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BASIC INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION
Uterine fibroids are a well-defined, solid, benign (non-cancerous) abnormal growth of cells in the muscular wall (myometrium) of the uterus. This is the smooth muscle that supports the uterus. They can form on the exterior of the uterus as well as the interior muscular wall. This disorder involves not only the uterus but sometimes the cervix also. The term "fibroids" is misleading. The cells are not fibrous; they are composed of abnormal muscle cells. Uterine fibroids are common and almost always benign (not cancerous). Fibroids can vary in size, from the size of the period in this sentence to much larger sizes. The occasional fibroid can reach the size of a grapefruit or a cantaloupe, but the majority of fibroids remain marble-sized or smaller and cause no discomfort or distress. Multiple fibroids may occur. Fibroids may temporarily enlarge during the menopausal years. Small fibroids often disappear spontaneously. Larger fibroids are more difficult to resolve, but often slowly shrink with treatment. An estimated 20 to 30 percent (approximately a third) of all women develop fibroid tumors at some time in their lives, but fibroids tend to form most often during the late thirties and early forties and shrink after menopause due to a decrease in estrogen production.
There are 3 types of fibroids (determined by location in the uterus).Rarely, fibroids can involve the cervix.
- Subserous appear on the outside of the uterus.
- Intramural are confined to the wall of the uterus.
- Submucous appear inside the uterus.
FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Most women who have fibroid tumors never even know it, unless they are discovered during the course of a routine pelvic examination. In roughly half of all cases, fibroid tumors have no symptoms at all. Fibroids usually do not interrupt the menstrual cycle. In other cases, however, these growths can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms of uterine fibroids vary drastically from woman to woman. Roughly half of all women with fibroids are unaware that they have them and discover them purely by accident, like during a pelvic exam or ultrasound. In the other half of women affected by fibroids, symptoms can include:
- The first symptom may be either pain at the beginning of the period or increases menstrual flow.
- Menstruation is more frequent with possibly heavy to severe bleeding and menopausal flooding, occasionally with large clots and discomfort.
- Bleeding between periods.
- Depending upon their precise location, very large fibroids can cause pain and create feelings of pressure on the urinary bladder, bowels or rectum, or sensitive pelvic nerves causing a variety of symptoms which may include pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, low back pain and irritable bowels. Fibroids can even block the urethra, producing kidney obstruction.
- Abdominal bloating.
- Anemia (weakness, fatigue and paleness) from blood loss.
- Increased vaginal discharge (rare).
- Painful sexual intercourse or bleeding after intercourse (rare).
- May result in infertility.
- Sometimes, a fibroid is forced partially through the cervix, loses its blood supply and dies, resulting in a foul odor.
CAUSES
Exact cause is unknown. It is estimated that 20 to 30 percent of all women develop fibroid tumors. For reasons not yet understood, they tend to form during the late thirties and early forties (common age is approximately 35), and then to shrink after menopause. This would seem to suggest that estrogen is required for their stimulation and growth and is involved in the process, as fibroids are rare in prepubertal girls or post-menopausal women. However, all women produce estrogen, but only some develop fibroid tumors. The presence of fibroid tumors does seem to run in families.
HORMONES & FIBROIDS
Fluctuations in levels of progesterone and estrogen, the two main female sex hormones, seem to influence fibroid growth and development. Fibroid growth, like that of all uterine tissue, is stimulated by estrogen. Estrogen can increase for a number of reasons, including excessive weight gain (estrogen is stored in adipose (fat) tissue and the use of estrogen replacement therapy during menopause. After menopause, when a woman's body produces as much as 80 percent less estrogen, fibroids shrink. And while all uterine tissue responds to estrogen, fibroid tissue is extra-sensitive to progesterone.
RISK
Use of oral contraceptives and estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) as these may cause excessive growth of fibroids.
Genetic factors. Fibroid tumors are 3 to 5 times more common in black women than in Caucasian women. Fibroid tumors run in families.
Women with fibroids may have higher levels of human growth hormone than other women.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Cannot be prevented at present, but avoiding the use of female hormones (such as birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy) may decrease the risk of growth of fibroids. Use other forms of contraception such as contraceptive foam, condoms, a diaphragm or cervical cap to prevent pregnancy. Avoid using any product that contains estrogen. See diet below for more helpful suggestions.
