Can drinking more water help with fibroids? 

Imagine little knots of muscle tissue growing in the wall of the uterus – these are uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas. They're not cancerous, but they're surprisingly common, especially for people assigned female at birth in their childbearing years.^1,5

Doctors are still figuring out exactly why fibroids develop, but they believe it's a mix of factors such as our natural hormones, the genes we inherit, and even how we live our lives.¹

Now, when we talk about managing fibroids, drinking enough water might not be the first thing that comes to mind. It's probably not going to make the fibroids disappear on their own. However, staying properly hydrated can have a positive effect on your overall health, and this can make living with fibroid symptoms slightly easier. Think of it as supporting your body's well-being from the inside out.⁵

What are uterine fibroids?

Think of your uterus, the organ where a baby grows during pregnancy, as made of muscle. Sometimes, small clumps of this muscle, along with tough, fibrous tissue, can start to grow there. These are fibroids, and they're non-cancerous.¹

They are incredibly common, non-cancerous growths in the uterus that often affect people assigned female at birth during their childbearing years. Astonishingly, they are found in up to 70% of AFAB individuals of European ancestry and over 80% of AFAB individuals of African ancestry. Despite being so widespread, the impact of fibroids on global healthcare is substantial. While many people don't notice them, about 30% experience significant problems like heavy periods, low blood count (anaemia), pain in the pelvis or back, frequent need to urinate, constipation, or trouble getting pregnant. These symptoms often require medical intervention.⁴

What's interesting is how different fibroids can be. Some are as tiny as a seed, while others can grow into very large lumps. They can pop up in different spots, too. Some grow on the inner lining of the uterus (called submucosal), others grow within the muscular wall itself (intramural), and some even grow on the outer surface (subserosal).⁵

Because of where they grow and how big they get, fibroids can cause a range of problems, such as:³

• Very heavy periods: You might find your monthly bleeding is much heavier than usual
• Aches and pressure in your pelvis: You might feel a constant dull ache or a feeling of heaviness in your lower abdomen
• Frequent urination: If a fibroid presses on your bladder, you might find yourself running to the bathroom more often
• Trouble with bowel movements: Fibroids can sometimes press on your bowel, leading to constipation
• Difficulties getting pregnant: In some cases, fibroids can make it harder to conceive

While doctors are still working to fully understand why fibroids develop, they do know they are linked to higher levels of the hormones oestrogen and progesterone in the body. Certain factors can make someone more likely to develop fibroids, including:³

• Being in your reproductive years: Fibroids are most common during the time in a person assigned female at birth's life when she can have children
• Family history of fibroids: If your mother, sister, or aunt had fibroids, you may be more likely to get them too
• Being overweight or obese: Higher body weight appears to be linked to a greater risk
• Having African ancestry: AFAB individuals of African ancestry are more likely to develop fibroids

The role of hydration in the body (or why is hydration important for your body?)

You can think of water as the ultimate multitasker inside your body. It's not just there to quench your thirst; it's vital for almost everything your body does.³

For example, water helps keep your internal temperature steady, similar to how coolant prevents a car engine from overheating. It's also like a delivery truck, transporting nutrients from the food you eat to every part of your body. Just as importantly, it acts like a cleaning crew, flushing out waste your body no longer needs.^1,5

Water also plays a key role in keeping your hormone levels balanced. Organs like your liver and kidneys help process and eliminate excess hormones circulating in your system. You can think of them as the body's natural filtration system for hormones. But here's the thing: these organs need enough water to function properly.¹

When you’re dehydrated, these vital organs can become sluggish and less effective. It's like trying to run a machine without enough oil – it simply doesn’t run smoothly. This slowdown can affect the delicate balance of your body’s internal systems, including your hormones.¹

How hydration may affect fibroids (or how can staying hydrated help with fibroid symptoms?)

