Treatment of uterine fibroids isn't always surgical. There are ways to avoid surgical fibroid removal, and a few of those ways involve holistic preventative measures. Changing key things in your everyday lifestyle can help shrink your fibroids. Fibroid symptoms range from none to severe; some women have painful periods or heavy menstrual periods. In this article, you can learn about how fibroid development occurs, and how firboid treatment approaches.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterus, also known as leiomyomas or myomas. They can range in size from a pea to a cantaloupe or larger, and are most common in women aged 30-50. Uterine Fibroids are very common, and it is estimated that up to 80% of women will develop them at some point in their lives. While they are not cancerous, they can cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure on the bladder or rectum. Fibroids can also make it difficult to become pregnant or increase the risk of miscarrying.
There are several treatment options for Uterine Fibroids, but surgery is not always necessary. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may be enough to reduce the symptoms of Uterine Fibroids.
How does fibroid growth happen?
As women age, they are more likely to develop uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the uterus that often occur during the childbearing years. While most fibroids stay small, some can grow to be very large. Fibroid growth happens when the body produces too much estrogen hormone. Estrogen is necessary for normal reproduction, but too much of it can cause problems like fibroids. Uterine fibroids can cause various symptoms, like heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure on the pelvis. In some cases, they can even make it difficult to get pregnant.
How to Treat Uterine Fibroids Naturally.
Please note any treatment approaches mentioned are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and have not been evaluated by the FDA.
The size, location, and type of fibroid will dictate which treatment options are available to you. Some minimally invasive treatments can be done without surgery; however, some larger fibroids may require surgery. If you are looking for a natural way to treat your uterine fibroids, options are available. Speak with your healthcare provider to see if these treatment options suit you. Uterine Fibroids can be a pain, both literally and figuratively. But don't despair; treatments available that can help shrink them without resorting to surgery. Let's look at some of the most popular natural treatments for fibroids.
Fibroids often grow in response to estrogen, so they naturally shrink with menopause when estrogen levels drop. Excess body fat makes extra estrogen, so maintaining a normal body weight can help prevent growth of fibroids. Obesity is a risk factor for fibroids.
Dietary changes: Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce fibroids' size by helping with hormone metabolism and binding and removing toxins from the body. Soy products should be avoided; they contain phytoestrogens which can cause fibroids to grow. Buying organic produce and hormone free meat and dairy products helps avoid excess hormones and pesticides which can have weak estrogenic properties.
Herbal Supplements: Several herbal supplements can be helpful in fibroid treatment. One of the most popular herbs for this purpose is black cohosh, which helps to balance hormones and may reduce the size of fibroids. Other herbs that have been traditionally used for fibroid treatment include dong quai, milk thistle, and chaste berries. The supplement DIM can also help with estrogen metabolism and may help shrink fibroids.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture can help reduce fibroid symptoms by regulating hormones and improving blood circulation. If you are interested in trying acupuncture, be sure to find a qualified practitioner with experience treating uterine fibroids.
Exercise: Exercise is not only good for your overall health, but it can also help to reduce the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Exercise helps improve blood circulation and expel toxins from the body, which may help reduce fibroid symptoms. In addition, exercise helps to balance hormones and relieve stress, which can contribute to the development of fibroids.
Making lifestyle changes and trying natural treatments can help reduce fibroid symptoms significantly. Take back control with these natural treatment options.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine Fibroid embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical, interventional radiology procedure to shrink uterine fibroids. UFE involves placing a small catheter through the femoral artery in the groin and threading it into the uterine arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Once the catheter is positioned correctly, small particles are injected into these arteries, blocking the blood flow to the fibroid(s), and causing them to shrink. UFE can be performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require general anesthesia. Most women undergoing UFE experience significant symptom relief within a few months without additional treatment. Uterine fibroid embolization is generally safe and effective, but some risks are involved as with any medical procedure. These risks include infection, bleeding, and damage to the blood vessels or surrounding tissues—most women who undergo this procedure experience no serious complications.
Not all types of fibroids are amenable to this treatment however, so you need to consult with your physician if this is a good option for your fibroids.
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FAQs
Are there non-surgical treatment options for large fibroids?
As you can see, many non-surgical treatment options are available for fibroid treatment. In addition to the above mentioned methods, there are new prescription medication options to help shrink fibroids and alleviate symptoms. Please contact a healthcare professional if you are suffering from fibroids and want to explore your treatment options. Remember, fibroid shrinkage without surgery is possible! With the right treatment plan, you can experience relief from your symptoms and live a healthy life. Uterine Fibroids don't have to control your life - take back control today!
Are there other options besides hysterectomy for fibroid removal?
A potentially minimally invasive surgical option for fibroid removal is myomectomy, in which the fibroids are removed while leaving the uterus intact. Myomectomy may be able to be performed laparoscopically through small incisions in the abdomen or hysteroscopically, meaning through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. Hysteroscopic myomectomy has a shorter recovery time and may be less likely to cause scarring or damage to the uterus. You and your physician can discuss these treatment options to find out what is best for you.
