April 13, 2011

Natural Remedies for Treating Uterine Fibroids

Posted in Category : Women's Health

Unfortunately there are no definite cure that could be got by using natural remedies for uterine fibroids. Natural remedies for uterine fibroids can only control the symptoms and relieve them but not cure the condition. Some of the symptoms of uterine fibroids are excessive bleeding, pain and anemia. As the main cause of uterine fibroids is not known treating or preventing it becomes difficult. A liver detoxification helps to prevent the development of fibroids, as compounds which resemble estrogen, which encourages the growth of fibroids, get locked in this organ and fuel fibroid growth. This happens when toxins from pesticides and other environmental compounds are derived and form residues within the system.

Uterine Fibroid Removal:

Uterine fibroid removal could only be done by surgery and this is the only cure for the problem and if a myomectomy is done the uterine fibroid removal recovery time would be just 48 hours. A woman who has undergone this surgery is sent home within a period of two days. In myomectomy the fibroids are removed surgically though this is not always possible as it will depend on the location of the fibroids. If the fibroids are located in a position wherein they cannot be removed then a hysterectomy will have to be performed which is a complete removal of the uterus. Another way to stop the growth of fibroids is cryosurgery which is a method by which the tissues of the fibroid are frozen. UAE or uterine artery embolisation is a method in which the blood supply to the fibroid is cut off by injecting alcohol into the blood vessels which supply blood to the fibroids.

Treating Uterine Fibroids:

There are many uterine fibroid removal options that could be used for treating uterine fibroids permanently. However, certain dietary guideline could help women who are suffering with this problem to relieve the symptoms of discomfort. Underactive thyroid functions could cause uterine fibroids and for this the diet should contain more of green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, kane and other vegetables which are rich in iodine. Fruits, vegetables and a high fiber diet are also recommended for such individuals. Though the actual cause of uterine fibroids may not be clear, herbalists find that fibrin which is the substance which forms scars or scabs is one of the main features in fibroids. Fucus which is found in vegetables and sea herbs is a solvent for fibrin. Consuming a mixture of flax seeds and bladderwrack which is boiled with distilled water and strained can be had with honey and flavored with nutmeg or cinnamon. This mixture can be stored in an airtight jar and consumed regularly. However, nursing mothers and pregnant women should avoid consuming this herbal compound.

Causes

Causes of uterine fibroids are unknown. Abnormal cells develop in the uterus wall and begin to grow and multiply which resemble the normal fibrous and muscular tissue which is in the uterus. This growth is of no purpose or of any use however; the growth seems to be related to the genes. Fibroids are benign growths and never turn cancerous. Uterine fibroids develop from a single cell which multiplies from the muscular tissue which is smooth in the wall of the uterus and forms a rubbery mass of any size. This could be minute so that it cannot be seen with the naked eye or large enough to cause distortion of the uterus and could press against the rib cage. Progesterone and estrogen which are female hormones are necessary for the growth of fibroids.

Remedies

There are certain methods which could reduce the risk of being exposed to getting uterine fibroids. These remedies for uterine fibroids are to ensure that you are not exposed to estrogen as this hormone encourages the development of fibroids. HRT/ERT, pills for birth control, and certain pesticides and herbicides which are used for crops mimic the effects of estrogen should be avoided. Bleached tampons also have the same effect.

Taking certain drugs which induce menopause which is artificial can shut down the production of estradiol in the body and shrink the fibroid in about three months time. However, once the drug is withdrawn the fibroid can re-grow again. All remedies should be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified medical practitioner only.