EXPECTED OUTCOME
If surgery is not necessary prior to menopause, these tumors usually decrease in size without treatment after menopause.
Hospitalization, if surgery is necessary. Fibroids are generally removed surgically when they cause excessive bleeding, produce symptoms that interfere with conception or pregnancy or if they become malignant (rare). Treatment of fibroids is the most frequently cited reason for hysterectomy.
Fibroids can often be removed surgically without removing the entire uterus (myomectomy). The ability to conceive continues as long as the uterus remains.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Heavy bleeding and anemia.
Complications can occur in pregnancy such as spontaneous abortion (usually associated with the submucous fibroid type), premature labor (usually associated with large fibroids) and placental separation (abruption) may occur when the placenta overlies the fibroid. With a large fibroid, fetal growth may be at risk because blood flow is diverted from the fetus to the fibroid.
Fibroids may return following surgery to remove them.
Malignant change in the fibroid tumor (occurs in less than 0.5%). This rare complication is usually signaled by very rapid growth.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
Fibroids are almost never malignant, so treatment is not usually required as long as they remain relatively small and do not produce unpleasant symptoms.
Reiki treatments have been helpful to some women with large fibroids. Acupuncture treatments can shrink fibroids.
Visual imagery can be used to move "stuck uterine energy". This is done by sitting or reclining comfortably and drawing your attention to your breath. Imagine you are breathing out of your womb and then out of your vagina. Pause a moment. Breathe into your vagina and into your womb. Pause a moment and feel the breath spiral inside the uterus. Breathe out. Continue for at least 10 breaths.
Supportive therapy may help to expose and move emotional energies which our culture encourages us to suppress and stuff in our bodies.
Some women may find a vigorous exercise program for a period of 3 months or more may help fibroids to disappear.
Nutritional therapies may be employed. Lignins, found in whole grains, are anti-estrogenic. Lignins are present in flax seed, rye, buckwheat, millet, soya, oats, barley, corn, rice and wheat... with wheat have the least amount of lignins available. It is possible that 3 or more servings of whole grains daily could offer prevention or cure.
HERBS
While herbal treatments used to control bleeding can work quite quickly, those that control hormone levels usually bring noticeable results in approximately three months. Formulas relieve fibroids by balancing the body's production of estrogen and progesterone, and relieve combinations of symptoms in three to six months of use. Consult a health care provider before using herbal medicine with prescription medications or if you are pregnant, consult with your midwife. There are many herbs not recommended for used during pregnancy. Herbs to avoid if you have uterine fibroids are: Cordyceps, fennel seed, licorice, and peony, unless recommended by a qualified practitioner.
Some herbal recommendations may include:
- Black cohosh. Take 250 to 500 mg daily, tablet form. Helps to stop bleeding and relieve pain, especially leg pain.
- Cinnamon. Use cinnimon oil, 5-10 drops every 15 minutes for up to 4 hours or until bleeding subsides. A traditionaly American medicine for fibroid bleeding.
- Dan Shen. Use only under professional supervision. Dan treats congealed blood, dark red clots during menses; and pelvic congestions. Precaution: Dan shen stops fibroid bleeding, but it increases bloodstream estrogen levels. Do not use it on an ongoing basis.
- Green Tea. Drink tea as recommended on label. Green tea is a powerful antioxidant with anti cancer properties.
- Reishi. Reishi tincture can be taken 1 tablespoon (12 ml) in 1/4 cup water, 3 times daily. Stops pelvic inflammation. Useful if ther is also emotional tension.
- Glycerine macerate of Sequoia gigantica buds. Use 50 drops, 1-3 times daily, in a small glass of water.
- Equal parts tinctures of:
Black Currant buds or leaves (Ribes nigrum)
Gromwell herb or seeds (Lithospermum officialis)
Lady's Mantle herb (Alchemilla Vulgaris)
Chaste Tree berries (Vitex agnes-castus)
Yarrow flowers (Achillea Millefolium)
Wild Pansy flowers (Viola tricolor)
. Dosage: a teaspoon or 5 ml upon arising. Expect noticeable results within 2 to 4 months. Any ingredient may be omitted without destroying the integrity of the whole in this recipe. It is also suggested that any one of these herbs used as a simple remedy may be extremely beneficial to a pre-menopausal woman dealing with fibroids.
- Vitex berry tincture, 25-30 drops taken twice daily, may shrink small fibroids within two months, but this tincture can be used up to two years, if needed.
