Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus. Uterine
fibroids are also known as leiomyomata, myomas or uterine polyps.
Uterine fibroids grow within the muscles of the uterus, on the outside
of the uterus, hang in the uterine cavity or very rarely form within the
cervix. They can range in size from microscopic to several inches in
diameter. Uterine fibroids form in the childbearing years of a woman’s
life. There may be just one fibroid or many, with differing locations.
Uterine fibroids are rarely a cause for concern, but when they become
too large, or there are many present, they may become a problem.
Types of Uterine Fibroids
Submucosal: grow in the innermost layer of the uterus
Intramural: grow in the middle layer of the uterus
Subserosal: 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
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Though a large percentage of women suffer from uterine fibroids,
doctors are actually unsure of what causes them to occur. What they do
know however, is that estrogen and progesterone contribute to the growth
of the fibroids.
Estrogen and progesterone are at their highest levels during a
woman’s childbearing years, this is why uterine fibroids are thought to
develop during this time. Normally, after a woman goes through menopause
her body produces lower levels of estrogen and progesterone causing the
fibroids to begin to shrink and any associated symptoms, such as pain
and pressure to subside.
Uterine fibroids are hormone dependent. They develop during the
hormonally active years and decline in menopause. Fibroid tissue has a
higher amount of estrogen and progesterone receptors.
Fibroid
tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, but does not have the capacity to
regulate estrogen response, this is why they can grow to become quite
large. Other hormones play a role in the growth of uterine
fibroids as well, including prolactin, parathyroid hormone, insulin
growth factor, and pituitary growth hormone.
Fibroids are two to three times more likely to develop in African American women compared to any other ethnicity.
Factors that May Increase Fibroid Development
An increase in lifetime exposure to estrogen:
There are many factors that increase a woman’s lifetime exposure to
estrogen. More than at any other time in history, women are exposed to
more estrogen. This increased exposure can contribute to a wide variety
of reproductive health problems including the development of uterine
fibroids. The following factors increase a woman’s lifetime exposure to
estrogen:
- Early menarche – the longer a woman has her menstrual cycle, the longer estrogen levels are elevated
- Fewer pregnancies – many women today are restricting how many
children they are having or are not having children at all, which
increases their total exposure to estrogen
- High body fat content – body fat produces and stores estrogen; the more body fat a woman has the more estrogen
- Exposure to xenoestrogens – plastics, pesticides, herbicides,
synthetic hormones in both meat and dairy products, and hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) including oral contraceptives (birth control)
containing synthetic estrogen
- Poor estrogen metabolism – some women’s bodies have a harder time removing and metabolizing excess estrogen
In addition to exposure to estrogen the following factors may also play a role in the development of uterine fibroids:
- Hypertension
- Infection complications from IUD use
- Perineal talc use
- Anovulatory cycles
- Endometrial hyperplasia (common in women with PCOS)
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
While many women will never even know that they have uterine
fibroids, because the condition often exhibits no symptoms, there are
some women that will experience certain effects from the fibroid’s
presence. Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- A sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdominal area
- Excessive bleeding during menstruation
- Excessive length of menstruation
- Extreme cramping during menstruation
- Lower back pain
- Painful intercourse
- A frequent urge to urinate
Uterine Fibroids May Negatively Impact Conception and Pregnancy
Fibroids are thought to be the cause of infertility in 2%-10% of
infertility cases. Reports have shown uterine fibroids may be
responsible for the following fertility, conception and pregnancy
problems:
- Interference with implantation of the ovum
- Compressing the fallopian tubes, preventing conception
- Anovulatory cycles
- Abnormal uterine blood flow, hindering movement of sperm to ova
- Miscarriage
- Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)
- Premature rupture of the membranes
- Contributing to retained placenta after birth
- A postpartum hemorrhage
- An abnormal labor
Not all women with uterine fibroids will experience these kinds of
troubles and many go on to have healthy pregnancies even with uterine
fibroids present. Because there are risks to your fertility and
possibly pregnancy, it is best to work to reduce fibroid growth, prevent
formation of new fibroids and to maintain healthy lifestyle choices to
continue working to bring about the best possible uterine health.
Medical Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
In many cases, the effects of uterine fibroids are so minor that
often these women use a general over-the-counter pain medicine to treat
any cramping or pain associated with the fibroid tumors. Since the
tumors can also cause excessive menstrual bleeding, which can lead to
anemia, an iron supplement is recommended if excessive bleeding is
occurring.
In the medical world, the only “successful” treatment for uterine
fibroids is removal. I say successful lightly, especially in the case of
removal of the uterine fibroids alone, as new ones can develop
post-surgery and any remaining parts of older fibroids can begin to grow
back. There are four ways in which doctors aim to remove uterine
fibroids:
Myomectomy
A myomectomy can help to remove the existing tumors that you have, but
it will not prevent the tumors from growing back (only lifestyle changes
can help to balance the body and promote hormonal balance). However,
this method of uterine fibroid removal is the best of the two surgery
choices for those women that are still wanting to conceive a child. Hysterectomy
This surgical procedure removes the uterus completely. With a
hysterectomy, you can guarantee that the tumors will not grow back.
