Fibroids :
Fibroids affect about one woman in five over the age of 35. They are non-cancerous lumps that grow in the wall of the uterus. Very often, if the fibroids are small they cause no trouble at all. But occasionally they can grow much larger a large fibroid can weigh as much as 20 lbs! in which case they may be responsible for heavy periods, bladder irritation, bleeding between periods and infertility. Fibroids are dependent on oestrogen and will shrink after the menopause.
If the fibroids are small and not causing any problems they can usually safely be left alone. In fact you may not even know you have them except perhaps if a doctor comments that you have a "bulky" uterus during an examination. Surgical removal is usually advised for very large fibroids or where a lot of heavy bleeding or pain is experienced. Usually just the fibroid will be removed (myomectomy) which means that you can still have children. But an exceptionally large fibroid may mean a hysterectomy.
Natural fibroid treatments
There are many alternative treatments said to be effective in preventing and getting rid of fibroids. Some Naturopaths advise going on a vegan diet, drinking eight to ten glasses of natural mineral water a day, and using castor oil packs against the abdomen two or three times a day, as well as taking castor oil once a week by mouth. These would help rebalance the system and so help the fibroid to shrink. Taking Evening Primrose oil, lecithin, and kelp are also advised.
Homeopaths also claim some success provided the fibroid is caught in the early stages. Remedies such as sepia, pulsatila, lechesis, lychopodium, all commonly used for women's ailments in which there is an overgrowth, have all been used successfully. Any stress relieving therapies such as yoga or acupuncture are always helpful since hormonal upsets can often be triggered by stress. Other nutritional advice includes cutting animal fats and taking B-vitamins to help oestrogen metabolism.
However, fibroids are certainly one disorder where any treatment must be taken under supervision and a qualified practitioner should be consulted.
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