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Understanding Your ACE rs4343 Result and Uterine Fibroid Risk

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, fertility challenges, and other symptoms that affect quality of life. The ACE gene helps regulate blood vessel function and tissue growth, and variations in this gene can influence fibroid development and severity. Your rs4343 genotype provides information about one pathway that may alter your susceptibility to fibroids, but it is only one piece of a larger picture that includes hormones, environment, and lifestyle.

How ACE Can Affect Uterine Health

The ACE gene influences processes that affect tissue remodeling, blood flow, and inflammation. Changes in ACE activity can alter how uterine tissue grows and repairs itself. When combined with higher lifetime exposure to estrogen or exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, certain ACE variants may increase the chance that fibroids develop or grow larger and become symptomatic.

Genetic Interpretation

Two effect alleles (GG genotype)

You carry two copies of the effect G allele at rs4343 (GG genotype), which is associated with an increased genetic risk for developing uterine fibroids. This means the ACE-related pathway may be more likely to promote tissue growth and changes in blood vessel function that favor fibroid formation. Your personal risk can be amplified by higher estrogen exposure or environmental toxins such as BPA and phthalates.

Practical considerations

  • Be proactive with gynecologic care: discuss symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain, or fertility concerns with your provider.
  • Monitor menstrual patterns and report changes that affect daily life.
  • Consider early screening or imaging if symptoms arise or if you plan pregnancy and have risk concerns.
One effect allele (AG genotype)

You carry one copy of the effect G allele at rs4343 (AG genotype). This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk compared with the population baseline, but the effect is smaller than for two effect alleles. The G allele may increase susceptibility to fibroid formation through ACE-related effects on tissue growth, especially when combined with high estrogen exposure or environmental endocrine disruptors.

Practical considerations

  • Watch for symptoms and maintain regular gynecologic follow-up.
  • Adopt prevention-oriented lifestyle habits that support uterine health (see recommendations below).
  • Talk with your provider about individualized risk management if you have symptoms or family history of fibroids.
Zero effect alleles (AA genotype)

You carry two copies of the A allele at rs4343 (AA genotype), which is associated with typical baseline risk for uterine fibroids through the ACE pathway. While this genotype is favorable in the context of ACE-related susceptibility, fibroid development is influenced by many factors including hormones, environment, body weight, and other genes.

Practical considerations

  • Continue routine gynecologic care and symptom monitoring.
  • Use lifestyle and environmental strategies to help lower overall fibroid risk and support reproductive health.

Diet Recommendations to Support Uterine Health

  • Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. Natural polyphenols found in berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, apples, onions, and herbs support healthy tissue regulation and antioxidant defenses.
  • Prioritize whole foods and fiber. A diet rich in fiber helps regulate estrogen metabolism and supports a healthy microbiome.
  • Limit soy and processed dairy. Some phytoestrogens and processed dairy components may influence hormone balance in sensitive individuals.
  • Avoid foods with additives, preservatives, and ultra-processed ingredients that can promote inflammation.
  • Include fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and other sources of omega-3 fatty acids to help manage inflammation.

Supplement Considerations

  • Green tea extract (EGCG): Research suggests EGCG can help reduce fibroid size and symptoms in some people. If considering supplementation, use a standardized EGCG product and discuss safe dosing with your healthcare provider.
  • Vitamin D: Low vitamin D levels have been associated with fibroid risk. Check levels with your provider and supplement if deficient.
  • Omega-3s: Fish oil or algal oil can support anti-inflammatory pathways; talk with your provider about appropriate dosing.
  • Do not start supplements without consulting your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have other health conditions.

Lifestyle and Environmental Steps

  • Reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors. Avoid plastics marked with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7 when possible; choose glass or stainless steel for food storage; avoid microwaving food in plastic; and limit use of products that list phthalates or "fragrance" among ingredients.
  • Minimize BPA exposure by choosing BPA-free canned goods or fresh alternatives and avoiding thermal paper receipts when possible.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight. Excess adipose tissue can increase estrogen production and may contribute to fibroid growth.
  • Manage stress and prioritize sleep. Chronic stress and poor sleep can affect hormonal balance.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake, as both can influence overall reproductive health.

Testing and Clinical Follow-Up

If you experience heavy or prolonged bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, or difficulty conceiving, talk with your healthcare provider about evaluation options such as pelvic exam, ultrasound, or further imaging. Blood tests can assess hormone levels and vitamin D status. Your provider can integrate your genotype result with family history, symptoms, imaging, and other clinical data to create a personalized plan.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

  • Heavy or soaking-through clothing or pads every 1 to 2 hours
  • Severe pelvic pain or cramping not relieved by over-the-counter medications
  • Bleeding between periods or after menopause
  • Difficulty conceiving or changes in menstrual pattern

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only and does not provide medical advice. Genetic results are one part of health risk assessment and should be interpreted in the context of your overall health, family history, and clinical findings. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making medical, dietary, supplement, or lifestyle changes based on genetic information.