Unfortunately, there are many other side effects that can occur from a
hysterectomy including early menopause, an increased risk of
osteoporosis and of course, the inability to become pregnant.
Approximately 17% of hysterectomies performed in the United States are
due to uterine fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Another procedure that is being used for treating uterine fibroids is
uterine fibroid embolization. This method of treatment has proven
effective at shrinking fibroids or destroying them completely, however,
it is not without side effects. This treatment should not be used by
those women that are wanting to become pregnant, since it is known to
throw the body into early menopause and can cause infertility.
ExAblate – Focused Ultrasound Therapy (MRgFUS)
A relatively new way to eliminate uterine fibroids is through a
non-invasive technique using high doses of focused ultrasound waves
(HIFU). This procedure destroys the uterine fibroids without damaging
the surrounding uterine tissue. As an outpatient procedure, doctors
perform ExAblate in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, which
allows the doctor to “see” inside of the body and target the uterine
fibroids with HIFU.
Because ExAblate is a newer procedure, it is not available
everywhere, it is only available in select countries and states in the
U.S. In addition, not all health insurance plans cover MRgFUS. To learn
more, please visit www.uterine-fibroids.org.
Uterine fibroids can be quite hard to treat naturally or through
hormonal medications prescribed by doctors. If after trying either
hormonal medications or natural therapies you continue to suffer from
uterine fibroids, it may be time to seriously consider surgical options.
Doctors nor natural healthcare practitioners have been able to find an
exact solution for getting rid of uterine fibroids permanently. Even
after surgery uterine fibroids may grow again, or new ones may form.
This is why step 1 under our Natural Therapies guide below is extremely
important. It is vital to reduce exposure to xenohormones and continue
to eat well to keep estrogen levels in balance.
Natural Therapy Plan for Uterine Fibroids
Step 1: Cleanse, reduce exposure to xenoestrogens, promote healthy estrogen metabolism
Fertility Cleansing
The best way to begin any natural fertility plan would be to do a
Fertility Cleanse.
A fertility cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins
and excess hormones. It also supports the uterus to cleanse itself of
old stagnant blood and increases circulation to the uterus while
tonifying the uterine tissues.
Reduce Exposure to Xenohormones
Exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the
development of uterine fibroids. Xenoestrogens are a subclass of
endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, also known as xenohormones,
are human-made chemicals. These chemicals have the ability to interfere
with the natural functions and development of our bodies. The main
function of the endocrine system is to serve as our body’s message
center. Hormones deliver messages, the endocrine system coordinates
hormones.
Xenoestrogens have the ability to bind to our estrogen receptor
sites. This is particularly concerning for women with uterine fibroids.
This is because fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, it
contains a high amount of estrogen receptors, this is why they can grow
to become quite large. Exposure to xenoestrogens can fuel uterine
fibroid growth.
Ways to Avoid Xenohormones:
- Eat organic foods
- Avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers
- Use natural feminine care products
- Use organic, natural body care products, including makeup
- Avoid food preservatives and dyes
- Use low VOC paints
- Use recycled unbleached paper products
- Use non-chlorinated oxygen based bleach in the laundry
- Avoid plastics
Known Xenoestrogens to Avoid:
- 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 (common in oral contraceptive pills, this is
released into the environment as a xenoestrogen through the urine and
feces of women who use this)
- Heptachlor and dieldrin, DDT (insecticides)
Diet Tips for Reducing Uterine Fibroids
Without eating a whole food diet, the body will not respond to herbs, supplements or natural therapies as well.
We suggest eating a nutrient dense whole food fertility diet. This way of eating will create a foundation for a healthy, properly functioning body.
The Importance of Fiber
Your main focus and one of the first things you should do right now is
eat more fiber. Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess estrogens.
Good sources of fiber:
- Dark leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Swiss chard
- Quinoa
- Chia seeds
- Beans
- Ground flaxseed
Whole Grains
Choose whole grains whenever possible, avoid white refined grains. Good
choices of whole grains would be brown rice, millet, spelt, buckwheat,
rye and oats.
Avoid Anti-nutrients
Avoid saturated fats, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and junk foods, all of
which may contribute to estrogen dominance. We consider these
anti-nutrients, which impact fertility negatively.
Eat a diet rich in legumes, fresh vegetables and fruits.
DIM: Support Healthy Estrogen Metabolism
Supplementation with DIM
can increase the body’s natural ability to metabolize and remove excess
estrogen. The goal is to help the body manage estrogen in a better way
in hopes that any existing uterine fibroids will see a reduction in
exposure to estrogen. In theory this may help slow the growth of
fibroids and prevent the formation of new ones.
