Fibroids and soy milk?

I have a cantaloupe sized fibroid. I'm 50 and 1.5 years into menopause (stopped 18 months ago). Started having delayed periods at 46...stopped completely at 49.

I read somewhere that soy is a phytoestrogen (sp?) and that perhaps I shouldn't be having my soy milk with cereal every morning considering I have this cantaloupe sized fibroid.

Anyone know the connection? I would like to start shrinking this sucker naturally if at all possible, i.e. acupuncture, herbs, etc. Perhaps this Neprinol too..I will have to study that one a bit more. Ask the Dr. too.

I've heard quite a bit about phytoestrogens as well. I believe they've done a few studies that show that they have no effect on hot flashes. It would stand to reason if they're not powerful enough to stop hot flashes, I wonder if they're strong enough to keep fibroids big.

I don't think I buy into these stories about modern chemicals cause our fibroids. I stopped eating meat back in 1987 yet I still ended up with fibroids (my grandmother had her hyster for a cantelope sized one when she was in her forties). I also stopped all soy in my diet (though there wasn't much) and went as organic as I could and started progesterone cream for one year before my hyster. If it helped, it only kept them from growing bigger.

There is strong evidence that a genetic defect in collagen organization is what causes them in women and though lack of estrogen (or binding estrogen with other hormones) can reduce their size, it can never get rid of the ability to make them.

It sounds as if your ovaries are still putting out some estrogen to keep the fibroids from shrinking. Though that's good news for your heart and bones, it's probably not so good news for your enlarged uterus. Has our doctor run your hormone levels since you entered menopause to see where your levels are at? You might want to consult a reproductive endocrinlogist that has some expertise in fibroids and menopause.

Ask about using soy in your diet. You might want to switch to rice milk or almond milk (I actually prefer almond milk).

You also might want to talk to your doctor about embolization.

Take care.

Hi funnyesq,

I'm not sure about the connection between soy milk and fibroids. I do know that my very forward thinking endocrinologist doesn't recommend soy products unless they are fermented (like tempeh). It has something to do with how the body processes and digests it when it's unfermented. I wish I could remember the details. I know...it's a bit, "eat this...no, no, no, don't eat that now"!! But I did drink soymilk, and soy protein powders for years...hmmm. I never did feel like I digested it well, then I found out I'm allergic to it!

I understand your desire to deal with your fibroid naturally. I worked with my endocrinologist for over a year to try to shrink my fibroid...it only got bigger! Hormone tests had showed that I was zeroed out of Progesterone, so I used a bio-identical cream to bring my levels up to normal, (so that I was no longer estrogen dominant). I also had been seeing an acupuncturist for several years to try to shrink it, and deal with my heavy periods. She'd had some luck with other women...but not with me! My fibroid was apparently on a mission!

I just did a little research about Neprinol. It sounds similar to another systemic enzyme supplement that I've heard of called Fibrozym. It also has Serrapeptase. They are probably similar in action. Let us know what results you get, if you try it.

I agree with juniper...I love almond milk. I think it's much better than either soy or rice milk. I like the one made by Blue Diamond, called Almond Breeze. It's much less sweet, and actually has a little bit of protein. I've also seen Oat milk, and Hazelnut milk!

Wishing you luck, and sending best wishes!