Natural Ways to Shrink Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are knots of connective tissue and are considered a benign tumor. It is estimated that 50 percent of Caucasian women and 72 percent of African-American women will develop uterine fibroids sometime in their life. Fibroids can grow inside or outside of the uterus and are classified by their location. While the cause of fibroids can be due to several factors and are the number one reason for hysterectomies, there are noninvasive and natural ways of shrinking uterine fibroids.
Types
There are four types of uterine fibroids. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterine wall. Intramural fibroids form within the uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids develop under the lining of the uterine wall. Pedunculated fibroids have a stalk and can grow either inside or outside of the uterus.
Causes
Medical professionals have witnessed a link between fibroids and increased estrogen levels, either from birth control pills or pregnancy. Fibroids tend to shrink in menopausal women due to the decrease in estrogen levels. It is also believed there is an additional correlation between fibroids and stress as well as obesity.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of uterine fibroids vary, depending on their location. Common symptoms are abdominal pain, excessive bleeding and urinary pressure. If asymptomatic, as most women are, a physician may first feel a knot on the uterine wall during a routine pelvic exam. The doctor will then seek confirmation by an ultrasound, CT scan, a vaginal ultrasound or by the use of a tiny telescope.
Improve Liver Function
Because estrogen is believed to be a contributing factor to fibroid development, good liver function is a must. If the liver is not functioning properly, it can't process excess estrogen, which then circulates in the blood system. Eat salads with lemon juice, dandelion greens, endive, artichokes and radicchio. B-complex vitamins are also crucial for liver function.
Diet
Diet is important to shrink uterine fibroids. Avoid foods such as beef, chicken and pork that have been injected with hormones. Losing weight is highly recommended. Fat cells store estrogen, therefore, getting rid of fat rids the body of excess estrogen.
Stress
Stress contributes to many ailments. When a person feels stress, the adrenal gland releases the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol has been proven to increase fatty tissue and cells, especially around the trunk of the body. To reduce stress, try relaxation techniques like mediation or exercises like yoga. Counseling is also a viable resource for stress reduction.
Herbs
There are many herbs available to help shrink uterine fibroids. Dandelion root, milk thistle, burdock, turmeric, cramp bark, motherwort leaves, wild yam rhizome, prickly ash bark, cleavers leaves, mullein leaves and ginger rhizome are the herbs recommended for not only aiding liver function, but also for shrinking fibroids. If possible, seek advice from a licensed herbalist.
Shrinking a uterine fibroid will take time. At the very least, these remedies will prevent it from growing further. As always, if symptoms appear or get worse, seek the advice of a physician immediately.
Tags: uterine wall, liver function, uterine fibroids, uterine fibroids, between fibroids