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Understanding Uterine Fibroids and Your XPG Gene Result

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, and may affect fertility for some people. Many factors influence fibroid risk, including hormones, body weight, environmental exposures, and genetics. One gene involved in this process is XPG, which helps repair DNA damage in uterine tissue. Variations in XPG can influence how efficiently DNA is repaired and may change susceptibility to abnormal cell growth such as fibroids.

How to read this result

This report explains what your genotype at rs873601 in the XPG gene may mean for fibroid risk and gives practical, evidence-informed steps you can consider to support uterine health. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always discuss genetic results and changes to diet, supplements, or medical care with your healthcare provider.

Genetic interpretation for rs873601 (XPG)

Two effect alleles (AA) — increased risk

If you have the AA genotype at rs873601, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids. The XPG variant may reduce DNA repair efficiency in uterine tissue, which can allow abnormal cell growth over time.

Actions to consider: prioritize a diet high in antioxidants and polyphenols, limit soy and hormone-containing dairy, reduce processed foods, consider supplements such as green tea extract (EGCG), resveratrol, and curcumin, maintain regular physical activity and healthy weight, and reduce exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA and phthalates. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements or treatment strategies.

One effect allele (AG) — likely increased risk

If you have the AG genotype at rs873601, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk of fibroids compared with the non-effect genotype. The variant may moderately affect DNA repair efficiency in uterine muscle tissue and slightly raise susceptibility to fibroid development.

Actions to consider: focus on antioxidant-rich foods, limit soy and dairy with added hormones, avoid highly processed foods, consider supportive supplements such as green tea extract (EGCG), kaempferol, resveratrol, and curcumin, choose BPA- and phthalate-free products when possible, and maintain regular exercise and healthy weight. Review these measures with your healthcare provider.

No effect alleles (GG) — typical risk

If you have the GG genotype at rs873601, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype is associated with typical DNA repair function in uterine tissue via XPG, and does not raise fibroid risk through this genetic pathway. However, fibroid risk is still influenced by other genes, hormones, and lifestyle factors.

Actions to consider: continue or adopt uterine-healthy habits such as a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, weight management, and minimizing exposure to endocrine disruptors to support overall reproductive wellness. Talk with your healthcare provider about personalized monitoring or prevention strategies if you have symptoms or other risk factors.

Practical dietary recommendations

  • Emphasize whole plant foods: eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, especially berries, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts), leafy greens, and colorful produce high in polyphenols and antioxidants.
  • Choose fiber-rich carbohydrates: whole grains, legumes, and vegetables support blood sugar balance and hormone metabolism.
  • Limit soy and hormone-containing dairy: some people choose to reduce concentrated soy products and conventionally produced dairy with added hormones as a precaution for hormone-sensitive conditions.
  • Avoid processed foods and additives: cut back on highly processed foods, trans fats, and products with artificial additives that can contribute to inflammation and metabolic stress.
  • Healthy fats and proteins: include sources of omega-3 rich fish, nuts, seeds, and lean protein to support balanced inflammation and general health.
  • Hydration and alcohol moderation: stay well hydrated and limit alcohol, which can affect hormone metabolism.

Supplements some people consider

Supplements may help support uterine health, but they can interact with medications and are not appropriate for everyone. Discuss any supplement use with your healthcare provider.

  • Green tea extract (EGCG): may have anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects relevant to fibroid growth.
  • Resveratrol: a polyphenol found in grapes and berries that may support cellular health and antioxidant defenses.
  • Curcumin: the active compound in turmeric with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Kaempferol: a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables with potential supportive effects.
  • General nutrients: ensure adequate vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids as part of overall reproductive and metabolic health; confirm levels through testing when appropriate.

Lifestyle strategies to support uterine health

  • Regular physical activity: aim for a combination of aerobic and strength activities most days of the week to support weight management and hormonal balance.
  • Weight management: maintaining a healthy body weight lowers estrogen production from adipose tissue and can reduce fibroid risk.
  • Reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors: choose BPA-free and phthalate-free products, minimize use of plastics for food storage, avoid fragranced personal care products with unknown chemicals, and use glass or stainless-steel containers when possible.
  • Keep living spaces clean: reduce dust and chemical buildup where endocrine-disrupting compounds can accumulate; ventilate indoor spaces and choose low-toxicity cleaning products.
  • Stress management and sleep: chronic stress and poor sleep can affect hormone balance. Prioritize sleep hygiene, relaxation practices, and social support.

Medical monitoring and tests to discuss

  • See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns.
  • Pelvic ultrasound: the primary imaging test to identify and monitor fibroids.
  • Hormone and nutrient testing: consider checking vitamin D, thyroid function, and metabolic markers if clinically indicated.
  • Individualized care: discuss symptom-based treatments and options for monitoring or managing fibroids with your clinician.

When to talk to your healthcare provider

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience heavy bleeding that affects daily activities, severe pelvic pain, rapidly increasing abdominal size, difficulty becoming pregnant, or any new or concerning symptoms. Your provider can interpret your genetic result in the context of your full medical history, family history, and current health, and can recommend appropriate testing or treatments.

Important disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, starting supplements, or altering medical care based on genetic results.