Fibroids – Types, Causes, Symptoms – Best Fibroids Treatment And Remedies
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are a common health concern among a major population of women. Uterine fibroids are benign, non cancerous tumours that originate within the uterus. They are also called fibroid tumors, leiomyomas, or myomas. They are made of the same muscle tissues as the uterus, though they tend to be hardened. This is possibly because uterine fibroids contain higher levels of estrogen than the surrounding uterine tissues. Some uterine fibroids may be so small that they can’t be felt even during an internal examination. Some may be large enough to make a prominent bulge in your stomach. The fibroids treatment can be holistic, using home remedies, or – in more serious cases – they can be surgically removed.
The uterus is the perfect location for fibroids to thrive. Firstly, the purpose of the uterus is to hold the fetus. This means, it has the perfect environment for a mass of cells to reproduce and cause a hardened growth. Secondly, there is enough space for multiple fibroids to grow undetected. Apart from these factors, hormonal fluctuations, the thick endometric walls and a good supply of menstrual blood, all together form a hospitable environment for the fibroids to develop and flourish.
What causes fibroids?
There are various factors that contribute to the formation and subsequent growth of uterine fibroids.
For instance, the genetic construction in some women makes them more susceptible to fibroids than others. Thankfully, genetic research shows that these constructions can be altered and thereby the condition can be overcome. Again, an unwholesome diet usually causes hormonal imbalances, which, in turn disturb the removal of toxic waste from the body. Lack of nutrition usually lowers the body’s defenses and therefore makes one vulnerable to fibroids. When the immune system is weak, the body is unable to tackle problems of toxic accumulation and hormonal imbalance. Prolonged exposure to toxins, through our food, our water and our air, leads to a toxic build up in the body. This makes the body more vulnerable to fibroids.
Finally, insulin resistance is a stage where the cells in one’s body are less responsive to the insulin hormone thus resulting in abnormal blood sugar. These fluctuations in the blood sugar levels lead to uterine fibroids.
It’s unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation.
Hormones
Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroids.
Family history
Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you’re pregnant.
Fibroids are also known by the following names
- leiomyomas
- myomas
- uterine myomas
- fibromas
Uterine fibroids may be of various types
The Subserous Fibroid
This is the most common kind of fibroid. It develops on the outer walls of the uterus and tends to grow bigger and more painful during menstruation.
The Submusocal Fibroid
This kind of fibroid can be found very deep inside the uterus. Often, the only solution for relief from this type is surgery. It causes excessive bleeding (often leading to hemorrhage) and can cause a lot of pain.
The Intramural Fibroid
The intramural fibroid grows exactly on the walls of the uterus. It displays the characteristics and symptoms of both subserous and submusocal fibroids.
The Pedunculated Fibroid
These fibroids are attached to the uterine walls by a stalk like growth referred to as the peduncle. They don’t usually display any symptoms, but can be felt during internal examinations.
Depending on the type, your doctor will know what is the best fibroids treatment for you.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Women with uterine fibroids exhibit several symptoms. Some of these are, excessive menstrual flow, excruciating cramps accompanied with fever and nausea, bloating, pain during intercourse and severe abdominal pressure. Uterine fibroids tend to cause several problems to the sufferers such as urinary problems, pregnancy and fertility related problems and even depression due to hormonal imbalances.
Symptoms of fibroids may include
- heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots
- pain in the pelvis or lower back
- increased menstrual cramping
- increased urination
- pain during intercourse
- menstruation that lasts longer than usual
- pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen
- swelling or enlargement of the abdomen
How are fibroids diagnosed?
For a proper diagnosis and effective fibroids treatment, you’ll need to see a gynecologist to get a pelvic exam. This exam is used to check the condition, size, and shape of your uterus. You may also need other tests, which include:
Ultrasound
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your uterus on a screen. This will allow your doctor to see its internal structures and any fibroids present. A transvaginal ultrasound, in which the ultrasound wand is inserted into the vagina, may provide clearer pictures since it’s closer to the uterus during this procedure.
Pelvic MRI
This in-depth imaging test produces pictures of your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.
