Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyomata, myomas or uterine polyps. Uterine fibroids grow within the muscles of the uterus, on the outside of the uterus, hang in the uterine cavity (referred to as a uterine polyp) or very rarely form within the cervix. They can range in size from microscopic to several inches in diameter. Uterine fibroids form in the childbearing years of a woman’s life. There may be just one fibroid or many, with differing locations. Uterine fibroids are rarely a cause for concern, but when they become too large, or there are many present, they may become a problem. In this article, we will discuss the different types of fibroids, causes, symptoms, medical treatments, and a natural therapy plan including Fertility Cleansing, eating a fertility diet, herbs, and Self Fertility Massage.

Types of Uterine Fibroids

Submucosal: grow in the innermost layer of the uterus
Intramural: grow in the middle layer of the uterus
Subserosal: grow in the outer wall of the uterus
Pedunculated: attached to a stalk either outside of the uterus or within the uterine cavity
Cervical: in the cervical tissue
Interligamentous: between the uterine broad ligaments

Causes of Uterine Fibroids

Though 20% – 80% of women by age 50 will develop uterine fibroids, according to the Office on Women’s Health at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, doctors are actually unsure of what causes them to occur. What they do know, however, is that estrogen and progesterone contribute to the growth of the fibroids.

Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) understand that “reproductive hormones like estrogen appear to stimulate cells to release growth factors (growth factors are chemicals secreted by cells which stimulate other cells to increase in size and number and to differentiate into specialized types of cells…)”

Estrogen and progesterone are at their highest levels during a woman’s childbearing years; this is why uterine fibroids are thought to develop during this time. Normally, after a woman goes through menopause, her body produces lower levels of estrogen and progesterone causing the fibroids to begin to shrink and any associated symptoms, such as pain and pressure to subside.

Uterine fibroids are hormone dependent. They develop during the hormonally active years and decline in menopause. Fibroid tissue has a higher amount of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, but does not have the capacity to regulate the estrogen response; this is why they can grow to become quite large. Other hormones play a role in the growth of uterine fibroids as well, including prolactin, parathyroid hormone, insulin growth factor, and pituitary growth hormone.

Fibroids are two to three times more likely to develop in African American women compared to any other ethnicity. In one case study highlighted in the New England Journal of Medicine, Elizabeth A. Stewart, M.D., of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Mayo Clinic shares, “The lifetime prevalence of fibroids exceeds 80% among black women…”

Factors that May Increase Fibroid Development

An increase in lifetime exposure to estrogen:
There are many factors that increase a woman’s lifetime exposure to estrogen. More than at any other time in history, women are exposed to more estrogen. This increased exposure can contribute to a wide variety of reproductive health problems, including the development of uterine fibroids. The following factors increase a woman’s lifetime exposure to estrogen:

• Early menarche – the longer a woman has her menstrual cycle, the longer estrogen levels are elevated
• Fewer pregnancies – many women today are restricting how many children they are having or are not having children at all, which increases their total exposure to estrogen
• High body fat content – body fat produces and stores estrogen; the more body fat a woman has the more estrogen she has
• Exposure to xenoestrogens – plastics, pesticides, herbicides, synthetic hormones in both meat and dairy products, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) including oral contraceptives (birth control) containing synthetic estrogen
• Poor estrogen metabolism – some women’s bodies have a harder time removing and metabolizing excess estrogen

In addition to exposure to estrogen, the following factors may also play a role in the development of uterine fibroids:

• Hypertension
• Infection complications from IUD use
• Perineal talc use
• Anovulatory cycles
• Endometrial hyperplasia (common in women with PCOS)

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

While many women will never even know that they have uterine fibroids, because the condition often exhibits no symptoms, there are some women that will experience certain effects from the fibroid’s presence. Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• A sensation of fullness or pressure in the abdominal area
• Excessive bleeding during menstruation
• Excessive length of menstruation
• Extreme cramping during menstruation
• Lower back pain
• Painful intercourse
• A frequent urge to urinate

Uterine Fibroids May Negatively Impact Conception and Pregnancy

Fibroids are thought to be the cause of infertility in 2%-10% of infertility cases. Reports have shown uterine fibroids may be responsible for the following fertility, conception, and pregnancy problems:

• Interference with implantation of the ovum
• Compressing the fallopian tubes, preventing conception
• Anovulatory cycles
• Abnormal uterine blood flow, hindering movement of sperm to ova
• Miscarriage
• Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR)
• Premature rupture of the membranes
• Contributing to retained placenta after birth
• A postpartum hemorrhage
• An abnormal labor

Not all women with uterine fibroids will experience these kinds of troubles and many go on to have healthy pregnancies even with uterine fibroids present. Because there are risks to your fertility and possibly pregnancy, it is best to work to reduce fibroid growth, prevent formation of new fibroids, and to maintain healthy lifestyle choices to continue working to bring about the best possible uterine health.

