Uterine Fibroids – do you really need surgery? – Choices Unlimited

Fibroids and fibroid tumors (tumors in fibroid tissues aka myomas, leiomyomas , uterine polyps, and fibromyomas) often occur during the female reproductive period. It is estimated that about 75% of females are unaware that they have fibroids. They will also, usually shrink and disappear after menopause. Usually they are benign and do not cause symptoms. Sometimes they can be painful and cause heavy bleeding and pain : with intercourse; lower back pain; frequent urge to urinate

There are a variety of types:

Submucosal: grow in the innermost layer of the uterus
Intramural: grow in the middle layer of the uterus
Subserous: grow in the outer wall of the uterus
Pedunculated: attached to a stalk either outside of the uterus or within the uterine cavity
Cervical: in the cervical tissue
Interligamentous: between the uterine broad ligaments

The cause is controversial as some grow :

with high levels of estrogen – usually correlates with an early onset of the menstrual cycle, increased weight, increased follicular phase
- birth control pills that have estrogen
- with high levels of xenoestrogens in the diet
  - pesticides
  - herbicides
  - plastics
  - growth hormones in animals – meat, poultry, dairy
- hormone replacement therapy
- tampons & napkins bleached with chlorine can also mimic estrogen
with a lack of progesterone
when progesterone is high
low glutathione – glutathione regulates most hormones and aids in the elimination of excess
prolactin
parathyroid hormone
insulin growth factor
pituitary growth hormone
hypertension
infections
PCOS

They can present as a single tumor or several masses;

They can grow slowly or quickly

Conventional medicine’s answer is usually surgery:

taking out the fibroid – myomectomy
uterine fibroid embolization – should not be used if you still want to get pregnant
doing a partial or a full hysterectomy – increased risk of osteoporosis
use of medications – while the Mayo Clinic claims there is no support for alternative herbs http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-fibroids/DS00078/DSECTION=alternative-medicine), researchers claims that there was no difference between pharmaceutical and herbal formulas http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3155698/

But they can still return.

Alternative medicine includes:

Herbs:

Chasteberry tincture:
- shrinks and prevents the return of fibroids
- regulates excess estrogen
- balances hormones
- reduces inflammation
Castor oil packs: can both shrink and relieve the pain
herbs to help detox: Dandelion (Taraxacum leaf & root) both detoxes and nourishes; Ginger root (Zingiber) increase circulation and blood flow tot he uterus
Herbs to eliminate pain and inflammation and infection:
- Goldenseal (Hydrasis Canadensis)
- Pau d’Arco is antibacterial
- Black cohash reduces inflammation
other tincture herbs include:
Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) increases circulation; heals damaged tissue; natural cleanse
Black cohash (Actaea racemosa) regulates entire menstrual cycle; reduces inflammation
Siberian ginseng ,
Red clover (cleanses and detoxes lymphatic system and blood
Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) tones uterine muscles and normalizes menstrual flow; astringent; helps prevent excessive bleeding
licorice root, motherwort

Diet/detox/cleanse

eliminate pseudo estrogens from the diet
eat organic foods with a good components of :
- dark leafy greens
- broccoli, swiss chard, bok choy
- fibers
- seeds (flax, hemp, salba)
- legumes
- whole grains (rice, millet, spelt, buckwheat, rye and oats)
avoid plastics
avoid microwaved/pasteurized foods
avoid foods that have been sprayed/grown with: pesticides, herbicides, synthetic fertilizers
use natural/organic skin/hygiene products
avoid well known psuedoestrogens:
- Atrazine (weed killer)
- Butylated hydroxyanisole known as BHA (food preservative)
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor known as 4-MBC (sunscreen lotions)
- Erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3, (food dye)
- Bisphenol A (found in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin)
- Ethinylestradiol (combined oral contraceptive pill, this is released into the environment as a xenoestrogen through the urine and feces of women who use this contraception)
- Heptachlor and dieldrin, DDT (insecticides) (http://natural-fertility-info.com/the-best-natural-remedies-for-fibroids.html)

Take care of the liver:

detoxing the liver – helps to regulate glutathione
glutathione is required to remove excess estrogens
glutathione is also involved in chelating heavy metal toxicities which can also promote excess estrogens
a healthy liver helps the body to function more effectively

Take care of the thyroid:

hypothyroid has also been linked to fibroids
although thyroid tests can be very misleading : issues with the adrenals, liver, and gut can cause hypothyroid and provide misleading test results

Exercise: exercise can eliminate the toxins and regulate hormones

Be responsible. Do your research. Find a good Health Practitioner – not a symptom manager.

For more information, contact: Dr Holly at holly@choicesunlimited.ca

Disclaimer: This site is provided for general information only, and is not a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or other health care professional. This site is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of this website. This site is not liable for the

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