Step 2: Increase circulation, reduce pain, manage heavy menstrual bleeding
Fibro Defense
Fibro
Defense goes to the source of the problem, helping to reduce excess
estrogen that fuels abnormal growths, and stimulates liver activity for
improved estrogen metabolism. The herbs in this blend work with your
body’s natural detoxification processes to clear congested foreign
tissues, while simultaneously helping to prevent new growths from
forming. Fibro Defense is an excellent way to promote the health and
function of uterine tissues.
Key Herbs in Fibro Defense and Their Beneficial Actions:
Pau d’Arco(Tabebuia heptaphylla): Pau d’Arco is extremely antibacterial, which may help prevent infection due to foreign tissue growth.Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis):
This herb is extremely antibiotic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
It works to help reduce pain and inflammation from foreign tissue
growth. Reduction in inflammation may help to prevent scar tissue and
adhesion formation.
Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxicum officinalis):
This plant provides excellent liver support for improved hormonal
balance. Dandelion leaf is very nourishing to the body, being high in
vitamins and minerals. The root aids in liver health, and stimulates
digestion for improved estrogen metabolism.
Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis): Ginger
root is a wonderful herb used to increase circulation and promote blood
flow to the uterus. The increased circulation also helps to reduce
inflammation of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa): This
root promotes regulation of the entire menstrual cycle. For women with a
uterus that feels inflamed or irritated throughout the month, Black
cohosh may be an effective option in relaxing the uterus by helping to
reduce inflammation.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus):
Raspberry leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood
flow during menses. This is one of the best normalizing herbs for the
female reproductive organs. Raspberry leaf is astringent, contracting
and shrinking internal and external body tissues. It may help prevent
hemorrhage due to excessive bleeding and is one of the best herbs for
uterine health.
Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis): Dong
Quai increases circulation, which helps to bring in fresh healthy blood
to remove excess tissue growth, heal tissue damage, as well as limit
scar tissue and adhesion formation. Healthy circulation ensures healthy
natural cleansing of the body as well. Proper circulation is required to
remove toxins, dead tissue, diseased tissue, and metabolic waste from
our bodies. This is very important for women with uterine fibroids.
Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa): This mushroom
has been shown to enhance immune system function and has been shown
through several studies to contain anti-tumor properties. It is also
useful for improving glucose metabolism.
In addition, Fibro Defense contains a beneficial enzyme…
Protease Enzyme
Protease works by eating away foreign tissues including those present
from endometriosis, uterine fibroids, scar tissue and adhesion
formation. Protease also aids the body in proper blood formation and
detoxification.
To learn about other herbs that may be helpful for uterine fibroids
click here…
Self Fertility Massage™
Self
Fertility Massage™ is a series of massage techniques that are used to
help support reproductive health, the menstrual cycle, and your
fertility all from the comfort of your own home! This type of massage is
easy to learn, perform and is cost effective!
One of the greatest benefits of massage is the ability to break up
adhesions and bring in circulation to the area being massaged. Uterine
fibroids may compress and compromise circulation to the uterus,
fallopian tubes, ovaries or other surrounding organs. Self Fertility
Massage™ helps to promote healthy circulation, helps the body to rid
itself of old stagnant blood and tissues in the uterus, and promotes
hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop. Do not do
during menstruation.
Castor Oil Pack
Castor Oil Packs are an ancient therapy that helps to cleanse and
heal the body where they are placed. The castor oil has a drawing power
that clears the body of excess tissues and toxins. Castor oil packs
stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The lymphatic system
removes toxins and waste from the area stimulated by the castor oil
pack. The promotion of circulation by the castor oil pack will also
bring in fresh oxygenated, nutrient rich blood to the reproductive
organs, including the uterus. This is vital to reducing and dissolving
uterine fibroids. Do not use during menstruation.
To purchase a kit with these ingredients and body therapies click here…
Step 3: Additional Considerations
Systemic Enzyme Therapy
We discussed earlier the benefits of the enzyme protease in Women’s
Best Friend. Protease is in a class of pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic
enzymes are a part of a larger group of enzymes called systemic enzymes.
Systemic enzymes may be helpful in reducing the size of uterine
fibroids, healing and preventing scar tissue damage from existing
uterine fibroids, promoting healthy circulation and detoxification of
tissues, while reducing pain and inflammation.
Learn more about the benefits of Systemic Enzyme Therapy here…
Summary
Uterine fibroids are hormone dependent. Fibroid tissue is
hypersensitive to estrogen, but does not have the capacity to regulate
estrogen response, this is why they can grow to become quite large.
Because they are responsive and may develop due to exposure to estrogen,
both from our own estrogen and from human-made chemicals, it is vital
to reduce excess estrogen and support healthy progesterone levels to
balance out unopposed estrogen. It is also vital to promote healthy
circulation and detoxification of the tissues in the uterus, work to
manage pain if present and to reduce heavy or mid-cycle menstrual
bleeding due to fibroids. The overall goal is to support a healthy
normal functioning uterus for a lifetime!
