Can Vitamin D Shrink Fibroids? Here’s What the Research Says

If you’ve been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you’re not alone. These noncancerous growths in the uterus affect up to 80% of women by age 50. While many fibroids are harmless, others can cause symptoms like heavy periods, pelvic pain, or even fertility problems.

What if there was a natural, affordable way to help manage fibroids? That’s where vitamin D comes into the conversation.

Recent studies suggest that vitamin D might do more than support your bones and immune system—it could actually help shrink fibroids. Here’s what science says.

First, What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin your body makes when your skin is exposed to sunlight. You can also get it from foods like fatty fish, fortified milk, or supplements.

It plays a key role in calcium absorption, immune health, and even regulating how cells grow and divide.

The Vitamin D–Fibroid Connection

Several studies have found that low vitamin D levels are linked to a higher risk of developing fibroids.

✅ A 2013 study found that women with adequate vitamin D levels had a 32% lower risk of fibroids than those who were deficient.
🔗 View study on PubMed

✅ Another 2016 study highlighted that African American women—who have both higher rates of fibroids and vitamin D deficiency—may especially benefit from supplementation.
🔗 Read more here

Can Vitamin D Actually Shrink Existing Fibroids?

Yes, some research suggests that vitamin D can reduce the size of fibroids, especially in women who are vitamin D deficient.

🧪 In animal studies, vitamin D has been shown to shrink fibroids by slowing the growth of fibroid cells.
🔗 Study link

👩⚕️ In a 2016 clinical trial, women who took vitamin D supplements for 12 weeks saw stabilization or even a reduction in fibroid size. The placebo group? Their fibroids grew.
🔗 Study link

🧬 A 2021 randomized trial backed this up: women taking vitamin D for six months showed a significant reduction in fibroid volume.
🔗 See the study

How Does It Work?

Vitamin D may help shrink fibroids by:

• Slowing cell growth in the fibroid tissue

• Reducing inflammation and fibrotic tissue buildup

• Decreasing estrogen and progesterone receptor activity (hormones that fuel fibroid growth)

How Much Vitamin D Do You Need?

Most adults need about 600–800 IU/day, but people who are deficient may need more. Blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D above 30 ng/mL are generally considered sufficient.

⚠️ Always talk to your doctor before starting high-dose vitamin D supplements—especially if you have health conditions or take medications.

Bottom Line: Should You Take Vitamin D for Fibroids?

If you have fibroids and low vitamin D levels, supplementing could be a simple and effective step in managing your symptoms or slowing fibroid growth.

While vitamin D isn't a magic cure, the science shows real promise—and unlike surgery or medications, it’s a low-risk option worth discussing with your doctor.

Sources:

• Baird DD et al., 2013 – Vitamin D and fibroid risk

• Ciavattini A et al., 2016 – Effect of vitamin D on fibroid size

• Halder SK et al., 2010 – Animal model study

• Moini A et al., 2021 – Randomized clinical trial

Have you tried vitamin D for fibroids or been tested for deficiency? Share your experience in the comments!