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Uterine Fibroids

What are fibroids?

    Fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors made up of muscle and connective tissue. These tumors can develop on or in the uterus, ranging in size from the size of a seed to the size of a melon. Approximately 20 to 80% of women are affected by fibroids by the age of 50. African American women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop fibroids. Although some women may not experience symptoms, common symptoms include heavy menstrual cycles, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, lower back pain, pain during sex, and abdominal distention. 

 

What is the cause of fibroids?

    Fibroids are caused by hormones/growth factors, some birth control, excessive use of red meats and processed foods, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, relaxers, and BPA. 

    Fibroid growth is caused by the imbalance of estrogen and progesterone. Excess estrogen and the lack of progesterone to compensate for the excess estrogen lead to fibroids. Estrogen manages the growth of the uterus and replacement of the lining. Progesterone is responsible for the management of the uterus in preparation for menstruation or pregnancy. Excess estrogen leads to the development and growth of fibroids. Red meat and processed foods contribute to fibroid development because of their hormone content, which increases estrogen levels. Red meats also contribute to inflammation within the body. Excessive alcohol consumption disrupts hormonal balance within the body, increasing fibroid development. Alcohol also affects the liver and interferes with its ability to detoxify excess estrogen. Alcohol also increases inflammation and may boost prostaglandin production, which also increases inflammation and intensifies cramps and pain responses. 

    Birth control with high hormonal dosages contributes to fibroid development. Nexplanon implants are more likely to increase fibroids than other birth control methods. Doctors have also been using birth control to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, which may or may not be due to fibroids. 

    Women who use hair relaxers are 17% more likely to develop fibroids than women who do not get relaxers. Relaxers contain toxic chemicals like parabens, cyclosiloxanes, nonylphenols, etc. These chemicals are carcinogenic/hormone disruptors that increase the prevalence of fibroids. 

    BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical found in plastics like water bottles, storage containers, etc. BPA promotes the growth and thickening of uterine fibroids. BPA commonly binds to estrogen receptors, which increases estrogen dominance. 

    In menopausal women, fibroids decrease due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone. 

 

Fibroids during pregnancy

    Most fibroids do not cause issues during pregnancy; nonetheless, this is not always the case. Hormones increase during pregnancy, which may contribute to fibroid growth during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The growth of fibroids during pregnancy can lead to complications like preterm birth, miscarriage, pain, placental complications, postpartum hemorrhage, and malposition of the baby, often leading to a c-section. Some women have also experienced shrinking of their fibroids during pregnancy. 

 

Prevention/Treatment of Fibroids

    To decrease your chances of developing fibroids, you should limit your intake of red and processed meats, foods and drinks that are high in sugars, alcohol, caffeine, saturated and trans fats. Dietary foods that can help with the symptoms/prevention of fibroids are green leafy vegetables, fruit, fish (wild-caught salmon and tuna), foods that contain vitamin D, whole grains, potassium-rich foods, and green tea. These foods promote regular bowel movements, which help with the excretion of excess estrogen. Some of them are also anti-inflammatory, which is beneficial since inflammation is a contributing factor of fibroids. If you have fibroids, consuming these foods may help alleviate the symptoms of fibroids. 

    I will not go into detail about the herbs that will help with fibroids, but according to Chinese medicine, fibroids can be treated, along with their symptoms, by herbal medicine. Please consult with an herbalist or your provider before consuming the following herbs, especially if you are pregnant. Corydalis, motherwort, white peony root, and cyperus are herbs listed by Chinese herbalists that can heal fibroids. 

    Other forms of treatment include UFE (uterine fibroid embolization), which shrinks fibroids by blocking blood flow to the fibroids. Surgical treatment includes myomectomy, which is the surgical removal of fibroids. Another surgical option is hysterectomy, which is the surgical removal of the uterus. There are other invasive and less invasive forms of treatment that you can research or discuss with your provider. 

    Some medications that are used to treat the symptoms of fibroids are IUDs and GnRH antagonists or agonists. GnRH agonists temporarily stop the body from producing estrogen and progesterone, which stops menstrual cycles, shrinks fibroids, and may improve anemia. GnRH antagonists treat heavy menstrual bleeding. IUD relieves heavy bleeding but doesn't change the size of the fibroid. Tranexamic acid is taken on the days of heavy bleeding and decreases the amount of bleeding on those days. Do your research to decide what options are best for you. There are more options than the ones mentioned above. 

 

Until next time.....Wombmen are the future