UNDERSTAND FIBROIDS

Uterine fibroids that develop in the women uterus, are benign (not cancerous) tumours and are round masses. They are multiple in size and can range from a millimetres to 20 cm in diameter and more. They are oestrogen- and progesterone-dependent tumours and very common in reproductive life. These tumors become quite large in size and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. Fibroids can also change the shape or size of the uterus and sometimes it can change the cervix (lower part of the uterus). The most common symptom of fibroid is heavy menstrual bleeding which can lead to anaemia, fatigue and painful periods. Other symptoms include non-cyclic pain, painful intercourse or pelvic pressure, and bladder or bowel dysfunction resulting in urinary retention, pain or constipation. They are also known as,

  • Leiomyomas
  • Myomas
  • Uterine Myomas
  • Fibromas

Fibroids is associated with reproductive problems, including fertility and pregnancy complications. According to the studies, they can be detected in up to 70% of women will have fibroids by 50 years of age.

TYPES OF FIBROIDS

There are 4 types of Fibroids. Fibroids are classified according to their location in the Uterus.

Subserosal

Fibroids develop in the outer portion of the uterus and continue to grow outward.

Intramural

Fibroids are the most common type and develop in the uterine wall and expand.

Submucosal

Fibroids are the least common and develop within the uterine cavity, causing excessive and prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Pedunculated

Fibroids grows from “stems” either inside the uterine wall or outside the uterus.

CAUSES

The cause of fibroids is not known. Fibroids are more common in women who do not have children and also common in Afro-Caribbean women. Fibroids are known to be estrogen-dependent. That’s why they grow in size during pregnancy and shrink after menopause. It’s unknown why fibroids develop, but various factors may impact their formation.

Hormones
Family History
Pregnancy

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms will depend on the number of tumors you have as well as their position and volume. For example, submucosal fibroids may cause huge menstrual bleeding and difficulty in conceiving. Some of the symptoms are listed below:

Pelvic Pressure
Urinary Frequency & Urgency
Usually Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
Constipation
Painful sexual Intercourse

PREVENTION

Fibroids cannot be limited, but some research infers certain lifestyle habits can lessen your chances.

One research observed that high-sugar diets might be associated with a high risk in some women.

Regular exercise has proven records in decreasing the risks of uterine fibroids in most women.

Cruciferous vegetables are plentiful in beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, and K, folate, and other minerals and packed with fiber.

Another study uncovered that consuming fresh fruits and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, arugula, collard greens, and turnip greens could reduce your odds.

TREATING

The medical and surgical therapies can be selected to treat the uterine fibroids. Treatment selection will also be depend on the location, size, and number of fibroid(s). The treatment also depends on the patient’s age, her willingness to undergo major surgical procedure, and her desires for future childbearing or complete amenorrhoea.

HEALTHY LIVING

You can live well despite of having Uterine Fibroids in following manner,

DIET & LIFESTYLE

Suffering from fibroids means having pain and anxiety. It is important to explore the ways that might prevent this condition or at least reduce the symptoms. While no diet can ensure fibroid arrest but changing the food habits may help in slow the growth of fibroids. It is better to take control of fibroids while they are small in size. Following are the complete model on how fibroids and your diet may combine and what moves you can make that might help wit a fibroid issues. As with all dietary-based programs, the main part is adhering to the program.

FOOD INTAKE

Foods and drinks which can be included in diet
Fish & Meats

Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, other oily fish, Chicken and other white meat

Vegetables

Soyabeans, Fava beans, Green vegetables and other legumes

Fluids

Green tea, Vegetable juice and milk (semi-skinned)

Fruit

Apples, Oranges and other citrus fruits

Change in Lifestyle

Mindfulness meditation, Yoga, Regular exercise, Breathing exercises, Dietary support

Foods and drinks which can be avoided
Meats

Beef, Ham, Lamb and other red meat

Vegetables

Chips/crisps, Potatoes, Rice, Sweets and chocolate

Fluids

Alcohol/beer, Sweetened juice, High-sugar drinks

Supplements include

Omega 3 and 6, Vitamin D, A, C, E and Iron supplements

Sedentary Lifestyle

Inactive lifestyle, No excercise, Stress

DIET TO BOOST ESTROGEN LEVEL

With the help of following practices, you can reduce the amount of estrogen consumption from food. This can help in slowing the fibroid growth and diminishing your symptoms.

