Red Light Therapy for Fibroids
Updated - May 2025
If you’re exploring gentle, non-invasive ways to manage uterine fibroids, you might have heard about red light therapy also known as photobiomodulation (PBM). This therapy is getting a lot of attention for its potential to ease symptoms and support your body’s natural healing processes. Here’s what the latest research says and how PBM could fit into your pelvic wellness.
Research suggests that fibroids are directly connected to immune system malfunction. This explains why some women’s fibroids continue to grow. When the immune system is healthy, it locates and destroys these overactive cells; but, in cases of fibroids, this process is compromised. Whenever I hear someone talking about fibroids I automatically think ‘chronic inflammation’ and one of the most powerful tools in our arsenal these days to regulate inflammation is photobiomodulation. More and more fertility experts are in agreement that a core issue with the growing infertility crisis is due to our immune system being dysregulated, this is quite evident when it comes to repeat implantation failure during IVF.
Photobiomodulation for Uterine Fibroids
It’s estimated that around 70% of women will experience some level of fibroid growth.
Fibroid palpation by gynecologist
How Does Photobiomodulation / Red Light Therapy Impact Fibroids?
1. Reducing inflammation
PBM has been shown to lower inflammation by modulating immune responses and reducing inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α. While a lot of this research is based on systemic (full body) inflammation, these mechanisms are relevant because inflammation is a key factor in fibroid growth and symptoms. PBM can lower inflammation by calming overactive immune cells. This is important because inflammation is a big part of what makes fibroids grow and cause pain. Red light therapy’s anti-inflammatory effects may help shrink fibroids and ease symptoms, including pelvic pain and cramps. By lowering cytokines and other inflammatory markers, near infra-red light helps the irritated tissue to be calmed down. This ‘calm-down’ action breaks the fibroid cycle of growth and lets the uterus begin to repair.
2. Modulating Immune System Deficiency
Laser treatment helps immune cells in their job to find and destroy fibroid tissue by stimulating cells and lowering oxidative stress.
3. Balancing the Extracellular Matrix (ECM)
The ECM is like the ‘scaffolding’ that supports your cells. In fibroids, this scaffolding gets thicker and more solid, making it harder for cells to function properly. Laser therapy works like adding water to a dried-out, hardened sponge, it softens and balances the ECM, helping your body restore normal tissue function.
Breaking Down the Excess: Laser therapy helps "clean up" the excess fibers in the ECM, it’s like wringing out a sponge to remove extra water.
Encouraging Repair: It signals your body to rebuild healthy tissue, ensuring the sponge stays flexible and supportive.
PBM gives your cells a boost by increasing ATP, the energy currency inside your cells. This helps your body repair tissue, manage pain, and improve blood flow to the uterus. Some women report lighter periods and less pelvic pain after regular sessions with laser or a powerful LED abdominal wrap (skin contact with LEDs is essential).
PBM also stimulates fibroblast cells, which are responsible for building and repairing connective tissue. A recent study found that PBM at specific wavelengths (660 nm, 808 nm, 915 nm) significantly increased fibroblast proliferation and tissue regeneration, which could help soften and remodel fibroid tissue.***
(When I was researching studies on fibroids and PBM I discovered that another disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and uterine fibroids share several some common symptoms related to the dysfunction of the extracellular matrix. Both conditions involve abnormal ECM remodeling, chronic inflammation, and cellular signaling pathways. It’s important to note, the studies on IPF using laser therapy demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life but it’s not a magic cure. Laser light seems to stop the inflammatory process so the disease doesn’t continue to get worse).
4. Improvement of Blood Flow
Reducing fibroids requires adequate circulation. PBM treatment helps move irritating, inflammatory waste materials away from the uterus. By increasing blood flow, we’re bringing more oxygen and much needed healthy nutrients to the area while the lymph takes away waste.
Receive an in-depth personalized protocol including lymphatic activation based on your health history with my recommended devices.
5. Boosting Cellular Repair
Targeting mitochondria, the energy factories of cells, laser treatment increases their output. This extra energy helps uterine cells heal themselves and operate as they should.
I hope this information is reassuring if your fertility challenges are due to fibroids or if you simply want to improve your quality of life. Laser treatment holds promise for so many challenges in women’s reproductive health.
Laser or LED: Which Is Better?
Both lasers and LED devices can deliver PBM, and both have their perks! Lasers are more precise and can reach deeper tissues, which might be better for larger or deeper fibroids. LEDs can still be great for symptom relief like pain and heavy bleeding. Some clinics use both, depending on your needs.
Red light therapy isn’t a magic wand, but it’s a gentle, science-backed option that’s gaining momentum for fibroid relief. Whether you're looking for pain relief, lighter periods or fertility support, PBM could be a valuable addition to your toolkit. As always, chat with your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.
If you have questions or want to share your experience with PBM and fibroids, I’d love to hear from you!
Find a fertility laser specialist in your community or come see me in my Round Rock TX office.
Tracy
Resources
Update on the Role and Regulatory Mechanism of Extracellular Matrix in the Pathogenesis of Uterine Fibroids
