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.
Depending on where in the uterus the growth is located, it may be given different names. It is possible for fibroids to grow either inside or outside of the uterus. If the growth is in the uterine cavity it is referred to as a submucous fibroid. Any growths on the outer wall of the uterus are called subserous fibroids. Sometimes the growths can become so enlarged that they can be located both inside and outside the uterine cavity, in which case they may be classified into both groups.
The scientific causes of fibroids are not known, but it seems that the levels of estrogen hormone do cause a reaction. When estrogen levels are high, such as during the years of childbearing age, fibroids tend to grow larger. When estrogen levels decrease, the fibroids shrink.
As with so many other syndromes with an indeterminate origin, it seems likely environmental toxins may be playing a key role. Its well known that some toxins, once inside your body, can mimic estrogen. That would also influence fibroid growth, even for women have stopped menstruating. For a woman who has gone through menopause, increasing fibroid growth can be doubly frustrating.
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.
Hysterectomies are a permanent fix to problematic fibroids. However, as with any surgical procedure there are risks to be considered. Once this step is taken it cannot be reversed. There can be danger in damaging nearby organs and structures during surgery or fibroid growth post-hysterectomy in the space left behind or on any pieces of uterus remaining. Your health is affected for the rest of your life as hormone therapy is needed to correct the lack from your uterus.
Homeopathic remedies are readily available for treatment of fibroid growths. Herbal supplements like Vitex (Agnus Cactus) or chasteberry tincture shrink inflammation, fibroids, and regulate hormone levels. Detoxifiers like Detox-Drops (TM) help remove toxins that cause fibroids to grow, and boost the benefit of any herbal remedies for fibroids.
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/