- Having someone burn moxa over the area of the fibroid while envisioning the heat releasing the energies of your uterus. Imagine what you can "give birth to" whether a treasure or a monster... either are okay. Do this 4 to 6 times a week for at least 6 weeks.
- Cotton Root bark (Gossypium), primarily known as an extremely effective abortifacient, is a specific herbal remedy used for stopping flooding due to fibroids. Recommended use: 1/2 cup (125 ml) of infusion every half hour as needed, or a dropperful of the tincture every 5 to 10 minutes until hemorrhaging stops.
- Caution: Dong Quai/Dang Gui can easily increase size of fibroids. Limiting use to no more than 10 drops daily or avoiding use totally is recommended.
Try warm castor oil packs over the fibroid; or a towel soaked in hot ginger water as a compress.
TCM (TRADITIONAL CHINESE FORMULAS)
(From Herbal Prescriptions for Common Health Problems)
Augmented Rambling Powder: A traditional Chinese herbal formula that lowers estrogen levels. Most useful if accompanying symptoms included dry mouth, blurry vision, and difficult or painful urination.
Cinnamon Twig & Poria Pill: A traditional Chinese herbal formula that lowers estrogen levels without interfering with the menstrual cycle or encouraging weight gain.
Dong Quai & Peony Powder: A traditional Chinese herbal formula that reduces blood estrogen levels without having masculinizing effects. Also reduces the formation of inflammatory compounds in the uterus.
Four Substance Decoction: A traditional Chinese herbal formula that treats both fibroids and endometriosis in women who are affected by poor diet or overwork.
TRADITIONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT
Diagnostic tests may include laboratory blood studies; ultrasound; laparoscopy (the telescope instrument is inserted through the vagina to look inside the uterus); or hysterosalpingogram (studying the uterus and fallopian tubes by injecting material into the uterus that x-rays can detect).
Treatment will be individualized depending on symptoms and diagnostic tests, location and size of the fibroids, your general health and desire for future pregnancies.
For minimal symptoms, no treatment may be needed and you will be re-examined in 6 to 12 months.
Hormonal therapy is often considered as the first step in treatment.
Surgery may be recommended for certain situations and several different surgical procedures are possible. If surgery is recommended, be sure you understand all aspects of it before making a decision. Any woman pondering a hysterectomy should give the matter close and careful considerations. See Abdominal Hysterectomy, Vaginal Hysterectomy with Bladder/Rectal Repair, Vaginal Hysterectomy with Removal of Tubes & Ovaries & Bladder/Rectal Repair, and Hysterectomy-Related Problems for more information.
In the past, it was a matter of general practice to perform surgery to remove fibroids if they grew to a point that the uterus was enlarged to the same extent it would be in a 12-week pregnancy. Increasingly, however, health care providers are becoming more reluctant to remove these tumors based solely upon the "12-week rule" unless they are causing medical problems for the woman. Since these tumors may well take care of itself over time, especially if herbal therapies are used to keep symptoms in check.
Over 30 percent of the hysterectomies performed in the U.S. are done to remove fibroid tumors. An alternative to hysterectomy is a procedure known as a myomectomy. This operation removes the fibroids, but leaves the uterus intact. This is an attractive alternative for a woman who wishes to bear children in the future, although it can be performed on any woman, regardless of age or childbearing desires. Myomectomy is more exacting surgery and places greater demands on the woman during recovery. There is also a slightly higher chance of complications with myomectomy than with hysterectomy, and the results are not always permanent. There is an estimated 50 percent chance that new tumors will form later, although they probably will not grow as large as the original fibroid tumors. If fibroids recur and cause symptoms, a repeat myomectomy can be performed.
Keep a record of dates of bleeding and number of pads used each day.
Blood transfusions may be necessary to correct anemia.
MEDICATION
If a fibroid is found, do not take oral contraceptives with a high estrogen content. High- dose estrogen birth control pills may stimulate the growth of fibroid tumors and may cause the fibroids to enlarge. The estrogen in low-dose oral contraceptive pill does not represent a significant risk. If necessary, consider other forms of contraception, such as a diaphragm, cervical cap, intrauterine device (IUD), male condom, female condom, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
Progestin supplementation may be recommended to help minimize uterine bleeding.
