Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids, also known as myomas, leiomyomas, fibromyomas, and fibr omas, are solid common benign tumors that usually occur in the walls of muscle lining the uterus, however they may occasionally grow outside the uterus. They are often described as hard, fibrous or "tuff,"light-colored tissue that grows slowly (and at certain times quickly) within the uterine wall. At times a fibroid may grow within the muscle resulting in a distortion of the uterine cavity, or it may protrude like a hernia from the uterine wall into the uterine cavity or cervix anchored by a stalk at which time it is called a pedunculated fibroid. Fibroids can range from pea to grapefruit size and are often found in groups. Many gynecologists will describe the size of a fibroid in terms of weeks of pregnancy (i.e., size of a 12-week pregnancy) or in terms of seeds, nuts or fruits.

There are three primary types of fibroids based on their size and location. The location of the fibroid also determines the possible symptoms a woman will experience. 1. Subserous (associated with pressure) grow on the outside of the uterus, 2. intramural (may cause pain) grow within the wall of the uterus and are the most common and 3. submucosal (cause bleeding) grow into the uterine cavity and are the least common and are known to cause heavy bleeding and prolonged menstrual cycles.

When a20fibroid is growing from a stalk, pedunculated, it may grow into the uterus or outside the uterine wall or sometimes twist on its stalk obstructing its blood supply resulting in pressure and pain. Very small fibroids called seedlings are difficult to detect and cause no symptoms and are usually detected after undergoing a pelvic examination. A uterus that is producing fibroids will normally average six to seven fibroids. Approximately 40% to 80% of all women between the ages of 30 and 50 will have fibroids and they are three to nine times more prevalent in African-American women than in Caucasian women. Women of all races who are overweight are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids. They rarely occur before age twenty and have been the primary reason for most women undergoing hysterectomies in the U.S. at a rate of 600,000 surgeries annually. Today many experts believe that most of these hysterectomies are unnecessary.

Fibroids may decrease in size and number when a woman reaches menopause at about age 52. Unless they cause severe pain, produce chronic heavy bleeding, become too numerous, grow larger than 4 inches in diameter, or produce great pressure against other organs, they need not be treated. Many physicians will adopt a wait and see approach because at menopause most fibroids stop growing and in many cases will shrink and disappear on their own without surgery or drug intervention.

If exploring non conventional methods, remember to be patient and persistent. It may take up to three to six months before a fibroid may begin to shrink or disappear once you have embarked on a wholesome and balanced diet, lifestyle and attitude.

Cause(s):
Medically the cause(s) of uterine fibroids is not clear. However, some experts believe that there is a genetic error in a gene that controls how rapidly muscle cells grow in the muscle wall of the uterus, and also that there may be an abnormal response to estrogen and possibly progesterone. The pancreatic hormone insulin and other growth factors may also affect fibroid growth. Fibroids also tend to run in families, further suggesting a possible genetic connection (or possible traditional connection). The tendency to grow in the presence of elevated estrogen levels would explain rapid growth of fibroids during pregnancy or when taking hormone replacement therapy, especially estrogen (ERT). Also under question are poor dietary and social habits particularly refined carbohydrates, alcohol, tobacco, junk food and sugar consumption, as well as high stress or poor stress management. Many experts state that the standard American diet is the type of diet that places women at risk for not only uterine fibroids but also endometriosis, fibrocystic breast lumps and breast cancer.

According to some reports beef and ham have been associated with increased rates of fibroids possibly due to added growth hormones. Lastly, many experts, as do I, believe that fibroids or any dysfunction is a sign that there are problems stemming from suppressed or blocked feelings, energy or severe imbalances in both the physical and emotional body. These imbalances could be from bad relationships, unrewarding jobs or professions, nutrient-deficient diets, detrimental lifestyles and a loathsome view of self. In all cases, it implies that we need to rethink, review and do better in all areas of concern.

Symptoms:
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms. The major concern with fibroids is rapid growth and excessive bleeding. Large fibroids can prevent pregnancy, cause miscarriages, can produce heavy bleeding during menses, cause anemia, pressure the urinary bladder, cause frequent urges to urinate, painful intercourse, promote constipation and produce leg and back pain. Although extremely rare (less than one case out of 1000), there are cases of cancer (uterine sarcoma) resulting from fibroids. Unfortunately, when fibroids cause chronic severe pain, stubborn heavy bleeding, hinder efforts to become pregnant, and infringe upon neighboring organs obstructing their function, surgery may be the only choice or option. Even in such dire situations it would be wise to seek a second or third opin ion before opting for a hysterectomy and other surgeries.

Whenever there is heavy vaginal bleeding it is crucial to see a physician in order to rule out polyps and cervical or uterine cancer.

What to Do:
As with all serious health issues you may wish to consult with your medical doctor while exploring and investigating all other possible modalities and therapies as potential adjuncts to improving your health. Do not be reluctant to ask questions and voice your concerns and fears to your medical doctor and do consider he or she as a "partner" in your quest to make the best decisions.

