Is There Anything I Can Do About My Fibroids?
Question:
After seven years of suffering incredibly heavy periods that went on for up to a fortnight I have recently been diagnosed with fibroids. This only happened because I had to have an emergency blood transfusion for life threatening anaemia. The surgical and medical solutions sound unpleasant and it will take some time for me to get treatment anyway. I am 37 and want to have children. What can I do to help myself?
Answer:
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or fibroid tumours, are very common, affecting about one woman in three over 30, usually before menopause ( Don’t panic about the use of the word tumour these are benign tumoursnot cancerous. Many women have fibroids without suffering any symptoms. Others may suffer heavy periods, pelvic pressure, cramping and pain, difficulty emptying the bladder difficulty conceiving and then sustaining a pregnancy during the early months.
The womb (uterus) is a collection of muscles. Sometimes a part of this muscle forms a round ball, or fibroid, as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit here may be one or more, on the wall of the womb, in the middle of the muscle, or hanging in the cavity. The cause of fibroids is not clear but is believed to be linked to levels of oestrogen. At menopause, fibroids usually shrink.
Period pain occurs because the womb is a sensitive organ that contracts during periods, childbirth and at times of stress. Fibroids interfere with this contractile function: the muscles get ‘angry’ and may tighten violently.
Fibroids can affect the inner lining (endometrium) of the womb so that the fertilised egg can’t implant properly. This may cause bleeding, miscarriage and/or interfere with pregnancy. It may also put the foetus at risk. I have however, known women with smaller fibroids even a cluster, have normal pregnancies.
Long periods may not actually be menstruation but a condition caused by the fibroids. The blood supply to the endometrium is carried by small blood vessels which pass through the muscular layer (myometrium). Every cycle, periods finish when the myometrium contracts, squeezing the blood vessels to form clots that stop the bleeding. Fibroids prevent all the muscles contracting so that some blood vessels clot only after several days or weeks, although the womb lining has been entirely expelled. Big fibroids may, cause heavy bleeding because they put greater pressure on the blood vessels.
Fibroids rarely disappear on their own. In a very few cases, homoeopathy and reflexology have helped. Reflexology has also been shown to help endometriosis. I advise you to talk to your gynaecologist about partial resection (surgery ) of the fibroids. This is a new technique in which laser beams cut the fibroids precisely, causing minimum trauma and scar tissue formation.
TREATMENTS FOR HEAVY PERIODS
For problems with excessive bleeding, which may lead to anaemia, fatigue and other problems, I suggest the followinga.
- Don’t take over- the -counter painkillers: they cause the blood to thin.
- Protect your liver, because it produces most of the clotting factors: avoid fried, oily and dairy foods, alcohol, antibiotics, the pill, HRT, and any drugs that may affect the liver (your GP can provide a full list).
- Eat sufficient protein and fresh fruit and vegetables to protect against anaemia: spinach, calf’s liver, pomegranates, aubergines and black strap molasses are good for building up the blood.
If the bleeding is heavy and lasts for more than five days with no sign of stopping. I suggest you take the following after the fifth day of bleeding a
* Homoeopathic remedies Lachesis 30 and Sepia 30 tablets: two tablets of each to be dissolved on the tongue three times daily for three days, and up to five days if the bleeding doesn’t cease.
* Unani remedy Qurs Bandish Khoon, to help stop the bleeding one tablet daily for five to seven days.
* Ayurvedic remedy Styplon : one tablet daily for ten days.
About the author: I have obtained MD in General Medicine with Honours in 1980 and joined The Central Institute of Advanced Medical Studies in Moscow for post graduation in Acupuncture. I have completed diploma courses in Acupuncture, Anesthesia, Iridology, Hypnotherapy and Clinical Fasting. Practicing as Integrated Medicine expert.
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121 Crawford Street, London, W1U 6BE
Frequently Asked Questions
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QUESTION:
Fibroids treatment and the pill/other things that may help the pain?
I have recently been told I have a fibroid in my womb after being in agonising pain for the last year since coming off the Ortho Evra patch. The symptoms I have match those of a fibroid, eg heavy bleeding, severe abdominal and leg pain, and a laparoscopy found a fibroid which is 3cm x 3cm x 3cm
The docs said it is unlikely this would cause so much pain, but there is literally nothing else it could be caused by, so have been advised to continue treatment for fibroids. I am currently living on tramadol and other painkillers and anti inflammatories but cant continue like this as it will eventually cause other problems elsewhere in my body.
