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
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References:
- http://natural-fertility-info.com/the-best-natural-remedies-for-fibroids.html
- http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/fibroidtumo…
- http://totalhealthmagazine.com/features/womens-health-articles/natural-solutions-for-healing-uterine-fibroids.html
- http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Ar…
- http://b4tea.com/food-health/fibroid-tumors-…
- http://www.naturalnews.com/028285_enzymes_sc…