Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are likely to appear in women by the age of 30-45. The reason often lies either in genes or in estrogen levels, which provoke abnormal growth of uterus cells. Fibroids rarely develop after menopause, and if it is the case, the situation gets serious.
Still, many women may live with fibroids for many years and don’t experience the classic symptoms, which involve excessive periods, back pain, urge to urinate, etc. This growth may be small, less than an inch in diameter, and big as an orange. Fibroids are especially likely during pregnancy when the estrogen level rises.
Small fibroids can be treated in a natural way, and that’s great news for those who aren’t keen on medications and surgery.
Types of fibroids
Fibroids can be distinguished by location:
- Subserosal – the tumor grows outward from the outer layer of the uterus into the pelvic cavity. Large fibroids can put pressure on nearby organs. They don’t cause bleeding but may be painful.
- Submucosal – occurs under a thin layer of the uterus, endometrium. This type is less distributed than others but causes heavy bleeding. Such fibroids may cause problems with fertility.
- Intramural – occurs in the middle muscle layer. It can develop both towards the peritoneum and into the uterus and press the surrounding organs.
Another classification describes the types of fibroid structure:
- Leiomyoma – a neoplasm of muscle fibers;
- Fibroma – formed by connective tissue and is rare in its pure form;
- Rhabdomyoma- a benign tumor that develops from striated muscle tissue;
- Angiomyoma- a tumor with a well-developed network of blood vessels.
Fibroids may be multiply arranged in the uterus or there may be a single growth that is clearly delimited from the surrounding muscle layer of the uterus.
Are fibroids dangerous?
You shouldn’t panic after hearing this diagnosis. The risk that this tumor will develop into cancer is minimal. With the onset of menopause or after childbirth, the fibroids sharply decrease in size or even disappear completely. Still, this is not the case with everyone.
Often the disease is inherited from mother to daughter. Usually, the disease is detected during pregnancy and in the period preceding menopause. At a young age, fibroids happen extremely rarely.
Fibroids don’t always require surgical removal. It all depends on the condition and age of the patient, her reproductive status, the severity of symptoms, and tumor size. Still, in the case of growth it is necessary to be regularly observed by your local fibroid specialist. Especially when you are in your reproductive age.
But fibroids threaten not only the reproductive system of women. Other consequences of the growths can be iron-deficiency anemia, malfunctions in the endocrine system, and obesity. Large formations are especially dangerous. Some fibroids become the cause of strong, sometimes unbearable pain. When the inflammatory process begins in the fibroid, the consequences can be completely unpredictable. Sepsis, kidney inflammation, peritonitis are just a few of the potential problems.
The expectant tactics justify themselves only if the fibroid has an asymptomatic course, and the woman herself is in the premenopausal period. In this case, there really is hope that a couple of years after menopause, the fibroids will “dry out”.
Natural remedies
If your gynecologist detects a fibroid, and the case is not serious, he or she may suggest holistic treatment for fibroids. That involves changes in your lifestyle- mostly eating habits. They reduce risk factors that provoke growths in the uterus. While dealing with fibroids, natural treatment includes key points:
- Anti-inflammatory diet
Organic foods may reduce the processes of inflammation which cause fibroids. Make sure you eat a lot of whole grains, beans, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, olives, and green herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, spinach.
Ginger is also great for treating inflammation, especially together with green tea. Pay attention, green tea is prohibited in case of iron deficiency anemia as it interferes with iron absorption. Instead, try out some herbal teas with chaste berry, milk thistle, dandelion root, and nettle.
Adding the necessary products is not enough. You should cut out the ham, red meat, alcohol, caffeine, highly processed food with refined sugars, and carbohydrates. Losing weight can also be a huge promotion for fibroid treatment.
- Products that reduce estrogen level
Broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables can help in lowering your estrogen levels. You can include turmeric, pomegranates, oats, red grapes, flaxseeds, and mushrooms into your diet.
- Lymphatic drainage
Bad circulation in your reproductive organs may interfere with natural processes. That’s why you should take breaks if your work requires sitting for a long time. Regular exercises will be even more helpful. As for supplements, try out castor oil. It improves lymphatic circulation and has anti-inflammatory features.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements
Pay more attention to your Vitamin D, K, and B levels. It’s better to consume them with food, than taking supplements. In case of iron-deficiency anemia, some pills may be necessary. Consult your doctor before buying anything which may interfere with drugs that you usually take.
- Liver detox
Your liver plays an important role in hormone balance. Keeping it healthy is a part of holistic fibroid treatment. Add more eggs, oats, Brazil nuts, avocado, cilantro, spinach, apples, asparagus, carrots, melons and broccoli to your diet.
Fibroids may cause no symptoms at all but still interfere with the work of your reproductive system. A holistic approach may reduce the risk factors that provoke growths in the uterus. In order to identify the disease, it is recommended to have regular visits to your gynecologist.