Drinking more water won't make fibroids disappear. But think of water as a helpful sidekick – it can ease discomfort and keep your body's systems running smoothly, especially when it comes to hormone balance. Here's how:^9,10

• Reducing Inflammation: When you're not drinking enough, your body can become more prone to inflammation. This can increase pain or discomfort from fibroids, making symptoms feel even worse. Staying hydrated can help keep inflammation in check
• Helping Your Body Balance Hormones: Remember how the liver helps remove extra hormones? Well, it needs enough water to do this job effectively. Oestrogen, a hormone linked to fibroid growth, needs to be cleared efficiently by the body., If not, it could create an environment that encourages fibroids to grow. Staying hydrated supports your liver in maintaining this hormonal balance
• Easing Bloating: Many people with fibroids experience bloating, especially around their period. While it might seem counterintuitive, drinking enough water helps your body release excess fluid, easing that bloated feeling
• Boosting Blood Flow: Just like a well-watered garden thrives, your uterus also benefits from good circulation. Staying hydrated helps blood flow smoothly, delivering nutrients and supporting the uterine tissues

So, while water isn't a cure for fibroids, staying hydrated is a simple yet powerful way to support your body and ease some fibroid-related symptoms. It's like making sure the engine of your body is well-oiled and running smoothly.¹⁰

Tips for staying hydrated (Especially for people with fibroids) (or how can you stay hydrated if you have fibroids?)

Staying hydrated can be a helpful part of managing fibroid symptoms. But how can you make sure you're getting enough fluids? Here are some easy tips to weave into your daily routine:^9,10

• Aim for the recommended Amount (and beyond). A good starting point is to try to drink at least 8 to 10 cups (around 2 litres) of water each day. Think of a standard glass – that's your target. If you exercise regularly or it’s hot and you're sweating more, you'll likely need more than this to stay properly hydrated. Listen to your body – if you're thirsty, drink!
• Don’t forget – water doesn't just come in a glass. Many healthy foods can also help you stay hydrated. Think about adding more of these to your meals and snacks:
  • Crisp and Refreshing: For example, cucumbers and celery are packed with water and can be great in salads or as snacks
  • Sweet and Juicy: Watermelon and oranges are not only tasty but also excellent sources of hydration. Other fruits like strawberries, grapefruit, and cantaloupe are also good choices
  • Soups and Stews: These liquid-based meals can contribute significantly to your daily fluid intake, especially if they're broth-based
• Be Mindful of Dehydrating Drinks: While that morning coffee or evening glass of wine might be part of your routine, it's important to know that caffeine and alcohol can lead to dehydration. This doesn't mean you have to avoid them entirely, but try to balance them out with extra water. For every caffeinated or alcoholic drink, consider having an extra glass of water
• Explore the World of Herbal Teas: If plain water feels a bit boring, herbal teas can be a flavorful and hydrating alternative. Some, like ginger and chamomile, even have bonus benefits like aiding digestion and potentially reducing inflammation, which, as we talked about, can be helpful if you have fibroids. Just be sure to choose caffeine-free options where possible!
• Make Hydration a Habit: One of the easiest ways to drink more water is to keep it within easy reach throughout the day. Invest in a reusable water bottle that you like and keep it with you throughout the day – at home, at work, or in the car. Seeing it will be a gentle reminder to take sips regularly. You might be surprised how much more you drink when it's easily accessible!

Incorporating these simple strategies can help make hydration a natural part of your daily routine,  giving your body the support it needs, especially when managing fibroids.¹¹

What other lifestyle habits can support fibroid health?

Along with staying hydrated, here are other lifestyle habits that can support fibroid health:^{4 11}

• Eat a high-fibre, anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and plant-based or lean animal protein
• Limit red meat, processed foods, and added sugars. These may contribute to worsening hormonal imbalances
• Exercise regularly to improve circulation, hormone balance, and overall well-being
• Manage stress through meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques
• Consult a healthcare provider for medical treatments, which might include medication, hormone therapy, or surgery

Summary

While drinking more water won’t make fibroids disappear like magic, it's a simple yet surprisingly effective way to support your overall well-being when managing them. Think of it as giving your body a helping hand in maintaining balance and supporting vital functions.

Staying properly hydrated helps maintain hormone balance, which, as we've discussed, is linked to fibroid growth. It can also help manage inflammation in your body, potentially easing the pain and discomfort that fibroids can cause. Water helps your body flush out waste and toxins, allowing all your systems to function more smoothly.

All of these factors – balanced hormones, managed inflammation, and efficient toxin removal – can have a positive ripple effect. This may potentially make living with fibroid symptoms a bit easier.

It's a good idea to make hydration a priority. Grab a reusable water bottle, keep it filled, and sip it throughout the day. Make drinking enough water a key part of your overall health plan while managing your fibroids. It's a small change that can make a meaningful difference in how your body functions and how you feel.