What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths of the muscle wall of the uterus. They are probably responsible for more unnecessary gynecologic surgery than any other condition. It is a staggering number, but about 600,000 American women have a hysterectomy every year. And about 30% of those hysterectomies, 180,000 in all, are performed because of fibroids. For many years these growths have been surgically removed, often because of fear of the problems they might cause in the future. And, those problems are often overstated. While approximately 30% of all women will have fibroids during their lifetimes, the vast majority of these women will never have symptoms and will never require treatment. And, for the rare patient that does have problems, there are a number of sound and effective options available. Hysterectomy should be the solution of last resort.

What Causes Fibroids?

While there is much we don't know about fibroids, we do know that each individual fibroid starts from a single cell growing the wrong way. But, despite ongoing research, the reason why this one cell grows to cause a fibroid remains a mystery. However, we do know that the female hormone estrogen is neccesary for fibroids to grow. We know this because fibroids do not occur before puberty when estrogen production begins, and once a woman has a fibroid it will shrink after the menopause when estrogen production ceases. Recent evidence suggests that progesterone may also be necessary for the growth of fibroids to occur. It appears that fibroids may result from a single cell mutation, but growth of the fibroid requires the complex interaction of estrogen, progesterone and cell growth-factors. However, women with fibroids are not more prone to "fibrocystic" changes in the breast, a totally different and unrelated condition. And they are not more prone to develop any other benign or cancerous conditions.

Can Fibroids Cause Bleeding Problems?

It is not uncommon for fibroids to cause an increase in the amount of menstrual bleeding. There are a number of theories as to why this happens. At the time of the menstrual period, when the uterine lining is shed, the inside of the uterus is raw and bleeding. The uterus is a muscle and has the unique ability to contract and squeeze the bleeding vessels of the uterus. Much like stepping on a hose, this prevents any more blood from being lost. Now imagine the fibroids as marbles within the uterine wall. They don't allow the uterus to squeeze down properly, and it can't stop the flow of blood from the vessels.

Other medical conditions may also cause heavy bleeding or bleeding in between periods. For example, hormonal changes, polyps, overgrowth of the uterine lining, or rarely, even precancer or cancer of the uterus can all result in abnormal bleeding. Therefore, any abnormal bleeding should be reported to your physician, and you should get a thorough examination.

Can Fibroids Cause Pain or Pressure?

Your uterus is just under the bladder, just above the rectum, and surrounded by the intestines. Since it is so near to these other organs, growth of the uterus from fibroids may cause pressure or, rarely, pain in the pelvis. The uterus is normally about the size of a small pear. But with fibroids, the uterus may enlarge to the size of a small watermelon. If the fibroids grow toward your back, pressure can cause pain in the lower back, discomfort with activity or intercourse or constipation. If the fibroids press on the bladder, frequency of urination or incontinence can ocurr. If the uterus grows as large as a cantaloupe, the enlarged uterus may cause enough discomfort or enough visible change to warrant treatment.

What Are The Treatment Options For Fibroids?

If you do need treatment for fibroids, it is fortunate that there are a number of options available to you. The choices regarding treatment of uterine fibroids are guided by the medical problems the fibroids are causing, your desire to have children, and your feelings and thoughts about surgery. I think it is helpful for you to know all of the options available. Fibroids almost never need urgent or immediate treatment. For the vast majority of women, there is plenty of time for careful thought and planning.

Can You Take Medication For Fibroids?

Unfortunately, there are no medications which are able to prevent the formation of fibroids or permanently shrink them once they are present. With medication we are often buying time or reducing symptoms. For some women, a reduction in discomfort is enough to indefinitely postpone surgery. For still others, the medication allows a more relaxed time period to prepare emotionally and physically for what may be an inevitable surgery. The medications may also temporarily reduce the size of the fibroids enough to allow for a less invasive surgery with a quicker recovery. For some women who are approaching the menopause, the "bought time" may lead them right into menopause, when the natural loss of estrogen shrinks the fibroids. Once again, hysterectomy is the choice of last resort.

TYPES OF SURGERY FOR FIBROIDS

What Is an Abdominal Myomectomy?