Fibroids treatment and cure
Now that you know all about uterine fibroids, it is important to know that there is a cure for fibroids. A wise and healthy way of dealing with this condition is to approach it in a holistic manner.
Holistic fibroids treatments examine your body as a whole and heals the condition using a multi-dimensional approach in a safe and natural way. Holistic treatments aim at building a strong immune system, and also enhance your mental and spiritual strength, to equip your body to cure itself of the disease. Thus, say, by combining a healthy diet with exercise and meditation, you can strengthen your mind and body, eliminate the existing fibroids and permanently prevent further fibroids from developing.
Holistic fibroids treatment not only provides a complete relief from the condition but also permanently keeps further fibroids from developing.
How is the best treatment for fibroids?
Your doctor will develop a fibroids treatment plan based on your age, the size of your fibroids, and your overall health. You may receive a combination of treatments.
Home remedies and natural treatments for fibroids treatment
Certain home remedies and natural treatments can have a positive effect on fibroids, including:
- acupuncture
- yoga
- massage
- Gui Zhi Fu Ling Tang (GFLT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula
- applying heat for cramps (avoid heat if you experience heavy bleeding)
- Dietary changes can help as well. Avoid meats and high-calorie foods. Instead, opt for foods high in flavonoids, green vegetables, green tea, and cold-water fish such as tuna or salmon.
- Managing your stress levels and losing weight if you’re overweight can also benefit women with fibroids.
A holistic approach is usually best, as it gives you an opportunity to change many things in your life. Natural remedies for fibroids are all around us.
Medications
Medications to regulate your hormone levels may be prescribed to shrink fibroids.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as leuprolide (Lupron), will cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This will eventually stop menstruation and shrink fibroids.
GnRH antagonists also help to shrink fibroids. They work by stopping your body from producing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Examples include:
- ganirelix acetate, an injectable drug
- cetrorelix acetate (Cetrotide), an injectable drug
- elagolix, which is present in the oral drug elagolix/estradiol/norethindrone acetate (Oriahnn)
Other options that can help control bleeding and pain, but won’t shrink or eliminate fibroids, include:
- an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the hormone progestin
- over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil)
- birth control pills
Surgery
Surgery to remove very large or multiple fibroids may be performed. This is known as a myomectomy. An abdominal myomectomy involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. The surgery can also be performed laparoscopically, using a few small incisions into which surgical tools and a camera are inserted. Fibroids might grow back after surgery.
If your condition worsens, or if no other fibroids treatments work, your physician may perform a hysterectomy. However, this means that you won’t be able to bear children in the future.
Noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures
A newer and completely noninvasive fibroids treatment surgical procedure is forced ultrasound surgery (FUS). You lie down inside a special MRI machine that allows doctors to visualize the inside of your uterus. High-energy, high-frequency sound waves are directed at the fibroids to ablate, or destroy, them.
Myolysis procedures (such as Acessa) shrink fibroids using heat sources like an electric current or laser, while cryomyolysis freezes the fibroids. Endometrial ablation involves inserting a special instrument into your uterus to destroy the uterine lining using heat, electric current, hot water, or extreme cold.
Another nonsurgical option is uterine artery embolization. In this procedure, small particles are injected into the uterus in order to cut off the fibroids’ blood supply, effectively destroying them.
What can you expect in the long term?
Your actual prognosis will depend on the size and location of your fibroids. Uterine fibroids may not need fibroids treatment if they’re small or don’t produce any symptoms.
If you’re pregnant and have fibroids, or become pregnant and have fibroids, your doctor will carefully monitor your condition throughout your pregnancy. In most cases, fibroids don’t cause problems during pregnancy. You should speak with your doctor if you expect to become pregnant and have fibroids.
In any case, whatever you choose to be your primary fibroids treatment, we wish you lots of success and luck.
This article is based on the book, “Fibroids Miracle” by Amanda Leto. Amanda is an author, researcher, nutritionist and health consultant who dedicated her life to creating the ultimate Fibroids solution guaranteed to permanently reverse the root of uterine fibroids, naturally enhance your fertility and dramatically improve the overall quality of your life, without the use prescription medication and without any surgical procedures. Learn more by visiting her website: Fibroids Miracle.
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