Avoid progesterone creams. Creams made with dioscorea, or wild yam, are used by many women to treat menopausal symptoms. Such creams have no detrimental effects on uterine fibroids, and may actually stop bleeding and pain. However, some "dioscorea" creams contain progesterone that is not identified on the label, and which stimulates fibroid growth. Either use dioscorea itself or use creams that are certified not to contain added progesterone.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain.
Iron supplements if you are anemic from excessive blood loss.
A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Lupon Depot, Synarel) may be prescribed. It will induce an abrupt, artificial menopause that will stop the bleeding and reduce the size of the fibroid. In general, this therapy is not used for longer than 6 months.
ACTIVITY
No restrictions unless surgery is performed. Then you may need bed rest for a period of time, some restricted activity, and no sexual intercourse for approximately one month.
High stress levels and excess weight gain work together to increase the risk of fibroids. Fortunately, improving any of these factors will help to decrease the risk of fibroids.
DIET
If anemia becomes an issue you will need to follow a iron-rich diet.
Consume foods high in iron to prevent anemia. Increase dietary fiber, take a vitamin C supplement and drink plenty of water to prevent constipation.
Follow suggestions for an Estrogen-Reduction Diet.
Nutrients Supplement Suggested Dosage Comments Coenzyme Q10 30 mg daily. Similarity to vitamin E in action, but more potent. A powerful antioxidant. Promotes immune function and tissue oxygenation. CoQ10 - Coenzyme Q-10, Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals, 100 mg, 60 Tabs, Liquid CoQ10, NOW Foods, 4 oz., 100 mg per Teaspoon Floradix Iron + Herbs from Salus Haus As directed on label. Do not take at the same time as vitamin E; iron depletes vitamin E in the body. To supply iron in easily assimilable natural formula. Women with heavy menstrual flow as a result of fibroids are often anemic. Iron Gluconate, Nature's Way, 18 mg, 100 Caps, Iron Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 20 +/- ppm, 16 lf. oz. Primrose Oil 1,500 mg daily. May reduce the size of the lump. Good results have been achieve by using primrose oil to reduce the size of cysts. Evening Primrose Oil, Cold Pressed, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 250 Softgels, Evening Primrose Oil, Cold Pressed, Nature's Way, 1300 mg, 120 Softgels, Evening Primrose Oil, NOW Foods, 100% Pure, 4 fl. oz. L-Arginine 500 mg daily, on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorption. Enhances immune function and may retard tumor growth. See Amino Acids Index for more information. L-Arginine, Pharmaceutical Grade, Vegetarian Formula, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 120 Tabs And
L-Lysine500 mg daily, on an empty stomach. Needed to balance with arginine. L-Lysine, Highest Potency, Pharmaceutical Grade, NOW Foods, 1000 mg, 100 Tabs Maitake
And/Or
ShiitakeAs directed on label. To strengthen the body and improve overall health; have potent immunostimulant properties that inhibit tumor growth. Siitake &l Maitake Extract (Standardized), 200 mg, 60 Caps, Three Mushroom Tincture, Red Reisi, Shiitake & Maitake Mushroom Extracts, 100% Organic, 2 fl. oz. Multi Vitamin and mineral complex As directed on label. All nutrients are necessary in balance. Multi Vitamin With Minerals, Hi-Tech, 90 Tabs, Alive! Whole Food Energizer Multi Vitamin & Mineral with Naturally Occurring Iron (no Iron Added), Nature's Way, 90 Tabs Vitamin A 25,000 IU daily. If you are pregnant, do not exceed 10,000 IU daily. Important in immune function and to promote tissue repair. Use emulsion form for easier assimilation and greater safety at higher doses. Vitamin A, 10,000 IU, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 100 Softgels Vitamin C 3,000-10,000 mg daily, in divided doses. Needed for proper immune function, tissue repair, and acts as an antioxidant. Vitamin C 1000 W/Rosehips, 100% Natural, 1000 mg, 250 Caps, Electro C Powder, Vitamin C Supplement, Cherry Flavor, 1250 mg, 8 oz. Zinc 30-80 mg daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements. Needed for a healthy immune system and for repair of tissue. Use zinc gluconate lozenges or OptiZinc for best absorption. Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 30 mg, 100 Caps, Zinc Lozenges W/ Echinacea & Vitamin C, Nature's Way, 23 mg, 60 Lozenges, Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm, 16 fl. oz.
