Uterine fibroids and soy: What you need to know

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Bui Thi Thu and Specialist Doctor II Tran Thi Mai Huong - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Patients with uterine fibroids in addition to following the principles of treatment according to the doctor's regimen, the diet also works to reduce some symptoms and complications of fibroids. There are many opinions that fibroids patients do not drink soy milk or soy products. Is this view right or wrong?

Uterine fibroids are small, benign tumors that grow and form in the muscle of the uterus, common in women of reproductive age. Uterine fibroids can consist of one or more tumors, ranging in diameter from a few millimeters to several tens of millimeters, most of which are benign and do not develop into cancer.
Most cases of uterine fibroids show no symptoms, do not need surgical intervention, only monitoring or medical treatment with progesterone drugs. About one-third of fibroids are asymptomatic by the age of 40 by the time menopause stops growing. When uterine fibroids grow to cause complications that compress or cause disorders and lesions in the genital organs, the doctor will prescribe surgery, removal of uterine fibroids, or partial or complete removal of the uterine fibroids. uterus to remove fibroids.

The cause of uterine fibroids in women is currently unknown, but many experts hypothesize that it is due to an increase in the female hormone estrogen (estrogen secreted a lot and has a strong activity). With the hypothesis that fibroids are caused by increased estrogen, uterine fibroids will not grow when women go through menopause, the body is reduced even not secreting estrogen anymore. Since then, there is a view that should avoid factors that increase the presence of estrogen in the body of women with fibroids, including soy, because it contains a lot of phytoestrogens, a compound that has phytoestrogens. estrogen-like properties.

According to scientists, in soybeans contain phytoestrogens - substances with effects similar to estrogen but derived from plants. Therefore, in cases of needing to supplement estrogen like women in menopause, women will be advised to use soy milk and soy products to supplement phytoestrogens. This compound in soybeans also helps inhibit estrogen receptors on fibroid cells, reducing symptoms as well as reducing the risk of developing uterine fibroids.
Currently, there is no scientific study that proves that drinking soy milk daily can replace hormone replacement therapy as an estrogen drug treatment in women to correct cure disorders caused by menopause.
However, it is certain that soy milk and soy-based foods that we eat every day cannot contain enough phytoestrogens to have the same effect as estrogen, causing an increase in estrogen to the point of making Uterine fibroids grow harmfully. People with uterine fibroids can safely use soy milk and their favorite soy-based foods.

For functional foods containing soybean sprouts, one must think differently, can not be arbitrarily used for people with uterine fibroids because it is not clear what this preparation contains, how soy germ works for women. Women with uterine fibroids and how much, is it within the safe range? Therefore, it is best to consult with your doctor about taking supplements containing soy germ.

Meat with a deep red color such as pork, beef, lamb, ... can increase estrogen levels and stimulate fibroid growth. People with uterine fibroids are advised to eat white meat such as chicken, poultry,... Animal organs Caffeinated drinks, soft drinks, chocolate, tobacco (including passive smoking) , coffee... Limit processed and packaged foods with high sodium content. To help customers detect and treat early uterine fibroids and other gynecological diseases, Vinmec International General Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, helping customers detect diseases early. Infection management makes treatment easy and inexpensive. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: irregular menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle Irregular vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the private area, abnormal vaginal bleeding.