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Uterine fibroids are called tumors because they are solid masses, not because they are cancerous. In fact, almost all are benign. These slow growing masses composed of muscle and fibrous tissue and develop in the muscle layers of female uterine wall. Most fibroids never cause problems but sometimes they can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding between periods, a sensation of heaviness in the pelvis, frequent urination, sudden severe cramps, or infertility. The excessive bleeding that some fibroids cause may lead to fatigue and anemia.
In addition, fibroids may prevent pregnancy by blocking the pathway of sperm or preventing implantation of an embryo. During pregnancy fibroids can increase the chance of miscarriage or heavy postpartum bleeding. A large fibroid may obstruct delivery or interfere with uterine contractions.
Most frequently fibroids occur in women between the ages 35-45 who have never been pregnant. Most women who get one fibroid develop others, sometimes 100 or more. Overall, nearly half of all women develop fibroids by age 40. These masses rarely occur before age 20 and tend to shrink after menopause.
The cause of fibroids remains a mystery, but the tumors seem to respond to changes in levels of the hormone estrogen. During high level of estrogens, such as during pregnancy or while a woman is taking oral contraceptives, fibroids grow. Other factors may make a woman more prone to developing fibroids include obesity, alcohol use, a high-fat diet, vitamin B deficiency.
The most common treatment for fibroids is hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. Women who want a less drastic measure or who want to remain fertile may be candidates for myomectomy, a surgery that removes only the fibroid masses themselves.
Some women prefer natural remedies which could be effective in many cases of uterine fibroids:
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Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Traditional Chinese Medicine attributes fibroids to liver problems. Because the liver breaks down excess circulating estrogen, taking milk thistle to help shrink fibroids makes sense. Many studies have shown that silymarin, a compound in milk thistle seeds, stimulates liver repair, blocks toxins from entering the organ, and protects it from free radicals. Typical dosage: 140 milligrams of standardized silymarin three times per day for three months, then 90 milligrams three times per day; or 10 t0 25 drops of tincture up to three times per day for three to four months.
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Burdock (Arctium lappa, A. minus)
In addition to treating liver conditions, burdock root has shown anti-tumor capabilities in animal studies. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea three times per day (1 teaspoon of dried root steeped in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 10 to 25 drops of tincture three times per day. Whichever form you take, continue for three to four months.
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Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)
One of the most widely known women’s herbs, vitex was recommended by Hippocrates in 450 B.C. Researchers believe that vitex works by regulating the pituitary gland, the one that tells other glands how much of each hormone to make. The hormone in question here is estrogen, on which vitex has a regulating effect. Vitex needs to be taken for six months for its full benefits to be felt. Typical dosage: 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams in capsules per day; or 1 to 2 dropperfuls of tincture two times per day. Caution: Do not take during pregnancy. Vitex may lessen the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.
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Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
This herb is useful if your fibroids cause excessive bleeding during menstruation. Herbalists believe that it gradually improves the tone of the uterus. (If you believe that fibroids are causing other menstrual symptoms, see Menstrual Problems, page 408). Typical dosage: 1 to 2 cups of tea two or three times per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: If you are pregnant, use only under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.
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Poke Root (Phytolacca americana)
When fibroids cause tenderness in the lower abdomen, topical application of poke root oil can help. Rub the oil on the area twice a day, morning and evening, as long as discomfort persists. Caution: If skin irritation occurs, discontinue use. Do not take this herb internally; it is highly toxic even in small doses.
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Uterine Fibroid Tea
This tea blend combines hormone-balancing herbs with those that ease cramps.
2 teaspoons vitex berries
1 teaspoons black cohosh root
1/2 teaspoon dandelion root
1/2 teaspoon prickly ask bark
1/4 teaspoon cramp bark
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon bark
4 cups water
Combine the herbs in the water and bring to a boil. Lower heat and allow the tea to simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and drink at least 2 cups of tea per day for 3 to 4 months.
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Dietary Supplements
To help shrink fibroids, try taking the following supplements once daily for 3 to 4 months:
Vitamin C: 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams
Selenium: 400 micrograms
Zinc: 30 milligrams
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Posted in Natural Cures for Fibroids.
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