Types of Uterine Fibroids
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Conception & Pregnancy
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous 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 many pounds. 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
Subserous: 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, both female hormones, contribute to the growth of the fibroids.
This means that the hormones will increase during the years a woman has a menstrual cycle, because it is during these years the body produces the highest levels of these hormones. Generally, after menopause occurs and your body produces lower levels of progesterone and estrogen, the fibroids will begin to shrink and any symptoms that have occurred from the hormones will 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
- Increased lifetime exposure to estrogen. This is due to early menarche, fewer pregnancies, increased follicular phase and/or obesity. Body fat produces and stores estrogen.
- Exposure to xenoestrogens such as plastics, pesticides, herbicides, synthetic hormones in both meat and dairy products, or hormone replacement therapy.
- Poor estrogen metabolism. Some women’s bodies have a harder time removing and metabolizing excess estrogen.
- 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 fibroids 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:
- Interfere with implantation of the ovum
- May compress the fallopian tubes, preventing conception
- Cause anovulatory cycles
- Cause abnormal uterine blood flow, hindering movement of sperm to ova
- Cause miscarriage
- May cause intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)
- May cause premature rupture of the membranes
- Contribute to retained placenta after birth
- Cause postpartum hemorrhage
- Cause 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 many woman 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 fibroids is surgery. The two main types of surgery used for treating uterine fibroids are a myomectomy, which only removes the existing fibroids, and a hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus.
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.
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 newer 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 even cause infertility.
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 to 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
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 (combined oral contraceptive pill, this is released into the environment as a xenoestrogen through the urine and feces of women who use this contraception)
- 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 eating more fiber. Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess estrogens.
- Good sources of fiber:
- Dark leafy greens
- Swiss chard
- Chia seeds
- Ground flaxseed
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 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
DIM balances the hormones by breaking down estrogen and removing it from the body. Estrogen is a major culprit to many of the fertility issues women face today especially fibroids. Supporting the body in getting rid of excess estrogens should cause the fibroids to stop occurring and for the ones currently there to stop increasing in size.
Step 2: Increase circulation, reduce pain, manage heavy menstrual bleeding
Fibro Defense goes to the source of the problem, helping to reduce excess estrogen that fuels abnormal growths, and stimulating 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 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): 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): 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, reducing inflammation of the uterus.
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. May help prevent hemorrhage excessive bleeding. 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, 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, 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, to be effective at reducing tumors and 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 the clears the body of excess tissues and toxins. Castor oil packs stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory system. 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.
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 in 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, promote healthy circulation and detoxification of tissues, while reducing pain and inflammation. Learn more about the benefits of Systemic Enzyme Therapy here…
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!