UTERINE FIBROIDS SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Information on uterine fibroids and uterine cysts, non-cancerous growths or tumors that form on the interior muscle wall and exterior of the uterus.
Vitamin C 1000 with Bioflavonoids, Nature's Way, 100% Natural, 1000mg - 250 Vcaps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems.Ovary and Uterus Clean, TCM Formula, Guifu Ankun - 500mg each Capsule - 60 Caps
This time-honored formula is used in Chinese medicine for its blood circulation promoting, blood vessel dilating, stasis dispersing, internal secretion and hormone regulating, immune system supporting, hemolytic, analgesic and anti-inflammation properties to maintain healthy ovary and uterus and their proper functions.U O Clear (Ovarian Cyst & Fibroid Support), 500mg - 60 Caps
The herbs work synergically to strengthen the body's natural capability of female systems self-cleaning functions, especially for uterus and ovary.Endometriosis Herb Formula Tincture, 100% Organic - 2 fl. oz.
Endometriosis herb formula for use with ovarian cysts. This formula is supportive for women who are at risk for endometriosis or who have endometriosis.CoQ10, All Natural, Hypoallergenic, Nature's Way 60mg - 60 Softgels
Coenzyme Q10 supports cellular energy production. Coenzyme Q10 is a necessary cofactor for normal heart function. CoQ10 is vital for cellular energy production and is a powerful antioxidant supplement and free radical scavenger.Multi Mineral Complex w/ Iron -Nature's Way 100 Caps
Nature's Way Multi Mineral Complex with Iron offers a complete carefully dosed blend of minerals vital to the body. This multi-mineral provides nutritional support for normal bone development, muscle function, reproduction and metabolism.Odorless Garlic Supplement, NOW Foods 2500mg - 250 Softgels
Odorless Garlic supplement is extracted from Allum sativum and is a specially made Japanese product. Our Odorless Garlic supplement is aged 18 months and concentrated in a 100:1 extract to yield high amounts of Scordiin, a unique sulfur compound which may be responsible for many of garlic's renowned benefits.Zinc (Chelated), 100% Natural, Nature's Way 30mg - 100 Caps
Zinc is present in all tissues, organs and secretions of the body. Nature's Way chelated zinc is 100% natural chelated with an advanced amino acid complex for superior absorption.Zinc Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 100 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Zinc is a pure liquid Zinc supplement. Zinc moves through all the fluids in the body, it creates a defense against infection-causing bacteria and viruses trying to enter the body and stops bacterial and viral replication.Copper Ionic Mineral Supplement, Fully Absorbable, 50 +/- ppm - 16 fl. oz.
WaterOz Ionic Copper is a pure liquid Copper supplement. Copper influences protein metabolism and general healing, improves vitamin c oxidation and is integral in the formation of RNA.Dandelion Tea, NOW Foods Organic - 30 Tea Bags
Dandelion Tea has a long history of use. Dandelion tea is warm and soothing and may even bring back a little bit of the child in you! Ours is 100% Organic.Thisilyn, Milk Thistle Extract, Nature's Way 175mg - 100 VCaps
Nature's Way Thisilyn, the unique standardized milk thistle extract, is the world's standard for quality.Green Tea, 100% Darjeeling Green Tea, NOW Foods - 30 Tea Bags
100% Organic Green Tea contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer, fight the flu, lower blood sugar, prevent cavities, and lower blood cholesterol.Red Clover Blossom & Herb, 500mg - 100 Caps
In Europe Red Clover is widely cultivated and used as a tonic and a salad herb. Herbalists have long prized Red Clover for it's traditional use as a blood purifier and it's isoflavones that offer great medicinal potential.
NOTIFY YOUR MIDWIFE OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF...
Any of the following occurs:
- You or a family member has symptoms of a fibroid tumor.
- Fibroid tumors have been diagnosed and symptoms become more severe.
- Menstrual bleeding is so heavy that You saturate a pad or tampon more often than once an hour.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch
Woman Ways "Menopausal Years"
-- by Susun S. Weed.
NOTE: Bulk herbs are available through Mountain Rose Herbs and Nutritional Supplements are available through Herbal Remedies. To find supplements not listed above, click on the links below:
Mountain Rose Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Aromatherapy Oils
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Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils C-E
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils F-L
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils M-P
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils Q-Z
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Oil Blends & Resins
Mountain Rose Herbs, Aromatherapy Oils: Diffusers, Nebulizers, & Burners
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