Fibroids are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system. Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas [1], leiomyomas [1], or fibromas [1], are firm, compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus. It is estimated that between 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroids. Some estimates state that up to 30 to 77 percent of women will develop Fibroids sometime during their childbearing years.
WHAT CAUSES FIBROID?
The causes of Fibroids can be traced to the type of lifestyle that we now live. The lifestyle we now live cannot be compared with the natural lifestyles of the people of old. There are so many things that are
bringing in a lot of estrogen (hormone influencing the growth of Fibroids) into the body systems now, like plastics, pesticides and even the foods and the processes under which we breed animals for
consumption. Most of these things, including fishes, are bred artificially. So they store those hormones that we are imbibing and that is what is causing Fibroid problems.
bringing in a lot of estrogen (hormone influencing the growth of Fibroids) into the body systems now, like plastics, pesticides and even the foods and the processes under which we breed animals for
consumption. Most of these things, including fishes, are bred artificially. So they store those hormones that we are imbibing and that is what is causing Fibroid problems.
WHO IS AT RISK OF FIBROID?
Women who are approaching menopause are at the greatest risk of fibroids because of their long exposure to high levels of estrogen.According to a statistic report, 1 1n 4 women in Nigeria have Fibroids between the age of 30-50 years.
SYMPTOMS AND COMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH FIBROIDS
* Anemia (as a result of heavy periods)
* Backache
* Constipation
* Discomfort in the lower abdomen (especially if fibroids are large)
* Frequent urination
* Heavy painful periods
* Pain in the legs
* Painful sex
* Swelling in the lower abdomen (especially if fibroids are large)
* Backache
* Constipation
* Discomfort in the lower abdomen (especially if fibroids are large)
* Frequent urination
* Heavy painful periods
* Pain in the legs
* Painful sex
* Swelling in the lower abdomen (especially if fibroids are large)
Fibroids may cause the menstrual bleeding to be heavier, or increase in the duration of bleeding or may cause bleeding in between periods. Some women may have a combination of bleeding symptoms. The presence and degree of uterine bleeding is determined mainly by the location of the fibroid.
Women with Fibroids that protrude into the uterus are more likely to have significant increase in bleeding.
* INFERTILITY AND REPEATED MISCARRIAGES
Fibroids can cause infertility in a number of different ways. A Fibroid can cause compression on the fallopian tubes resulting in a blockage of the passage of sperm or eggs. Fibroid can also distort the pelvic anatomy sufficiently to make it difficult for the fallopian tube to capture an egg at the time of ovulation. If a fibroid extends into the uterine cavity or causes distortion of the uterine cavity, it may present a mechanical barrier to implantation. Studies suggests that Fibroids in the muscle portion of the uterus can cause an alteration or reduction of
blood flow to the uterine lining making it more difficult for an implanted embryo to grow and develop.
blood flow to the uterine lining making it more difficult for an implanted embryo to grow and develop.
Studies also suggests that even small Fibroids that grow inside of the uterine cavity may act as a
foreign body and result in an inflammatory reaction that makes the uterine environment hostile for an embryo to implant, making it difficult for the woman to get pregnant.
foreign body and result in an inflammatory reaction that makes the uterine environment hostile for an embryo to implant, making it difficult for the woman to get pregnant.
In summary, Fibroids can affect fertility in many ways. They can affect whether sperm and egg meet, they can affect whether an embryo can implant, they can affect whether a pregnancy can continue, and they can affect the growth and positioning of the baby.
* PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS – Studies have suggested an increased risk of certain problems during pregnancy in women with Fibroids, including difficulties with labor, breech presentation of the fetus, premature rupture of the “bag of waters”, and abruption of the placenta (a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall during the pregnancy).
* ABDOMINAL PAINS –Fibroids can cause swelling and discomfort in the lower abdomen. A Fibroid patient may also have a sensation of being constipated. Fibroids can also cause pain in bowel movements.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for fibroids.
1. Castor Oil Pack
Applying a castor oil pack on the abdomen helps stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems, and increases lymphocytes (disease-fighting cells) to eliminate disease-causing toxins from the body. Many holistic practitioners believe a buildup of these toxins plays an important role in fibroid development.
Castor oil also contains ricinoleic acid with anti-inflammatory properties. The following remedy may help shrink fibroids and also aid in pain relief.
- Saturate a piece of wool flannel in castor oil.
- Place it on your abdomen and cover it with a plastic wrap.
- Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on it and cover that with an old towel.
- Leave it on for about one hour, and then remove it.
- Repeat three or four times a week for at least one month, or until you see improvement.
Note: Do not use this remedy during menstruation or if you are trying to conceive.
2. Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean areas. It is an excellent herbal solution to maintain hormonal balance, lower estrogen levels and reduce inflammation. Simply take 25 to 30 drops of chaste berry tincture two to four times a day.
Note: Chasteberry will help regulate menstruation and bleeding between periods, but may also reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills.
3. Milk Thistle
This herbal remedy helps metabolize and get rid of excess estrogen. Estrogen is a reproductive hormone that stimulates cells to release growth factors, which in turn contributes to fibroid growth. Simply take 10 to 25 drops of a tincture of this herb up to three times a day for three to four months.
4. Dandelion
Many herbalists believe that poor liver function leading to poor elimination of excess hormones contributes to fibroids. Dandelion aids in liver detoxification and clearing excess estrogen from your body.
- Boil three tablespoons of dandelion root in three and one-half cups of water.
- Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, and allow it to steep for another 15 minutes before straining it.
- Drink this tea three times a day for at least three months.
5. Green Tea
Studies indicate that green tea contains a compound called Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that inhibits growth of fibroid cells, eventually increasing their death rate.
EGCG offers anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and antioxidant effects. Researchers have found that in addition to reducing the size of fibroids, green tea can reduce the severity of fibroid symptoms.
Drink two or three cups of green tea or take two 400 mg green tea capsules daily for several months.
6. Milk
In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2009, researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine found that black women who consumed four or more dairy servings a day had a 30 percent reduced incidence of uterine fibroids compared to those who consumed less than one serving a day.
Although the exact mechanism for this is not known, researchers believe that the calcium in dairy may help reduce cell proliferation. So, include more milk and dairy products in your daily diet.
You can also combine milk with blackstrap molasses that, being rich in iron and other nutrients, helps combat anemia that may result from heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Though not proven scientifically, blackstrap molasses is also believed to help shrink fibroids.
- Mix one or two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses in three-quarters cup of warm milk.
- Drink it once or twice a day on a regular basis, or at least for several months.