On the first day of my period the pain is so severe i cannot move and i often vomit, so not very nice
I was told by my surgeon to try the pill, i didnt like the combined pill as i have migraines, and i believe oestrogen encourages the growth of fibroids. So I returned to uni and asked my doctor here about going on the mini pill as advised by my surgeon. However the doctor here said that would do nothing to stop the pain. I was given Loestrin, a combined pill, but when reading the info leaflet it says do not take if you have fibroids of the womb???I am sick of recieving conflicting advice from 101 different doctors, and i am so desperate to get my life back, I am only 22 and in my final year of uni.
If anyone knows anything that may reduce the pain, including alternative medicines, please let me know, I am willing to try anything!I dont want surgical treatment as because of the positioning of the fibroid there would be too much scar tissue in my womb and therefore wouldnt be able to carry children.
Also, does anyone have fibroids and become pregnant?Did this effect the pain at all? Or anyone tried a TENS machine for the pain??
I am literally desperate, so please any info you have would be much appreciated.
Anyone who posts ridiculous answers will be reported IMMEDIATELY
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ANSWER:
You could do a procedure called uterine fibroid embolization if it is offered where you are located. It is a kind of procedure done by a radiologist to try and kill off the root system to the fibroid.I am going to include the link to a site that may help you find more information. The link is at: http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-health
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QUESTION:
Has anyone gotten pregnant after having 4 or more fibroids on the inside lining of their womb?
I am in my late 30’s and have never tried to conceive before, but now am worried, as the NHS will not fund any treatment until I try to conceive for a year.-
ANSWER:
My sister does and she is pregnant- only took her 4 months.
Just keep trying on your own- get the ovulation kit so you know exactly when to try- leave less room for mistake.
She is at high risk, but so far everything is ok. Most likely a c-section is in store for a woman with fibroids, having a baby by vag. birth can cause the fibroids to burst.
Keep trying and good luck!
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QUESTION:
I FEEL PAIN IN MY BELLY, AND SOMETIMES BETWEEN MY PERIOD I HAD LIKE BLOOD DROPS, IS THIS A SERIOUS CONDITION?
I WAS TRYING TO HAVE A BABY BEFORE AND I WHEN TO THE DOCTOR, HE RUN A BIOPSY AND FIND ME FIBROIDS IN MY WOMB, I DID NOT GET PREGNANT AND I HAVE NOT COME BACK WITH THE DOCTOR FOR OVER A YEAR, NOW, LATELY I.VE BEEN FEELING PAIN IN MAY BELLY AND BETWEEN MY PERIODS, SOME TIMES I HAVE SOME KIND OF DISCHARGE, LIKE WATER MIX WITH BLOOD, IS THERE A PROBABILITY OF HAVING CANCER ON MY OVARY OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT? I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DOCTOR IN THREE MORE WEEKS, AND MY PAIN IS MORE OFTEN, SHOULD I WAIT OR GO SOONER TO DO MY PAP?-
ANSWER:
Camelia, ery sory to hear you have such a problem. A few questions first: A doctor would like to know your age, how many children you have, and maybe your marital status amoung other things. Fibroids are uterine swelling of some parts of uterine muscle. The can cause pain at any time during your menstrual circle and also maybe more blood. People differ. However they can be removed depending on their size and may even later have babies.The fear of cancer affects everyone when something unussual affects us. Try not to jumb to conclusions. Yes see your doctor. Anyway with the little infprmation you hve given, it`s a treatable fibroid and not cancer.
See yor doctor please before you get too many mabe cofusing answers.
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QUESTION:
In lots of pain with sore legs and period type symptoms – what causes it?
Hi,
Im 46, had my last period in nov 08 and have a womb full of fibroids, largest being 5cm but so many womb very distorted. The last few days Ive had PMS type symptoms( cramps,tired moody) and hot flushes have stopped.the worst thing is it hurts to walk.rather like ive been on a really long walk the day before – muscular ache and cramps. any ideas why and how to improve it. thanks-
ANSWER:
i think your monopuse time come so try to consult your doctor as soon as possible
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QUESTION:
is it possible to become pregnant after a month after an operation?
my sister had fibroids removed from her womb last december on the 4th and now thinks she could be pregnant because she had unprotected sex. please help me to help her-
ANSWER:
Hey. An operation is not contraception. Athough her chances are lower than someone who hadn’t had an operation, there is still a large chance she could be pregnant. Only a test will tell her the answer she needs, but yes she could definitely be pregnant. All the best to you both x
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