What are Uterine Fibroids?
Identifying symptoms and treatment options for uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also called fibromyomas, leiomyomas or myomas, are benign growths of the uterus that often appear during your childbearing years. They can be asymptomatic and may also affect fertility. It is unclear what leads to the development of uterine fibroids, but hormones including estrogen, progesterone and insulin-like growth factor appear to promote their growth.
Possible symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding;
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding;
- Bleeding between menstrual periods;
- Pelvic pain;
- Difficulties with urination;
- Infertility;
- Recurrent miscarriages;
- Anemia; or
- Constipation.
Naturopathic treatment for Uterine Fibroids
The goals of treatment are to decrease pain, balance hormones to regulate bleeding, shrink existing fibroids and to prevent development of new fibroids.
Botanical medicine, nutrition and dietary modifications will be a main part of the individualized treatment plan to optimize hormone metabolism, and correct any deficiencies such as anemia due to the blood loss. Acupuncture may also be effective in pain reduction, regulating bleeding and reducing the size of the fibroids.
