What are uterine fibroids? Uterine fibroids ( a.k.a. fibromyomas, leimyomas or myomas) are “garden variety” tumors made of smooth muscle cells that occur in the uterus during the ovulating years. Uterine fibroids are not malignant, not related to cancer, but are classified as a type of tumor. They often go unnoticed by many women and have been known to shrink after menopause. Fibroid tumors occur more often in the African-American community and are rarely seen in young women 20 years old or younger.
There is more than one kind of uterine fibroid, and they are distinguished by their location. There is the submucous fibroid, which grows inside the uterine cavity. There is the intramural fibroid, which develops on the wall of the uterus, and there is the subserous fibroid which is found outside of the uterus. It is also possible for a fibroid to grow so large that it can fall into more than one category.
The medical cause of fibroid development is not yet known, but levels of the hormone estrogen seem to be connected. When estrogen levels are high, such as during the ovulating years or pregnancy, fibroids increase in size. When the levels fall,such as during menopause, fibroids get smaller.
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.
Even though fibroids are not malignant, they can still cause unwanted symptoms. Pain and bleeding, is common, with the bleeding sometimes as heavy as during a period. Fibroids that grow beyond the uterus can affect the function of nearby organs like the bladder and intestines. Miscarriages and infertility are what women most fear. A large enough fibroid compresses the uterus making conception impossible, or cause uterine spasms that could force a woman to miscarry an existing fetus.
Medical staff routinely check for fibroids during a pelvic examination. Ultrasound exams can also uncover previously unknown tumors. Treatment includes hormone regulation which may cause temporary infertility and other unwanted side effects. In the most extreme cases, medical staff utilize surgical procedures to remove the growths, including myomectomies to remove fibroids, uterine artery embolization which cuts off the blood supply to the fibroid tumor, or when all other treatments fail, hysterectomies are performed.
A hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus in surgery, and should be a lasting cure for fibroids. A hysterectomy is also a drastic choice, and a major procedure which can have long term effects. Choosing surgery is always a big step, and in many cases involves a lot of risk. It is not a choice to be made without great need, and thought put into the decision.
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.
While I could wish that no one had to deal with the trauma of uterine fibroids, it is a problem for many women. I hope that if you or a loved one are affected by this condition that this article has helped to answer you questions. If you would like more information you can watch in-depth videos and get free information on natural treatments for fibroids at my website: http://www.fibroidsetc.com/what-are-fibroids/