Industrial-agro vegetables and fruits are often diffused with xenoestrogens to excite rapid growth.

Shifting to organic-based outputs can help reduce the amount of estrogen in your intake.

You can also try eating foods that help lower the estrogen that you, yourself, are creating. And you can avoid foods that are naturally high in estrogen.

Foods that aid liver function are also very significant. By keeping the liver healthy, you help the body to get rid of excess toxins, which promote your immune system.

EXERCISES

Make sure to consult your doctor before starting any new exercise routine. Here are the most popular fibroid exercises:

Daily morning exercises (turns, bends, flexion-extension of the arms, legs, etc.) performed at a slow pace.

Water aerobics and swimming.

Easy jogging, walking and training on a stationary bike or treadmill at a slow pace.

Breathing exercises: They can help to lose weight and reduce stress.

Pilates: One of the best types of physical activity that strengthens muscles without over-stressing the body.

Be cautious while doing intensive physical activities that are very strenuous on the body unless directly advised by your doctor.

POST SURGERY SELF CARE

Be supervised by your doctor, but common suggestions include:

Try to rest as much as possible for two weeks.

Avoid standing for more than a few minutes at a time.

Continue to take your medicines, and follow the instructions on taking your antibiotics rigorously.

Aim to walk for about 10 minutes every day, unless directed otherwise by your doctor two weeks post-surgery.

Depending on the type of surgery and on the type of job you do you can get back to work within two to six weeks

If you have any extreme vaginal bleeding, or signs of infection at your wound site (such as redness, increasing pain, swelling, or an increased or offensive discharge from your wound), consult your doctor immediately.

FIBROID & FERTILITY

Fibroids are present in 5-10% of infertile women and it may be a cause of infertility in 1-2.4%. Their size and location determine whether fibroids affect fertility. Changes in the shape of the uterus can interfere with the movement of the sperm or embryo. It can cause infertility by blocking the fallopian tubes. Removing the fibroids increased the pregnancy rate from 25% to 42%.

DO’S AND DON'TS IN UTERINE FIBROIDS

By understanding all your options, you might reduce or even get rid of pain and other symptoms you have from fibroids. Here are some simple do’s and don’ts you can follow that may make a variation in helping you feel better.

Load up on fresh fruits and vegetables

A recent study found that eating lots of fruits like apples and tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage could lower the risk of developing fibroids and eating healthier choices like organic fruits and vegetables and whole-grain foods could help improve your symptoms.

Keep an eye on your blood pressure

Researchers have shown a strong link between fibroids and high blood pressure. Discuss with your doctor on managing your blood pressure, either with diet, lifestyle, or medication.

Manage your stress level

Some studies suggest that fibroids and stress may be linked. Seek relaxation ways like yoga, acupuncture and massage to help.

Make yourself comfortable

If you have painful periods because of your fibroids, try lying down and elevating your legs with a pillow. Or lie on your side and bring your knees into your chest to take the pressure off your back.

Talk to your doctor before trying any supplements

Some research suggests supplements like vitamin D could help lower your risk for fibroids.

Don’t eat a diet full of processed foods, red meats, and high-fat dairy.

Don’t skip your workouts.

Don’t overdo it on the sugar. A study found that eating a high-sugar diet could be linked to a higher risk of fibroids.

Don’t smoke. Smoking can increase your period pain because it reduces the amount of oxygen getting to your pelvic region.