Ever wondered what a fibroid is? They also go by the names of fibromyomas, leimyomas, or myomas, and they are smooth little muscle cell growths which are found inside the uterus of women of childbearing age. These growths are not dangerous or cancerous, but they are considered to be tumors. They are very commonly found, but often go unnoticed by most women, and they frequently shrink or disappear when a woman hits menopause. Uterine fibroids are more often found in black women, and are rarely found in women younger than 20 years of age.

Uterine fibroids are classified by the part of the uterus they appear in. If they grow on in the uterine cavity, they are known as submucous fibroids. Intramural fibroids appear on the uterine wall. Any outside the uterus are called subserous. It’s possible, however, for a fibroids to grow so large it falls into several categories.

Doctors have yet to definitively determine what causes fibroids, though estrogen may be the key. The high levels of estrogen during childbearing years or pregnancy encourage fibroid growth. Menopause, when estrogen decreases, is a period when they may shrink.

Many people are becoming more aware of the impact of environmental toxins on the human body. I, an alternative therapist, have even noticed a link between these toxins we place in our environment and fibroid growth. It appears that estrogen levels can be low in the body but higher levels of certain toxins will still cause rapid fibroid growth. This can happen in any woman, even post-menopausal women, creating a frustrating circumstance.

Fibroids can be harmful to the surrounding tissues and membranes, contributing problems that range from pain and bleeding to miscarriages and infertility. Common symptoms include heavy uterine bleeding that occurs during the menstrual cycle. Large fibroids cause pain and discomfort when they interfere with organs such as the bowel and bladder, and are at the heart of the most serious symptoms. An enlarged fibroid tumor causes infertility through compression of the uterus, or else causes miscarriages when the fibroid fills the uterine cavity and causes it to spasm.

Even though you may not have any signs from uterine fibroids, they can sometimes be easily detected during routine exams like pap smears or on ultrasound. Once detected there are many treatment options which include drugs and different surgeries. Medication can be used to lower estrogen levels which also prevent pregnancy and can cause some side effects. For very large fibroids your doctor may prefer to take a surgical measure like a myomectomy to remove the fibroids or a uterine artery embolization which would block off the blood vessels feeding the fibroids. In very severe cases a full hysterectomy or removal of the uterus may be the recommendation.

A hysterectomy is a major surgical procedure, with all the risks that go with that, though it will almost certainly put an end to your fibroids.

Thankfully, there are alternative therapies out there for women to consider when dealing with fibroids. It depends on the symptoms and the severity of the case, but herbal supplements can help in shrinking fibroids and decreasing their symptoms. Body cleansing is another option. This allows you to clear the body of all toxins which may cause the fibroids to grow.

I hope you found this article helpful! If you did, I invite you to watch some videos and sign up for a free report on dealing with fibroids naturally. http://www.fibroidsetc.com/what-are-fibroids/