Fibroids

Updated: 10/23/98

By: Judith G. Cobb When the doctor announces to his female patient that she has fibroid tumors, often the only word she hears is TUMORS. While this can play in the favor of unscrupulous doctors who would choose to rush in and perform surgury, (varying in degree from removal of the growth(s) to removal of the uterus and ovaries) it is important for each woman to be educated enough to know what is happening inside her body so she can have a say in her own treatment. What is a Fibroid? A fibroid tumor is a solid, bumpy growth, usually benign (99% of the time), located on the outside wall, inside wall, or in the muscular tissue of the uterus. The general technical names for such a growth are myoma or leiomyoma. Specific fibroids are named according to their location. Intramural or interstitial are nestled entirely in the uterine muscle wall. Unless they become very large they usually don't cause any problems. Subserous or subperitoneal myomas are on the outside of the uterine wall. These may cause some pain, put pressure on the bladder, and if large enough can obstruct the birth canal. The least common but most problematic type of fibroid, the submucous, is on the inner wall of the uterus and protrudes into the uterine cavity. Only 5% of fibroids are this type, but since these can cause heavy bleeding and miscarriages they are the most widely known. Each of these kinds of tumors can be diagnosed through a bimanual internal examination. If this fails to give specific enough information, ultra-sound can be used. (I would only use ultrasound as a last resort, or to determine if major surgery was really necessary since ultrasound has not been proven totally safe according to Robert Mendelsohn, M.D.). Fibroids have a genetic tendency and are more common in women who have never been pregnant, have dark skin, or are Jewish. The growth of these usually harmless tumors has been shwon to be influenced by estrogen. This explains why they appear after the first menstruation, usually disappear after menopause, and usually increase in size during the first trimester of pregnancy. Approximately 20% of all women develop fibroids before age 35. Fibroids rarely grow singly and are usually fairly small but the largest reported fibroid weighed more than 100 pounds. Symptoms Symptoms of fibroids vary depending on location, size, and complecations. Most fibroids stay small and cause no problems at all. They are only discovered during routine medical examinations. Approximately 1/4 of all fibroids cause abdominal bleeding. Pain, infertility or repeated miscarriage, back pain, and urinary problems can all be attributed to fibroids - especially if they are large or numerous. Causes There is a lot of inaccurate information concerning this problem. Frequency and type of sexual intercourse, trauma, and accident have nothing at all to do with the development of these growths. In fact, there are no confirmed causes, only theories. Estrogen, from all sources (natural and synthetic) has been shown to affect the growth of fibroids. In all cases estrogen increases the rate of growth. High fat diets lead to increased weight and cholesterol which in turn leads to an increase in naturally produced estrogen and the resulting fibroids. Remedies The medical profession has a few remedies. These include performing a D & C (dilation and curettage - opening of the cervix and scraping out of the uterus) to remove submucous fibroids, and eliminating all oral estrogen supplements. For women past child bearing age a hysterectomy may be recommended. Natural remedies take a very broad approach. For irregular bleeding caused by fibroids reduction of animal fat in the diet might be helpful as this would help to lower cholesterol which would then help to lower estrogen and help control bleeding. The addition of d-alpha tocepherol (Vitamin E) could also be beneficial as this vitamin helps to increase HDL (good cholesterol). The addition of fiber can also reduce cholesterol. (Yes, psyllium hulls have proven very effective in lowering cholesterol.) It might be a good idea if bleeding has been heavy to use natural iron supplements like chlorophyll, yellow dock, red raspberry, and herbal iron formula to prevent or remedy anemia. Reduction of caffeine intake has also been suggested as helpful. In addition of vitamins A, E, C, bioflavonoids, and the minerals zinc, iodine, and copper has been helpful for some women. Specific herbal therapies could include a blend of red clover and chaparral which has been found to reduce many tumors, growth, and cysts. These herbs put the body in a defensive posture which enables it to counter problem cells. Red raspberry is God's gift to women. For any menstrual or reproductive irregularities red raspberry is a safe bet. Bugleweed is especially helpful in stemming heavy or irregular bleeding of any sort and especially excessive menstruation. Capsicum can also be used to curtail heavy bleeding. (If capsicum 'burns' in the tummy and/or when it's on its way 'out', try taking it with slippery elm. Slippery elm can really put the fire out.) Another possible solution is a vaginal bolus of chickweed, comfrey, golden seal, marshmallow, mullein, slippery elm, squawvine, and yellow dock. These herbal powders are mixed with enough coconut oil or coconut butter to make a fairly stiff dough. This is rolled out thin, like a pencil, and refrigerated. At least twice each day a piece about 1-1/2 inches long is cut off and inserted into the vagina. (A 'panty shield' should be worn as this gets a little messy when it melts.) The herbs in this combination are beneficial for cleansing, normalizing cell growth, restoring integrity to the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, and healing. Hopefully, now when a woman hears the diagnosis of "fibroid tumors" she will not panic, but will ask questions of her doctor. (Where are they located? How many are there? What therapy do you recommend, if any? How will these affect my life/health if they are left alone? And, can I have an educated voice in my treatment?) E-mail Brenda at: joyful@best.com if you have any questions about the information above.