Question:

Dear Herbalist,

I have multiple, four, uterine fibroids. They are all small. I successfully conceived one time, but had a miscarriage due to the fibroids (or possibly another reason I don’t know). During pregnancy the fibroids grew, so please guide me in a diet to follow and precautions to take as we prepare for conception again. I want to know how to remove the fibroids or reduce them, and what I should do during pregnancy so that there is no problem in pregnancy.

Answer:

Hello,

I am very sorry for your loss! There is so much unknown about many miscarriages, and having uterine fibroids can impact pregnancy success… something I wish you wouldn’t have had to experience.

Many women live with fibroids without signs or symptoms, and many do not. They can cause daily discomfort, a bloated feeling, painful intercourse, heavy and painful menstruation, prolonged menstruation and potential additional symptoms. Uterine fibroids are estrogen-sensitive, meaning that they respond to estrogen in the same way that the lining of your uterus does – growing in response to circulating estrogen throughout the menstrual cycle. Excess estrogen is one of the main culprits in causing not only fibroid growth, but also hormonal imbalance.

Uterine fibroids can inhibit conception and impact proper implantation of an embryo in the uterus. Even if implantation successfully occurs, fibroids can impeded the fetus’ ability to grow properly and they can also grow during pregnancy.

It is for all of these reasons that we suggest allowing at the very least three month’s time to naturally support the body in maintaining a healthy environment within the uterus by:

• promoting hormonal balance
• supporting the body’s natural ability to reduce occurrences of occasional growths

Here is a holistic approach to help you get a picture of what it may take to help your body:

1. Decreasing exposure to xenoestrogens and helping the body metabolize estrogen properly. Two ways of doing this are by:

• naturally supporting liver health with Fertility Cleansing and liver-health herbs
• supplementation with DIM

2. Follow a Fertility Diet to nourish the endocrine system and limit foods known to contribute excess estrogen and anti-nutrients known to promote inflammation.

3. Talk to your doctor about medical intervention – surgery. It is proven that over time, several years in fact, that uterine fibroids start to calcify or harden. Sometimes, the best first defense is surgery to remove the calcified growth. Then, a program of prevention can be implemented from there. We offer specialized support in the creation of natural uterine health programs through a Fertility Consultation.

Note if pursuing surgery:
It is important to ask for a referral to a surgeon who has a marked surgery success rate and good track record of patients who have achieved pregnancy after fibroid removal; a surgeon who is well-known for his/her ability to preserve uterine health, so as to avoid uterine adhesions as a result of the procedure.

Here are some articles I think you will find helpful in getting started:
The Best Natural Remedies for Uterine Fibroids…
3 Things Women with Uterine Fibroids Should Be Doing Daily
Top Ways to Improve Uterine Health for Women with Uterine Fibroids

Fibroids in pregnancy
The good news? Many women do have healthy pregnancies with uterine fibroids present in the uterus. The bad news, there are some risks, but your doctor can help you to determine if these may be a problem for you or not:

• premature rupture of the membranes
• blocking of the birth canal
• postpartum hemorrhage
• potential of a retained placenta after the birth

It is best to prepare for conception when living with uterine fibroids. Take time to reduce fibroid growth, prevent formation of new fibroids and support hormonal balance prior to pregnancy, as this will help increase your chances of a healthy term pregnancy. In addition, many herbal and nutritional supplements are not suggested for use in pregnancy, especially without one-on-one guidance by a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider. Healthy lifestyle choices can greatly support uterine health!

When pregnant with uterine fibroids, I am sure your healthcare provider will monitor their growth, your health and the fetus’ health. Following a Pregnancy Diet is still important. Take a daily whole food prenatal multivitamin and quality omega-3 supplement like Cod Liver Oil. Among the many benefits of omega-3s is their anti-inflammatory action. If you experience pain or bleeding in pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately.

I wish you all the best!

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist with the Natural Fertility Company and head educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.