FIBROIDS

DON'T LET THE TERM 'FIBROID TUMOUR' scare you. Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are called tumours because they are solid masses, not because they are cancerous. In fact, almost all are benign.

These slow-growing masses, composed of muscle and fibrous tissue, develop in the muscle layers of the uterine wall. Most fibroids never cause problems. But the ones that do can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, a sensation of heaviness in the pelvis, frequent urination, sudden severe cramps or infertility. The excessive bleeding that some fibroids cause may lead to fatigue and anaemia.

In addition, fibroids may prevent pregnancy by blocking the pathway of sperm or preventing implantation of an embryo. During pregnancy, fibroids may increase the chance of miscarriage or heavy post-partum bleeding. A large fibroid may obstruct delivery or interfere with uterine contractions.

Fibroids occur most frequently in women between the ages of

35 and 45 who have never been pregnant. Most women who get one fibroid develop others, sometimes 100 or more. Overall, nearly half of all women develop fibroids by age 40. These masses rarely occur before age 20 and tend to shrink after menopause.

The cause of fibroids remains a mystery, but the tumours seem to respond to changes in levels of the hormone oestrogen. When oestrogen is plentiful, such as during pregnancy or while taking oral contraceptives, fibroids grow. Other factors may make a woman more prone to developing fibroids, including obesity, alcohol use, a high-fat diet, vitamin-B deficiency and high levels of progesterone.

The most common treatment for fibroids is hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus. Women who want a less drastic measure or who want to remain fertile may be candidates for myomectomy, a surgery that removes only the fibroid masses themselves.

UTERINE FIBROID TEA

This tea blend combines hormone-balancing herbs cramps.

2 teaspoons agnus castus berries 1 teaspoon black cohosh root

1/2 teaspoon dandelion root 1/ teaspoon prickly ash bark

1/4 teaspoon cramp bark

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon bark

900 millilitres water

Combine the herbs in the water and bring to a boi I. Lower heat and allow the tea to simmer for a few minutes. Remove from the heat and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and drink at least 2 cups of tea per day for 3 to 4 months.

DRUG TREATMENT

Gonadotrophin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)

Leuprorelin, gonadorelin (HRF), nafarelin (Synarel). Function: inhibit release of hormones that stimulate the growth of fibroids. Side effects: hot flushes, brittle bones, increased risk of heart disease, other physical changes associated with menopause.

EASY PAIN RELIEF

Try these simple methods to ease the discomfort of uterine fibroids.

1. Hot hip baths. Water as hot as you can stand it will increase circulation in the pelvis, relax tight muscles and relieve discomfort.

2. Essential oils. Add several drops of rosemary, lavender or juniper essential oils to the hip bath to stimulate pelvic circulation.

3. Castor oil. The skin absorbs warm castor oil's active constituents, lectins, which stimulate the immune response to help shrink fibroids. Five drops of lavender essential oil added to a castor-oil pack encourages relaxation. To make a pack, soak a clean cloth in castor oil, then place it on the abdomen or on any painful areas. Cover the cloth with cling film, then another clean cloth. Finally, apply a heat source - a hot water bottle, a heating pad, or a cloth bag of lentils, corn or rice that's been microwaved for a few minutes. Leave on for about an hour.

HERBAL REMEDIES

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)

Traditional Chinese medicine attributes fibroids to liver problems. Because the liver breaks down excess circulating oestrogen, taking milk thistle to help shrink fibroids makes sense. Many studies have shown that silymarin, a compound in milk thistle seeds, stimulates liver repair, blocks toxins from entering the organ, and protects it from free radicals. Typical dosage: 140 milligrams of standardised silymarin three times per day for three months, then 90 milligrams three times per day; or 10 to 25 drops of tincture up to three times per day for three to four months.

Burdock (Arctium lappa, A. minus)

In addition to treating liver conditions, burdock root has shown antitumour capabilities in animal studies. Typical dosage: up to six 400- to 500-milligram capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea three times per day (1 teaspoon of dried root steeped in % litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes); or 10 to 25 drops of tincture three times per day. Whichever form you take, continue for three to four months.

Agnus Castus (Vitex agnus-castus)

One of the most widely known herbs used for women's disorders, agnus castus was recommended by Hippocrates in 450 BC. Researchers believe that it works by regulating the pituitary gland, which tells other glands how much of each hormone to make. The hormone in question here is oestrogen, on which agnus castus has a regulating effect. Agnus castus needs to be taken for six months for its full benefits to be felt. Typical dosage: 2,000 to 5,000 milligrams in capsules per day; or I to 2 dropperfuls of tincture two times per day. Caution: do not take if you are pregnant. May lessen the effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

This herb is useful if your fibroids cause excessive bleeding during menstruation. Herbalists believe that it gradually improves the tone of the uterus. (If you think that fibroids are causing other menstrual symptoms, see 'Menstrual Problems', page 408). Typical dosage: I to 2 cups of tea two or three times per day (steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes). Caution: if you are pregnant, use only under the supervision of an experienced practitioner.

 

Poke Root (Phytolacca americana)

When fibroids cause tenderness in the lower abdomen, topical application of poke root oil can help. Rub the oil on the area twice a day, morning and evening, as long as discomfort persists. Caution: if skin irritation occurs, discontinue use. Do not take this herb internally; it is highly toxic even in small doses.

 

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

To help shrink fibroids, try taking the following supplements once daily for three to four months:

0. itamin C: 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams

1. Beta-carotene: 150, 000 I U

2. elenium: 400 micrograms

3. inc: 30 milligrams