Seventy percent of women harbor benign growths either on or within the uterine wall or in the uterine cavity. For many women, fibroids can be the bane of one’s life. The good news is that less than 0.1 percent of fibroids are malignant. The bad news is that they are the most common reason for getting a hysterectomy.
So, why are fibroids such an issue for women? Although some women have no awareness or sensations from fibroids, for others the size or position of a fibroid can exert pressure on the bladder, bowels or sensitive pelvic nerves, causing a variety of symptoms. In such cases, fibroids can lead to pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, low back pain, irritable bowel and heavy menstrual bleeding and accompanying anemia.
Besides the more drastic option of a hysterectomy (a last resort), other medical interventions include the surgical removal of the fibroids known as a myomectomy; a non-surgical outpatient procedure called a hysteroscopic myomectomy; or endometrial ablation, a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus to eliminate bleeding.
But unless you uncover the underlying issues that caused the body to create fibroids in the first place, chances are, they will return. A more holistic approach can not only resolve the fibroids and accompanying symptoms, but result in a more hormonally balanced and healthier you!
Here are some of the root cause issues and the successful actions that can be taken. It is important to address this problem as soon as possible–otherwise they may grow so large that you are only left with surgical options.
Fibroids are hormone-dependent, thriving on estrogen. The primary cause of fibroids is an excess of estrogen and a deficiency of progesterone. This estrogen “dominance” can be fueled by the use of the Pill, fertility drugs, or hormone replacement therapy. Other contributing factors include bowel toxicity, liver congestion, hypothyroidism and exposure to environmental estrogens called “xenoestrogens.”
From my clinical practice, I’ve observed that the stress from unresolved emotional conflicts regarding creativity, reproduction, and relationships will often increase hormonal imbalances. Since there is a direct relationship between fibroids and estrogen excess, restoring balance by increasing progesterone levels is necessary.
Transdermal natural progesterone cream, a bio-identical source of progesterone, is available from compounding pharmacies with a doctor’s prescription. The recommended dose is 1/8 to 1/2 teaspoon rubbed twice daily (am and pm) on soft tissue such as the abdomen, inner arms, or inner thighs.
Progesterone levels can also be increased by using a standardized extract of the herb chastetree berry (140 to 275 milligrams daily). It may take three or four months before its full benefit is experienced.
In general, all foods that promote estrogen excess must be reduced or avoided: nonorganic foods, dairy products, sugar, refined carbohydrates, soy products, alcohol, and coffee. It is also advisable to drink filtered water.
Environmental estrogens are found in personal care products, cosmetics, household cleaning products, plastics, and all forms of pesticides–these may feed the growth of fibroids. Whenever possible, use only organic, chemical-free products.
Estrogen is deactivated by the liver before elimination from the body. Liver problems and liver congestion will raise levels of circulating estrogen and thus aggravate fibroid growth. A Vitamin B-complex (100 mg) helps support the liver by enabling it to break down estrogens while Vitamin E (600 IU) will regulate bleeding and normalize estrogen levels.
Indole-3-carbinole (150 to 300 mg daily), an active ingredient of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, has a powerful effect on the liver’s ability to properly metabolize estrogens. Calcium D-glucarate (150 to 300 mg daily) clears estrogens and xenoestrogens out of the body. Liver support herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion detoxify a wide range of hormones, drugs, and toxins.
Once released from the liver into the small and large intestines, estrogen may be reabsorbed back into the body if the intestines are sluggish. Since slow transit time and constipation increases estrogen levels, increasing water consumption, fiber intake, and taking bowel cleansing herbs will aid proper elimination.
If at all possible, it is important to resolve fibroids when they’re small. When they’re larger, they’re more difficult to treat successfully. Fortunately, the protein-dissolving action of systemic oral enzymes (10 to 15 tablets daily) has the ability to actually dissolve the hard, fibrous material of a fibroid.
There are many ways to reduce the size of fibroids or to even heal them entirely. Most of all, their presence is certainly letting you know that you need to make some changes in your diet and lifestyle.
What solutions worked for you? Tweet us @OrganicSpaMag #combatfibroids
Related Articles:
Beauty is Wellness: A Spring Detox Dinner