Uterine Fibroids & Blood Pressure: What the Latest Study Shows

If you have uterine fibroids, you might have heard they only affect the uterus. A recent Mayo Clinic study says there’s more to the story – especially when it comes to your nerves and blood pressure. This isn’t hype; researchers actually measured nerve signals in women with fibroids and found a clear pattern.

Understanding the New Findings

The team looked at over 200 women, half of whom had diagnosed fibroids. They used non‑invasive tests to track nerve activity around the pelvic area while also checking blood pressure during everyday tasks. Women with larger or more numerous fibroids showed higher sympathetic nerve firing – the same type of nervous system response that spikes when you’re stressed.

That spike mattered because it pushed systolic blood pressure up by an average of 8 mmHg compared to the control group. In plain terms, if your normal reading is 120/80, you might see something like 128/85 on a day when fibroid‑related nerve activity is high. The researchers say this could explain why some women with fibroids report “high blood pressure” even without classic risk factors.

What This Means for You

First off, you don’t need to panic. Knowing there’s a link helps you take proactive steps. Talk to your doctor about monitoring blood pressure more often if you have fibroids, especially if they’re causing pain or heavy bleeding.

Second, lifestyle tweaks that calm the nervous system can make a difference. Simple things like regular walks, deep‑breathing exercises, and limiting caffeine can lower sympathetic tone and might keep your BP in check.

If you’re already on medication for blood pressure, let your healthcare provider know about the fibroid diagnosis. They may adjust doses or suggest a different class of drugs that better addresses nerve‑driven spikes.

Finally, keep an eye on new treatment options. The study opens doors for therapies that target nerve activity directly – think low‑dose beta‑blockers or even emerging neuromodulation techniques. While those aren’t standard yet, they’re on the radar thanks to findings like this.

Bottom line: uterine fibroids can do more than cause pelvic discomfort. They may nudge your nervous system and raise blood pressure, which in turn affects heart health. By staying informed, monitoring your numbers, and adopting calming habits, you can stay ahead of the curve and protect both your uterus and your cardiovascular system.