Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are a type of benign tumour of the muscular wall of the uterus.  Uterine Fibroids are composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue and are round and firm in appearance.  Usually they are as small as a hen’s egg but can grow much larger; they may also change size throughout the monthly cycle.  Generally these are attributed to high levels of the female sex hormone estrogen and low levels of progesterone.  They are considered an oestrogen dominant condition and are also an indication that the liver is having issues metabolising high amounts of oestrogen in the body.

Fibroids grow slowly over many years, if not decades and are dependant on the amount of oestrogen that your body is exposed to.

SYMPTOMS OF UTERINE FIBROIDS

  • heavy bleeding
  • feelings of fullness in the abdomen
  • painful periods, cramps, spasms
  • enlargement of the lower abdomen
  • painful sexual intercourse
  • frequent urination
  • bowel pain

VITEX AGNUS CASTUS AND REPRODUCTIVE CONDITIONS

The herb Vitex Agnus Castus is a traditional herb used to support the role of hormones in female reproductive health.  In Chinese Medicine, fundamental disturbances in the flow of blood and energy predispose many women to menstrual irregularity, premenstrual symptoms, heavy bleeding and painful periods.  This herb nourishes and invigorates the blood and Qi, which in turn balances the menstrual cycle and reduces symptoms.  This formula should help to give you relief from any physical symptoms the fibroids may be causing you and also address the underlying hormonal imbalance.

Vitex may help to balance estrogen and progesterone levels to address hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms of premenstrual tension.  Vitex is a herb which has been traditionally used to improve female menstrual cycles by raising progesterone levels a few days prior to menstruation.  A drop in progesterone around this time leaves many women feeling sensitive, anxious, depressed or teary.  This herb is not recommended if you are currently taking the oral contraceptive pill.

DIET TIPS FOR FIBROIDS

  • Increase ‘alive’ growing foods like wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, sprouts and soaked grains and seeds into your diet
  • Eating more foods such as berries, grapes, green tea, fish, grains and sprouts will provide more anti-oxidants to the diet as well as help to alkalise the body’s system
  • Reduce foods which contribute to lymphatic congestion such as dairy, wheat, sugar, preserved and processed foods, alcohol, tea and coffee and reduce smoking.
  • Diet – low fat, whole food, mostly vegetarian diet and estrogen free. Choose an alkaline diet such as fresh fruit and vegetables, oily fish, green leafy vegetables, and grains (millet, brown rice, buckwheat)
  • Decrease the consumption of inflammatory/ mucus forming foods such as red meats, dairy, wheat and sugar
  • Vegetable juices rather than fruit juices to cleanse the lymphatic system and encourage liver detoxification
  • Increase the amount of water intake in the form of herbal teas and filtered water
  • Avoid all animals meats and products
  • Avoid all soy products (soy milk, tofu, tempeh)

LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR UTERINE FIBROIDS

  • Acupuncture to reinvigorate stagnant chi to the pelvic and reproductive area
  • Consider doing a liver detoxification program to remove excess androgens
  • Manage weight as this is a risk factor
  • Avoid alcohol as it decreases the livers ability to metabolise hormones (oestrogen).
  • Avoid synthetic oestrogens such as the oral contraceptive pill
  • Address underlying liver congestive issues to improve better metabolism and clearance of the excess oestrogen
  • Check for pyrrole and MTHFR issues as these will predispose you to tissue overgrowth conditions
  • Use Clary sage as a topical essential oil to ease the pain associated with fibroids
  • Make a herbal poultice using ginger over the affected area to reduce congestion and pain
  • Begin an continued exercise regime to improve emotional wellbeing, manage insulin resistance, reduce lymphatic congestion, balance hypothyroid health and increase endorphins (happy hormones to the brain)

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR UTERINE FIBROIDS AND OVARIAN CYSTS

  • Herbs which improve reproductive function are Paeony, Vitex, False Unicorn Root, Bupleurum, Milk Thistle and Evening Primrose oil
  • It is of benefit to ensure that your anti-oxidant status is healthy so it is recommend taking a supplement which contains Vitamin C and Bioflavinoids
  • Fish oil is a potent natural anti inflammatory
  • The mineral Chromium is also of importance when ovarian cysts are present. Many women suffering from ovarian cysts are found to have an imbalance in blood sugar regulation (hyperglycaemia, high blood sugar and sugar cravings)
  • B vitamins provide anti-oxidant effects, regulation of the menstrual cycle, reduce excessive amounts of androgens from the adrenals and also shrink the size of the cysts