Medical Treatment for Uterine Fibroids

In many cases, the effects of uterine fibroids are so minor that often these women use a general over-the-counter pain medicine to treat any cramping or pain associated with the fibroid tumors. Since the tumors can also cause excessive menstrual bleeding, which can lead to anemia, an iron supplement is recommended if excessive bleeding is occurring.

In the medical world, the only “successful” treatment for uterine fibroids is removal. I say successful lightly, especially in the case of removal of the uterine fibroids alone, as new ones can develop post-surgery and any remaining parts of older fibroids can begin to grow back. There are four ways in which doctors aim to remove uterine fibroids:

Myomectomy
A myomectomy can help to remove the existing tumors that you have, but it will not prevent the tumors from growing back (only lifestyle changes can help to balance the body and promote hormonal balance). However, this method of uterine fibroid removal is the best of the two surgery choices for those women that are still wanting to conceive a child.

Hysterectomy
This surgical procedure removes the uterus completely. With a hysterectomy, you can guarantee that the tumors will not grow back. Unfortunately, there are many other side effects that can occur from a hysterectomy including early menopause, an increased risk of osteoporosis and, of course, the inability to become pregnant. Approximately 17% of hysterectomies performed in the United States are due to uterine fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Another procedure that is being used for treating uterine fibroids is uterine fibroid embolization. This method of treatment has proven effective at shrinking fibroids or destroying them completely, however, it is not without side effects. This treatment should not be used by those women that are wanting to become pregnant, since it is known to throw the body into early menopause and can cause infertility.

ExAblate – Focused Ultrasound Therapy (MRgFUS)
A relatively new way to eliminate uterine fibroids is through a non-invasive technique using high doses of focused ultrasound waves (HIFU). This procedure destroys the uterine fibroids without damaging the surrounding uterine tissue. As an outpatient procedure, doctors perform ExAblate in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, which allows the doctor to “see” inside of the body and target the uterine fibroids with HIFU.

Because ExAblate is a newer procedure, it is not available everywhere; it is only available in select countries and states in the U.S. In addition, not all health insurance plans cover MRgFUS. To learn more, please visit www.uterine-fibroids.org.

Uterine fibroids can be quite hard to treat naturally or through hormonal medications prescribed by doctors. If, after trying either hormonal medications or natural therapies you continue to suffer from uterine fibroids, it may be time to seriously consider surgical options. Neither doctors nor natural healthcare practitioners have been able to find an exact solution for getting rid of uterine fibroids permanently. Even after surgery, uterine fibroids may grow again or new ones may form. This is why step 1 under our Natural Therapies guide below is extremely important. It is vital to reduce exposure to xenohormones and continue to eat well to keep estrogen levels in balance.

Natural Therapy Plan for Uterine Fibroids

Step 1: Cleanse, reduce exposure to xenoestrogens, promote healthy estrogen metabolism

Fertility Cleansing

The best way to begin any natural fertility plan would be to do a Fertility Cleanse. A fertility cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones. It also supports the uterus to cleanse itself of old stagnant blood and increases circulation to the uterus while tonifying the uterine tissues.

Reduce Exposure to Xenohormones
Exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the development of uterine fibroids. NIH researchers are investigating the impact of pesticide or other chemical(s) exposure has on hormones might interact with the growth factors known to stimulate uterine fibroid growth mentioned earlier in this guide.

Xenoestrogens are a subclass of endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors, also known as xenohormones, are human-made chemicals. These chemicals have the ability to interfere with the natural functions and development of our bodies. The main function of the endocrine system is to serve as our body’s message center. Hormones deliver messages; the endocrine system coordinates hormones.

Xenoestrogens have the ability to bind to our estrogen receptor sites. This is particularly concerning for women with uterine fibroids. This is because fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen; it contains a high number of estrogen receptors; this is why they can grow to become quite large. Exposure to xenoestrogens can fuel uterine fibroid growth.

