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A woman’s uterus undergoes several changes during her lifetime. The size of your uterus will vary depending on your age and other different factors. It is a well known fact that a woman’s uterus and abdomen swell up during pregnancy. However, contrary to what many people think, pregnancy is not the only cause of an enlarged uterus. Problems like abdominal swelling with enlarged uterus could point out to different medical conditions, some of which may be quite serious. Given below are some of the most common conditions that cause an enlarged uterus, along with their symptoms:

Uterine Fibroids:

A non-cancerous tumor that develops in the muscular walls of your uterus can be described as a uterine fibroid. These fibroids usually affect women over the age of 30 and are very common in those over the age of 50. While anyone can develop uterine fibroids, overweight and obese women are at a much higher risk. While some fibroids are fairly small, others can be quite large. Many women have been known to develop multiple fibroids in the uterus. Apart from a swollen, enlarged uterus, some of the symptoms of uterine fibroids include:

• Pressure or a feeling of fullness in the abdominal area
• Prolonged, painful and heavy periods
• Bleeding between menstrual cycle
• Pain during intercourse
• Frequent urination

The treatment of a uterine fibroid usually involves a procedure known as embolism, where the supply of blood to the tumor is cut off. This causes the fibroid to die on its own, which can shrink an enlarged uterus naturally. In severe cases, your doctor may advise you to undergo a surgery to remove the fibroids, or your entire uterus.

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis can be described as the thickening of uterus, which occurs when the endometrium moves into the outer, muscular wall. This problem is more common in women over the age of 30. The risks are even higher in women who have been through a uterine surgery or a c-section. Some of the common symptoms of Adenomyosis include:

• Enlarged uterus
• Heavy or prolonged period
• Pain during intercourse

Most women with this condition do not really need to undergo treatment, though they can be given medication for controlling the pain.

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome

This condition is generally associated with varicose veins in the abdomen. Pelvic congestion syndrome is not really a disease; it is more like a collection of various signs and symptoms, such as:

• Dull pain
• Pressure
• Heaviness

There are several medications that can control the symptoms. Procedures to block off the affected veins may also be an effective way of relieving the discomfort.

Cancer

Uterine cancer generally develops from the endometrial cells within the uterus. The signs and symptoms of this condition include:

• Vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Experiencing pain while urinating
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Painful intercourse

The treatment of uterine cancer usually includes removal of the uterus, tubes and the ovaries. Additional treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be required.

Before trying to shrink an enlarged uterus naturally, it is important for you to determine the factors that may have caused the problem. In case your doctor confirms that the enlargement has occurred due to uterine fibroids, there are a few natural remedies you can use, to bring the swelling down. Given below are a few herbal and home remedies for a swollen uterus caused by fibroids –

• Chaste-Berry: This herb increases the levels of progesterone in your body and reduces the symptoms of fibroids. You can either use chaste-berry in the tea or supplement form. In order to maximize the benefits of this herb, you should combine it with raspberry, which also benefits the female body in several different ways.
• Castor Oil: A pack made from soothing warm castor oil is very effective in treating the symptoms of fibroids. You can easily prepare this pack at home by dipping a piece of cotton or flannel in some castor oil. Wring out the excess oil and warm the pack in a microwave for a couple of seconds. Place the warm castor oil pack over the swollen part of the abdomen. To enhance the effects of this remedy, cover the pack with some plastic wrap and top it with a hot water bottle. Try to recline or lie down when the pack is over the uterus. The castor oil is thought to penetrate your skin and heal the internal organs.
• Soybean: Increase your consumption of Soy products, like soymilk and tofu, as they help your body produce a smaller amount of estrogen.
• Flaxseed: Since this seed contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, it helps reduce inflammation and controls the growth of tumors all over the body. Flaxseed can also rid your body of toxins, as well as excessive estrogen.

Some of the other herbs that are thought to help abdominal swelling with enlarged uterus caused by fibroids include dong quai and black cohosh. However, it is absolutely essential to check with a doctor before trying any of these remedies.

References

1. Linda D. Bradley, Brenda Andrews, Chapter 8 – Presurgical Evaluation of the Enlarged Uterus, In: Linda D. Bradley, MD, and Tommaso Falcone, MD, Editor(s), Hysteroscopy, Mosby, Philadelphia, 2009, Pages 71-88, ISBN 9780323041010, 10.1016/B978-032304101-0.50014-X.
2. W.K. McMordie, REMOVAL OF AN ENLARGED FIBROID UTERUS BY ABDOMINAL SECTION; RECOVERY., The Lancet, Volume 131, Issue 3370, 31 March 1888, Pages 619-620, ISSN 0140-6736, 10.1016/S0140-6736(01)91392-3.