Fibroids are present in up to 80% of women, and unfortunately, not all women are symptomatic or troubled by their fibroids.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids, also known as Myomas, are tumors made up of the muscular tissue of the uterus. They can range in size from anywhere as small as a tiny seed to the size of a grapefruit and even much larger in some cases, and the size of the Fibroid, symptoms, and the location is really what dictates the symptoms and the best treatment option suitable.
It’s important to note that fibroids are not cancerous and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer. However, if you suspect you may have fibroids, it’s important to speak with your doctor to discuss the best treatment for you.
Having Fibroid doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to get pregnant. However, they can increase in size during pregnancy.
Large fibroids can keep a baby from being able to flip into the correct fetal position; this increases the risk of breech birth.
In rare cases, fibroids could increase your risk for preterm or C-section delivery.
Types Of Fibroids
- Submucosal Fibroids: These fibroids grow just under the inner lining of the uterus and can cause heavy bleeding during menstrual cycles.
- Intramural Fibroids: Intramural Fibroids are the most common type of Fibroid and grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can cause pain, pressure, and heavy bleeding during periods.
- Subserosal Fibroids grow outside the uterus and can cause pain and pressure. They are also less likely to cause heavy bleeding during periods.
- Pedunculated Fibroids: Pedunculated fibroids grow on a stalk or stem-like structure. They can cause pain and discomfort but are generally less common than other fibroids.
- Cervical Fibroids: These fibroids grow in the cervix and can cause heavy bleeding during periods, discomfort, and pressure.
Symptoms of Fibroids
The most common symptoms that women with fibroids experience are having issues with bleeding, either very heavy periods, periods longer than a week, and often it can be painful and often associated with other symptoms such as an enlargement of the abdomen, abdominal pressure, pelvic pressure, bladder pressure, leading to frequent urination or difficulty urinating.
Many women also experience:
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pain
- Pressure and difficulty getting pregnant
Causes for Fibroid Growth
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they tend to develop during child-bearing years and are more common in Black women.
Several factors are believed to play a role, such as Hormonal imbalances, particularly an excess of estrogen.
Genetics also appears to play a role, as fibroids are more common in women with a family history of the condition.
Additionally, obesity and high blood pressure may also increase the risk of developing fibroids.
A few things can raise your chances of developing uterine fibroids are;
- Race
- Getting your period at a young age
- Birth control
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Overeating red meat and not eating enough green vegetables and fruits
- Alcohol
- Family history
Recommended Foods For Treating And Preventing Fibroids
Green tea
Green tea has several antioxidants. Studies have found that one of these antioxidants, epigallocatechin gallate, can help slow the growth of fibroids by bringing down inflammation and high estrogen levels. Green tea also improves heavy and long bleeding symptoms, preventing anemia.
Fiber
Fiber-rich whole foods and unprocessed foods can help to increase satiety, balance hormones, and prevent excess weight gain. Fruits and vegetables are vital as they help reduce inflammation and your risk of developing fibroids.
Include the following whole foods in your daily diet:
•Raw and cooked vegetables and fruit • Dried fruit •Whole grains •Brown rice •Lentils and beans •Whole grain bread and pasta •Quinoa • Fresh and dried herbs
Potassium
Potassium is also important as it helps to balance blood pressure by counteracting the effects of salt. Include the following potassium-rich foods in your daily diet:
• Avocado • bananas • citrus • cantaloupe • collard greens • dates• lentils • potatoes • tomatoes
Foods That Can Make Fibroids Worst
Processed Meats
Processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, dried meat, bacon, and canned meat have been linked to many other diseases and not just Fibroids, and most doctors link eating large amounts of processed meat with an unhealthy lifestyle overall.
The high-fat content generally found in processed meats leads to inflammation, which can worsen symptoms in women with Fibroids. Processed meats usually also contain chemicals that can be irritating to your system.
High Fat Dairy Products
Conventional dairy can contain high levels of steroids, hormones, and other chemicals that promote inflammation. For many, dairy is one of the hardest things to avoid because many women love cheese. Yet the hormones in dairy, particularly estrogen, can contribute to Fibroid growth, so it’s best to avoid it as much as possible. Look for alternative milk sources, such as almond milk and oatmeal, with many delicious flavors to enjoy.
Alcohol consumption
Any alcohol may increase your chances of developing fibroids, and this is because alcohol increases the level of hormones required for fibroids to grow. Plus, Alcohol can also cause inflammation. Studies show that women who drank one or more daily beers increased their risk by more than 50%. To help reduce your risk, avoid or limit your consumption of alcohol.
Estrogen-increasing foods
Some foods contain phytoestrogens, natural ingredients that mimic the estrogen in the body. Some of these foods may have protective effects if eaten in small moderation but can have negative effects if eaten in large amounts. You might need to limit or
• red meat from sources with added hormones • soybeans • soy milk • tofu
Sugar and Simple Carbs
Sugary foods and simple carbohydrates may cause or worsen the symptoms of fibroids. They can cause blood sugar levels to rise, and this causes your body to produce a larger amount of insulin. Excess insulin can lead to weight gain and Fibroid growth. Avoiding these foods with fibroids is a good idea for numerous reasons. Not only will it help with your fibroids, but it will also make you feel better and give you more energy.
Avoid refined carbohydrates and added sugars like:
• Table sugar • glucose • dextrose • maltose • pasta • pizza • white rice • white flour
Treatment options
The treatment options for fibroids depend on the fibroids’ size, location, and symptoms, the patient’s age, overall health, and whether or not she wants to have children.
- Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills, can help reduce fibroids’ size and manage symptoms such as heavy bleeding.
- Surgery: For larger fibroids or severe symptoms, surgery may be necessary. Options include a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or a myomectomy (removal of the fibroids only).
It has been determined that non-surgical treatments are the most effective way to treat fibroids, and patients are more willing to comply.
- Embolization is a non-surgical procedure where a catheter is inserted into the artery that supplies blood to the fibroid. Small particles are injected to block the blood flow to the Fibroid, causing it to shrink.
- Uterine artery embolization (UAE): a non-surgical procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink or die.
- Herbs can be a safe and effective alternative to traditional medical treatments for fibroids. They can help reduce symptoms and shrink fibroids while supporting overall reproductive health. If you are experiencing Fibroid symptoms and are looking for a natural way to manage them, consider talking to a qualified healthcare practitioner about incorporating herbs into your treatment plan.
Best Herbs For Fibroid Treatment
- Red Raspberry leaf: This herb is rich in nutrients that support the uterus and can help to regulate menstrual cycles. It also has a toning effect on the uterus, which can help reduce fibroids’ size.
- Turmeric: This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce fibroids’ size and ease symptoms such as pain and heavy bleeding. Turmeric also has antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the body from further damage caused by fibroids.
- Milk thistle: This herb is known to have properties that help to protect the liver and can help to detoxify the body, which is important for overall hormonal balance.
- Vitex: This herb is known as chaste berry and has been used to balance hormones and normalize menstrual cycles for many years. It can help to reduce heavy bleeding and cramping related to fibroids.
- Black cohosh: Black Cohosh supports women’s reproductive health and can help to ease menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding associated with fibroids.
It is important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of fibroids and to seek medical attention if they think they may have them to get the right treatment option, fibroids can be managed effectively, and most women can continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
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