Conventional Avenues:
Myomectomy: surgical removal of fibroid
Uterine fibroid embolization: shrinking of a fibroid
tumorHysterectomy: removal of the uterus
Endometrial ablation: lining of uterus is removed
Myolysis: needle inserted into fibroid using freezing or electric current

Dietary Modifications:
The premise of the dietary section below is that the "avoid items" are hard on the liver and increase the presence of estrogen that promotes the occurrence and growth of existing fibroids, and that the "do items" decrease the presence or effect of excess estrogen.

Avoid hydrogenated and saturated fats and oils.
Avoid caffeine, tea (except specific herbal teas), cola drinks, and chocolate.
Do eat low-fat, high fiber foods, i.e., dark-green leafy vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains.
Do eat plenty of raw foods including nuts and seeds.
Avoid alcohol and estrogenic foods, i.e., dairy, eggs, red meat and fat.
Avoid or limit your intake of salt, fried foods and white flour products.
Avoid or limit saturated fats from animal sources, i.e., bacon, sausage, ham, beef, pork and gravies.
Do eat tofu, tempeh, fish, organic chicken and fresh fruit.
Do eat only hormone-free products whenever possible.

A Few Excellent Nutrients to Consider

Supplements:
1. Vitamin A: This fat-soluble vitamin from fish oil was found to be affective in protecting fragile tissues of the mucosal lining throughout the body. It also has been found to combat the recurrence of tumors and assist in preventing bleeding. In fibrocystic breast (often accompanied by uterine fibroids), vitamin A may protect the soft tissue and ducts of the breasts.

2. Beta-Carotene: Like its cousin vitamin A, beta-carotene is an excellent antioxidant and protector of fragile mucosal tissue. A great food source is sweet potatoes and squash.

3. Vitamin C with citrus bioflavonoids: This versatile vitamin performs a myriad of functions including helping with inflamed gums, skin, joints, muscles, blood vessel strength, bruising, stress, circulation, fatigue, edema, varicose veins, allergies, eye and vision problems, cholesterol levels, hormone production and balance, wound healing and immunity. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids aid in stopping the bleeding associated with=2 0large fibroids. Best food sources are citrus fruit, kiwi, bell peppers, dark-greens, and most all berries.

4. B-Complex Vitamins: This family of water soluble vitamins is important for health of tissue, immune support, carbohydrate metabolism, stress management, brain/nerve and muscle function and water retention. They also assist the liver in the regulation of estrogen. Fine food sources are whole grains, beans, peas, liver and dark-green leafy vegetables.

5. Iron supplements can be used in an effort to improve iron levels, which in turn along with B-vitamins and other nutrients should help alleviate chronic tiredness as a result of anemia.

6. Black strap Molasses: This natural sweetener is an excellent source of iron, potassium and B-vitamins and is easily absorbed by the body.

7. Kelp, Dulse, Hijiki: These wonderful sea plants are good sources of many important trace and micro minerals, especially iodine that support liver and thyroid function. The mineral iodine has been found to be deficient in women who suffer from uterine fibroids and fibrocystic breast syndrome.

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LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS
• Avoid all forms of tobacco (hinders oxygen availability)

• Maintain a regular moderate exercise program at least 4 to 5 days a week

• Keep weight within ideal range for your height
(excess weight is linked to elevated estrogen levels)

• Employ the use of natural progesterone cream on various soft tissue areas.

• Practice effective stress management techniques


HERBAL APPROACHES
The following herbs were listed as the most successful in combating the growth of uterine fibroids and taking part in supporting liver and glandular function while supplying the body with a sound array of nutrients and cleansing and detoxifying properties.

Licorice root, burdock root, dandelion root, Pau D’Arco, comfrey root, chaparral, vitex, ginger root, cinnamon, yellow dock, dong quai, wild yam, red clover, and squaw vine.

For more in-depth informat ion about fibroids and what can be done, please see the list of references below and/or go to my blog (http://www.drwallacesays.blogspot.com/) which features upcoming lectures and articles on health, wellness and nutrition.References:Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical


REFERENCES

- Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary -- F. A. Davis Company
- Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom -- Christiane Northrup, M.D.
- Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide -- Burton Goldberg Group
- The American Medical Association Encyclopedia of Medicine -- Charles B. Clayman, M.D.
- The Estrogen Decision Self Help Book -- Susan Lark, M. D.
- Soy Smart Health -- Neil Solomom, M. D., Ph.D.
- The Estrogen Alternative -- Raquel Martin and Judi Gerstung, D.C.
- Herbal Healing for Women -- Rosemary Gladstar
- Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health -- Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac and Kahti Keville
- Center for Uterine Fibroids -- www.fibroids.net
- National Uterine Foundation -- www.nuff.org