Symptoms — uterine fibroids

Managing fibroids naturally — without hysterectomy

“When I went back for another ultrasound, amazingly my fibroid was gone! The person who did the ultrasound said there was no evidence that I’d ever had a fibroid. And I completely attribute this to your program.” — Bea, Personal Program Member

Remarkably, one out of every four women enters menopause as the result of medical treatment. In the great majority of cases, that treatment is a hysterectomy, and the single biggest reason for hysterectomies is uterine fibroids.

The controversy in recent years over whether hysterectomies are always necessary tends to conceal a disturbing trend — that more and more women are developing fibroids.

What accounts for this epidemic of uterine fibroids?

The true cause of fibroids remains unknown. But we see three factors in our practice. First is the role of xenoestrogens. These compounds have an estrogen-like molecular structure that creates estrogenic effects in our bodies. Xenoestrogens include the growth hormones pervasive in ordinary milk, beef and chicken, most pesticides, and even the plastics used for food storage.

In short, we’re practically swimming in xenoestrogens — which probably accounts for why American women have estrogen levels roughly double those of women in undeveloped countries.

A second factor is genetics. There are clearly patterns of fibroids that run in families, and medical science can’t yet explain why.

Last but not least is the role of emotions. Some experts have postulated an emotional profile for women with fibroids. And women know that their fibroid symptoms are definitely affected by their emotional lives.

Notably, at least two of these three factors may be expressed as a matter of hormonal balance. And indeed, we see in our medical practice that the measures that restore hormonal balance also reduce the symptoms and severity of fibroids.

Here are our suggestions for natural relief from fibroid symptoms:

• Adjust your diet and cooking methods to minimize xenoestrogens.

• Enrich your diet to support your endocrine system. Take appropriate nutritional supplements, including phytotherapy to normalize hormone levels gently and naturally.

• Address the emotional issues. Be sure to make time for yourself, to find your voice, and focus on any relationship issues, because they seem to be especially influential in fibroids.

• Work toward a goal of controlling your fibroids until menopause. After that most fibroid tumors reduce or disappear on their own.

• Always have a regular annual exam, including a pelvic exam and Pap smear.

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Last Modified Date: 04/15/2011