What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are growths on your uterus. Between 60 and 80 percent of women have or have had fibroids. They are also called:
- benign tumors
- uterine leiomyomas
- fibroids
Although fibroids are not cancerous or fatal, they can sometimes cause health problems.
Fibroids vary in size from as small as a seed to larger than a grapefruit. You may have a fibroid or several growths.
You may not have any symptoms. Most women don't know they have this condition.
Signs and symptoms depend on the size, location and number of fibroids. You can experience:
- periods longer than a week
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- spotting or bleeding between periods
- pelvic pressure or pain
- back or leg pain
- frequent urination
- difficulty emptying the bladder
- constipation
- difficulty getting pregnant
You may be at an increased risk of fibroids if:
- are between 30 and 50 years old
- are overweight or obese
- are African American because fibroids are two to three times more common in African American women
- have a family history of fibroids
- menstruation started before the age of 10
- use certain types of birth control
- have a bad diet
- to drink alcohol
Types of fibroids
Fibroids can grow anywhere in your uterus. They are named after the place where they grow:
- intramural fibroids grow in the walls of the uterus
- submucosal fibroids grow in the hollow cavity of your uterus
- subserous fibroids grow outside the surface of your uterus
Natural treatment of fibroids
Fibroids usually grow slowly or do not grow at all. In many cases, they shrink on their own, especially after menopause. You may not need treatment unless your symptoms are bothering you. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment plan for you. You might need a combination of therapies.
In moderate to severe cases where symptoms are bothersome, worsen, or do not improve with medication, fibroids can be treated with surgery or ultrasound. Surgery may involve removing only the fibroids or the entire uterus.
Home care, diet changes, and natural remedies can help treat fibroids and relieve symptoms. The following lifestyle changes are also important for the prevention of fibroids.
These natural treatments may or may not relieve your fibroid symptoms because relief depends on the severity of your symptoms and the progression of your fibroids. You should speak with your doctor before trying any of these options.
Weight loss
A clinical study in China showed that obesity and being overweight increased the risk of uterine fibroids. This happens because fat cells produce large amounts of estrogen. Losing weight can help prevent or reduce fibroids.
Nutrition
Your daily diet is a very important factor in treating fibroids. Good nutrition can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower your risk. Certain foods can also help relieve symptoms.
Foods to Avoid
According to clinical studies, eating too much red meat increases the risk of uterine fibroids. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk.
Excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods can trigger or worsen fibroids. These foods increase the level of sugar in the blood. This causes your body to make too much of the hormone insulin. Avoid or limit refined simple carbohydrates such as:
- white rice, pasta and flour
- sodas and other sugary drinks
- corn syrup
- canned cereal
- baked goods (cakes, cookies, donuts)
- French fries
- biscuits
- Unprocessed foods high in fiber help:
- cut your appetite
- balance hormones
- prevent excessive weight gain
Brightly colored foods, like fruits and vegetables, also help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of fibroids. Add these whole foods to your daily diet:
- raw and cooked vegetables and fruits
- dried fruit
- Whole grains
- complete rice
- lentils and beans
- whole grain breads and pasta
- quinoa
- fresh and dried herbs
Vitamins and Supplements.
Milk and dairy products can help shrink fibroids. Dairy products contain high amounts of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. These nutrients can help prevent the growth of fibroids.
Certain types of vitamins can also help reduce the growth and size of fibroids. Research confirms that your risk of fibroids may increase if you have low amounts of vitamin D and vitamin A from animal sources, such as dairy products.
Uterine fibroids can make menstrual pain, swelling, and cramping worse. Several vitamins can help relieve these symptoms:
- vitamin B-1
- vitamin B-6
- Vitamin E
- magnesium
- omega-3 fatty acids
You can find these vitamins in foods and supplements. If you want to start incorporating supplements into your daily routine, talk to your doctor before you begin.
Blood pressure
A Dutch study found that there could be a link between high blood pressure and fibroids. Control your blood pressure to lower your risks and improve your overall health:
- Limit foods with added salt or sodium.
- Check your blood pressure regularly and discuss the readings with your doctor.
- Exercise regularly.
Herbal remedies
Herbal remedies can help treat fibroids or reduce symptoms associated with them. More research is needed to find out if these remedies work and what the most effective dosage is.
Herbs are powerful drugs and can interact with other drugs. They are also not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal medicine.
traditional chinese medicine
Herbal remedies are used in traditional Chinese medicine to slow the growth of fibroids and treat symptoms. An herbal formula is called Guizhi fuling or Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang. This formula contains several herbs that work to shrink uterine fibroids, balance hormone levels, and keep the uterus healthy:
- ramulus cinnamomi
- poria
- semen persicae
- radix paeoniae rubra
- radix paeoniae alba
- moutan bark
Green tea
A bioflavonoid in green tea called EGCG can help reduce the size and number of fibroids. This may be due to its ability to reduce inflammation and flush toxins from your body.
Chaste tree
Chasteberry, or vitex, is taken for heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and other symptoms. This herbal remedy helps balance hormone levels.
Peeling of isphagula, senna and castor oil
Fibrous herbs like isphagula and senna are used as natural laxatives. Add these herbs to water or juice to help relieve constipation.
Castor oil is an herbal oil that can be taken as a supplement to help with occasional constipation.
Other remedies
Home care can help manage stress, which can make fibroids and your overall health worse. Try these treatment options that can help manage stress:
- warm compresses or local heat application
- hot baths
- yoga and exercise
- Therapeutic massage
Other treatment
In most cases, symptomatic fibroids are treated with hormonal drugs, ultrasound therapy, surgery, and other treatments. Medication helps shrink fibroids or relieve symptoms. Surgery may involve removing only the fibroids or the entire uterus.
Some treatments your doctor may recommend include:
- hormone balancing drugs
- progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)
- Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery
- embolization of the uterine artery, which works by blocking the blood supply to fibroids and the uterus
- myolysis, which is removal with a heat source (such as radio frequency waves); Acessa is an example of this procedure.
- cryomyolysis, which removes fibroids by freezing
- myomectomy, which is surgery to remove only fibroids
- hysterectomy, which surgically removes your uterus
When to consult a doctor
See your doctor if you experience any symptoms related to your fibroids, even mild ones. Your doctor will examine you and decide if you need treatment.
Follow-up appointments may be necessary to check your fibroids. If you're having trouble getting pregnant, your doctor can determine if it's due to fibroids.
Takeaway food
Your doctor can determine if an alternative or natural treatment for fibroids is right for you. Treatment depends on your age, health, and lifestyle. It can also vary depending on the number, size and location of your fibroids.
Changes in your diet and lifestyle are the first course of action for treating uterine fibroids. These healthy changes are important even with surgery or medicine.
Diet, natural remedies, stress management, and alternative pain relief can also help relieve symptoms such as pain, heavy bleeding, and constipation.
Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about the best diet and exercise program for you. Make small changes every day to be consistent and create new, healthy habits. Make a weekly meal plan that helps you maintain a balanced diet. Join a gym or work out with a partner to stay motivated.
Consult your doctor before taking any type of herbal remedy or supplement. Keep a list of all your medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. Buy herbal supplements from reliable sources to avoid contamination and unhealthy ingredients.
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