Ways to Avoid Xenohormones:

• Eat organic foods
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers
• Use natural feminine care products
• Use organic, natural body care products, including makeup
• Avoid food preservatives and dyes
• Use low VOC paints
• Use recycled unbleached paper products
• Use non-chlorinated oxygen-based bleach in the laundry
• Avoid plastics

Known Xenoestrogens to Avoid:

• Atrazine (weed killer)
• Butylated hydroxyanisole known as BHA (food preservative)
• 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor known as 4-MBC (sunscreen lotions)
• Erythrosine, FD&C Red No. 3, (food dye)
• Bisphenol A (found in polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin)
• Ethinyl estradiol (common in oral contraceptive pills, this is released into the environment as a xenoestrogen through the urine and feces of women who use this)
• Heptachlor and dieldrin, DDT (insecticides)

Dietary Tips for Reducing Uterine Fibroids

Without eating a whole food diet, the body will not respond to herbs, supplements or natural therapies as well. We suggest eating a nutrient-dense whole food fertility diet. This way of eating will create a foundation for a healthy, properly functioning body.

The Importance of Fiber
Your main focus and one of the first things you should do right now is eat more fiber. Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess estrogens.

Good sources of fiber:

• Dark leafy greens
• Broccoli
• Swiss chard
• Quinoa
• Chia seeds
• Beans
• Ground flaxseed

Whole Grains
Choose whole grains whenever possible and avoid white refined grains. Good choices of whole grains would be brown rice, millet, spelt, buckwheat, rye and oats.

Avoid Anti-nutrients
Avoid saturated fats, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and junk foods, all of which may contribute to estrogen dominance. We consider these anti-nutrients, which impact fertility negatively.

Eat a diet rich in legumes, fresh vegetables, and fruits.

DIM: Support Healthy Estrogen Metabolism

Supplementation with DIM can increase the body’s natural ability to metabolize and remove excess estrogen. The goal is to help the body manage estrogen in a better way in hopes that any existing uterine fibroids will see a reduction in exposure to estrogen. In theory, this may help slow the growth of fibroids and prevent the formation of new ones.

In summary, from the work of Epidemiologist Courtney Sperlazza, MPH, DIM in part converts bad estrogens into good estrogen metabolites, some of which the body uses and others it excretes. Bad estrogen metabolites are those with the potential to exacerbate problems commonly attributed to estrogen excess; PMS, water retention, acne, low libido, uterine fibroids and endometriosis, etc.

Step 2: Increase circulation, reduce pain, manage heavy menstrual bleeding

Fibro Defense

Fibro Defense goes to the source of the problem, helping to reduce excess estrogen that fuels abnormal growths and stimulates liver activity for improved estrogen metabolism. The herbs in this blend work with your body’s natural detoxification processes to clear congested foreign tissues, while simultaneously helping to prevent new growths from forming. Fibro Defense is an excellent way to promote the health and function of uterine tissues.

Key Herbs in Fibro Defense and Their Beneficial Actions:

Pau d’Arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla): Pau d’Arco is extremely antibacterial, which may help prevent infection due to foreign tissue growth.

Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis canadensis): This herb is extremely antibiotic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. It works to help reduce pain and inflammation from foreign tissue growth. Reduction in inflammation may help to prevent scar tissue and adhesion formation.

Dandelion Root & Leaf (Taraxicum officinalis): This plant provides excellent liver support for improved hormonal balance. Dandelion leaf is very nourishing to the body, being high in vitamins and minerals. The root aids in liver health and stimulates digestion for improved estrogen metabolism.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinalis): Ginger root is a wonderful herb used to increase circulation and promote blood flow to the uterus. The increased circulation also helps to reduce inflammation of the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa): This root promotes regulation of the entire menstrual cycle. For women with a uterus that feels inflamed or irritated throughout the month, Black cohosh may be an effective option in relaxing the uterus by helping to reduce inflammation.

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus): Raspberry leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood flow during menses. This is one of the best normalizing herbs for the female reproductive organs. Raspberry leaf is astringent, contracting and shrinking internal and external body tissues. It may help prevent hemorrhage due to excessive bleeding and is one of the best herbs for uterine health.

Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis): Dong Quai increases circulation, which helps to bring in fresh healthy blood to remove excess tissue growth, heal tissue damage, as well as limit scar tissue and adhesion formation. Healthy circulation ensures healthy natural cleansing of the body as well. Proper circulation is required to remove toxins, dead tissue, diseased tissue, and metabolic waste from our bodies. This is very important for women with uterine fibroids.

Maitake Mushroom (Grifola frondosa): This mushroom is known to have strong immune-supporting actions, including promotion of natural killer (NK) cells. Notable studies out of University of California at Davis School of Medicine and Tokyo University Pharmacy and Life Science have proven Maitake has anti-tumor properties; fighting against the development of abnormal tissue by supporting the body’s natural immune response against tumors and other growths like fibroids and cysts. It is also useful for improving glucose metabolism.

In addition, Fibro Defense contains a beneficial enzyme…

Protease Enzyme
Protease works by eating away foreign tissues, including those present from endometriosis, uterine fibroids, scar tissue, and adhesion formation. Protease also aids the body in proper blood formation and detoxification.

To learn about other herbs that may be helpful for uterine fibroids click here…

Self Fertility Massage™

Self Fertility Massage™ is a series of massage techniques that are used to help support reproductive health, the menstrual cycle, and your fertility- all from the comfort of your own home! This type of massage is easy to learn, perform and is cost-effective!

One of the greatest benefits of massage is the ability to break up adhesions and bring in circulation to the area being massaged. Uterine fibroids may compress and compromise circulation to the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or other surrounding organs. Self Fertility Massage™ helps to promote healthy circulation, helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues in the uterus, and promotes hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop. Do not do during menstruation.

Castor Oil Pack

Castor Oil Packs are an ancient therapy that helps to cleanse and heal the body where they are placed. The castor oil has a drawing power that clears the body of excess tissues and toxins. Castor oil packs stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The lymphatic system removes toxins and waste from the area stimulated by the castor oil pack. The promotion of circulation by the castor oil pack will also bring in fresh oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the reproductive organs, including the uterus. This is vital to reducing and dissolving uterine fibroids. Do not use during menstruation.

To purchase a kit with these ingredients and body therapies click here…

Step 3: Additional Considerations

Systemic Enzyme Therapy

We discussed earlier the benefits of the enzyme protease in Women’s Best Friend. Protease is in a class of pancreatic enzymes. Pancreatic enzymes are a part of a larger group of enzymes called systemic enzymes. Systemic enzymes may be helpful in reducing the size of uterine fibroids, healing and preventing scar tissue damage from existing uterine fibroids, promoting healthy circulation and detoxification of tissues, while reducing pain and inflammation. Learn more about the benefits of Systemic Enzyme Therapy here…

Summary

Uterine fibroids are hormone-dependent. Fibroid tissue is hypersensitive to estrogen, but does not have the capacity to regulate the estrogen response; this is why they can grow to become quite large. Because they are responsive and may develop due to exposure to estrogen, both from our own estrogen and from human-made chemicals, it is vital to reduce excess estrogen and support healthy progesterone levels to balance out unopposed estrogen. It is also vital to promote healthy circulation and detoxify the tissues in the uterus, work to manage pain if present and reduce heavy or mid-cycle menstrual bleeding due to fibroids. The overall goal is to support a healthy normal functioning uterus for a lifetime!

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Hethir Rodriguez - Certified Herbalist, Nutritionist, Birth Doula

Hethir Rodriguez is the Founder and President of Natural Fertility Info.com. She has been a Certified Herbalist for over 19 years, holds a Bachelors degree (BS) in Nutrition Sciences and is a Certified Birth Doula.  Since founding Natural Fertility Info.com in 2007, Hethir has written and co-authored over 1200+ articles on Fertility; and her research, articles, and guides have been read by over 40,000,000 people.  Hethir has dedicated her life to helping provide a source for high quality, research based information and support for those on their journey to becoming parents.

Dr. Christine Traxler M.D., OB/GYN

Dr. Traxler is a University-trained obstetrician/gynecologist, working with patients in Minnesota for over 20 years. She is a professional medical writer; having authored multiple books on pregnancy and childbirth; textbooks and coursework for medical students and other healthcare providers; and has written over 1000 articles on medical, health, and wellness topics.  Dr. Traxler attended the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences and University of Minnesota Medical School,  earning a degree in biochemistry with summa cum laude honors in 1981,  and receiving her Medical Doctorate degree (MD) in 1986.

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