult an herbalist or naturopath about this.

      Reply

  18. How long will it take before the fibroids start to shrink if you consume tumeric and pepper. I started taking it two weeks ago and I would like an ideal how long it takes before I see results.

    Reply

    • Hi Michelle. Its tough to say when you would see visible effects in terms of shrinking of fibroids because this depends on dose of turmeric and severity of the condition. When you have reached a dose of 1 tsp of Golden Paste 3 times a day then perhaps a month’s time should be enough to observe shrinkage of fibroids on that dose. If no effects are seen by then, then most probably you need to up your dose.

      Reply

    • Turmeric is a spice in the first place so it can be included in food. Traditionally it is said to have uterine stimulating properties but not proven by clinical studies. So in this case its advisable to limit the intake to 1/2 tsp a day. If still in doubt do consult a herbalist or naturopath.

      Reply

  21. I began taking turmeric capsule with black pepper, three times a day, on provera as well, bleeding has stopped for now, was told uterus was 10 cm, hoping it will shrink.

    Reply

    • I take a similar supplement but once a day (1200mg cap though). My fibroid is bigger at approx 13-14 cm…monthly menses are incredibly heavy (had to be in bed for a day once,I was so weak).
      After taking it,my next period significantly improved. I didn’t need those old people diaper…am I cured? Not sure,but symptoms to my menses is much improved. Not heavy like before…will have to see if it shrunk. I am still scheduled for an embolization, early next year

      Reply

        • Hi. It is better to take turmeric supplements after meals for better absorption and to avoid acid reflux. Avoid taking it at the same time as other meds. Consult a herbalist or health practitioner before taking turmeric supplements.

          Reply

      • Hi Christine,
        I have the same situation as your and am 6 days post-embolization. I am considering taking curcumin supplement. Did it provide any benefit to your situation?

        Reply

  24. I started taking turmeric tea (golden paste) to try to shrink fibroids and calm heavy bleeding… I intend to take it twice a day, that´s all.
    What´s your opinion?
    enough?

    Reply

    • I drink turmeric ginger tea for a week, my period comes two weeks early and heavy. Turmeric slows blood clotting, so it make sense that the period is heavy and early for someone with fibroids.

      Reply

    • 1 tsp included in tea twice a day should be fine. You can increase the dose if it suits you and if you don’t see the desired therapeutic effect.

      Reply

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