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Understanding Uterine Fibroids and the FASN Gene

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, and potential fertility challenges. Multiple factors influence fibroid development, including hormones, environment, lifestyle, and genetics. One gene linked to fibroid risk is FASN, which encodes fatty acid synthase, an enzyme that makes fatty acids used for cell membranes, energy storage, and signaling. Variations in FASN may change local fatty acid production in uterine tissue and create an environment that supports fibroid growth.

How FASN affects uterine health

  • FASN helps produce fatty acids that support cell growth and hormone signaling in the uterus.
  • Altered fatty acid metabolism can change how uterine cells respond to estrogen and inflammation.
  • Certain FASN variants are associated with a higher likelihood of fibroid development, particularly when combined with other risk factors like high estrogen exposure or environmental chemicals that disrupt hormones.

Practical ways to support uterine and hormonal health

Regardless of genetic background, lifestyle choices can influence fibroid risk and overall reproductive wellness. The following suggestions focus on diet, supplements, movement, chemical exposure reduction, and monitoring that may help support uterine health.

Diet recommendations

  • Emphasize whole fruits and vegetables. Aim for a variety of colors to increase polyphenols and antioxidants that support healthy cell regulation.
  • Prioritize plant-based fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds rather than high amounts of saturated animal fats.
  • Limit processed foods, additives, and refined sugars that promote inflammation and metabolic imbalance.
  • Reduce intake of high-dairy diets and minimize concentrated soy products. Moderate, whole-food soy may be acceptable for some people, but limiting isolated soy is recommended if you are concerned about estrogenic effects.
  • Include fiber-rich foods such as legumes, whole grains, and vegetables to support healthy estrogen metabolism and elimination.
  • Ensure adequate iron if you experience heavy bleeding. Choose iron-rich plant foods or supplements as advised by your clinician.

Supplement considerations

Supplements may help support cellular health and reduce pathways linked to fibroid growth. Discuss these with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have other health conditions.

  • Green tea extract (EGCG): May limit fibroid cell growth and support antioxidant defenses. Monitor dose and discuss liver safety with a clinician.
  • Resveratrol: A polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and cell signaling effects that may support healthy uterine tissue.
  • Curcumin: The active compound in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties.
  • Kaempferol: A plant flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables with potential to modulate pathways involved in fibroid growth.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: May reduce inflammation and support balanced fatty acid profiles.

Lifestyle strategies

  • Regular exercise: Aim for a mix of aerobic activity and resistance training most days of the week to support hormone balance, weight management, and reduced inflammation.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight: Excess adipose tissue can increase estrogen production and inflammation.
  • Stress management: Chronic stress can alter hormonal regulation. Practices such as yoga, meditation, and adequate sleep support reproductive health.
  • Minimize exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals: Reduce use of plastics containing BPA and phthalates, avoid microwaving food in plastic, choose glass or stainless steel, and opt for personal care products without known endocrine disruptors.

Monitoring and testing to discuss with your clinician

  • Pelvic imaging: If you have symptoms such as heavy bleeding or pain, pelvic ultrasound or MRI can detect fibroids and track size over time.
  • Complete blood count and iron studies: If periods are heavy, check for iron deficiency anemia and monitor ferritin.
  • Hormone evaluation: In select cases, clinicians may assess estradiol, progesterone, thyroid, and metabolic markers to understand contributors to symptoms.
  • Fertility evaluation: If trying to conceive, discuss how fibroids might impact reproductive plans and whether removal or treatment is appropriate.

Genetic interpretation for FASN variant rs4247357

PlexusDx provides the genetic interpretation below to explain how your rs4247357 genotype relates to uterine fibroid risk and practical steps you can consider. This information is educational only. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance and before making changes to diet, supplements, or treatment plans.

2 effect alleles (TT)

If you have the TT genotype at rs4247357, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. The T allele may alter FASN activity and local fatty acid production, potentially creating a metabolic environment that supports fibroid growth, particularly in the presence of higher estrogen levels or other risk factors.

  • Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and fiber to support healthy estrogen metabolism.
  • Choose plant-based fats and limit saturated animal fats, processed foods, and additives.
  • Limit concentrated soy and dairy if you are concerned about estrogenic exposure.
  • Consider supplements such as green tea extract (EGCG), curcumin, resveratrol, and kaempferol after discussing safety with your clinician.
  • Exercise regularly, manage stress, and reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors like BPA and phthalates.
  • Work with your clinician on routine monitoring if you have pelvic symptoms or heavy bleeding.
1 effect allele (GT)

If you have the GT genotype at rs4247357, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk of developing uterine fibroids compared with the non-effect genotype. The presence of one T allele can influence FASN-related fatty acid production and may make uterine tissue more responsive to growth signals, especially where estrogen exposure is higher.

  • Follow a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and plant-based fats. Limit processed foods, additives, and high saturated fat intake.
  • Limit concentrated soy and dairy intake as a precaution, and prioritize whole food sources when possible.
  • Supplements such as EGCG, curcumin, resveratrol, and kaempferol may offer supportive effects. Review use and dosing with your healthcare provider.
  • Stay active, maintain healthy weight, and reduce exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in plastics and personal care products.
  • If you experience symptoms, seek evaluation and imaging as recommended by your clinician.
0 effect alleles (GG)

If you have the GG genotype at rs4247357, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele and your genetic risk at this particular variant is typical. This does not mean you cannot develop fibroids. Fibroids arise from many causes including other genetic variants, hormone levels, inflammation, and environmental exposures.

  • Maintain a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and plant-based fats.
  • Limit processed foods, additives, and excessive saturated fats.
  • Exercise regularly, manage stress, and limit endocrine disruptors exposure.
  • Follow routine gynecologic care, and seek evaluation if you experience heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns.

Final notes

This genetic result highlights one factor linked to uterine fibroid risk. It does not determine your outcomes. Lifestyle, hormonal factors, and other genes also play important roles. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Use this information to inform conversations with your healthcare provider, who can recommend diagnostic testing, monitoring strategies, or treatment options tailored to your personal health needs.