Myomectomy means the surgical removal of just the fibroid, with reconstruction and repair of the uterus. This procedure is excellent for women who wish to maintain their ability to have children, or who just prefer to avoid removal of the uterus. The standard method of performing a myomectomy is by laparotomy, making a 4-6 inch "bikini" incision just below the pubic hair line. The covering of the uterus overlying the fibroid is cut, and the fibroids are separated away from the normal uterine muscle. Following this, the remaining normal uterine muscle is sewn back together. This procedure takes about 1-2 hours to perform, depending on the number and position of the fibroids. The hospital stay is 3-4 days.

Are Some Fibroids Too Big for a Myomectomy?

The short answer is no. Some doctors and some managed care organizations have policies stating that a myomectomy cannot be attempted if the uterus is bigger than a certain size – hysterectomy is the only option that they will offer. However, skilled gynecologic surgeons can perform a myomectomy on just about any size uterus. One of the risks of a myomectomy is bleeding from the uterus during surgery. However, there are a number of techniques that can be used to reduce bleeding. A medication can be injected into the uterus that causes the blood vessels in the muscle to constrict, and less blood will seep out of the incisions in the uterine wall. Other doctors place an elastic tourniquet around the lower portion of the uterus to decrease the blood flow to the uterus. For very large fibroids, some doctors use a machine, called a cell-saver, during surgery. Blood that pools around the uterine incisions is removed, filtered by the cell-saver and replaced back into the patient’s circulation through a vein. Thus, the patient receives an immediate transfusion of her own blood, and there is no risk of HIV infection or mismatched blood. Many gynecologists don’t have training in these techniques and so don’t offer them. Ask your doctor and get some clarification on this issue.

What Is a Laparoscopic Myomectomy?

Laparoscopic myomectomy is another way to surgically remove fibroids. Laparoscopic surgery is usually performed as outpatient surgery under general anesthesia and has absolutely revolutionized gynecologic surgery because of the short hospital stay and quick recovery that results. The laparoscope is a slender telescope that is inserted through the navel to view the pelvic and abdominal organs. Two or three small, 1/2 inch incisions are made below the pubic hair line. Instruments are passed through these small incisions to perform the surgery. The procedure can take one to three hours depending on the number, size and depth of the fibroids within the muscle wall. Following laparoscopic myomectomy many women are able to leave the hospital the same day as surgery. For more extensive surgery, a one or two day stay may be necessary. Because the incisions are small, recuperation is usually associated with minimal discomfort and most women return to normal activity, work and exercise within two weeks.

Laparoscopic myomectomy is technically difficult surgery, so that your physician should have the extra training and experience that it requires. It is your right to ask about qualifications - how were you trained to do this surgery?, how many of these operations have you performed for women with a situation like mine? have you had any complications? - when talking to your doctor or interviewing a gynecologic surgeon.

What Is a Resectoscope Myomectomy?

Resectoscope myomectomy is a technique that can be performed only if the fibroids causing the symptoms are within the uterine cavity. A small telescope, the resectoscope, is passed through the cervix, and the internal uterine cavity is seen. Electricity is passed through a thin wire attachment of the telescope allowing the instrument to cut through the fibroid like a hot knife through butter. This procedure is performed as outpatient surgery, without any incisions and most patients are able to go back to normal activity in one or two days.

When resectoscope myomectomy is performed for heavy bleeding, nearly 90% of patients return to normal menstrual flow. When fibroids are the cause of infertility, pregnancy rates following this procedure have been about 50%. Only a few years ago, treatment for fibroids in the cavity of the uterus involved major surgery - an abdominal incision and either cutting open the entire uterus to remove the fibroid, or performing a hysterectomy. Resectoscope myomectomy has been a major advance in the treatment of women who have submucous fibroids.

What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

Uterine artery embolization (U.F.E.) is a non-surgical technique that shrinks fibroids without removing them. The procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist (an M.D.) who guides a long thin catheter (tube) into the blood vessels that supply the uterus while monitoring the process under x-ray. Small plastic particles are pushed through the catheter until they form a blockade to the blood flowing to the uterus. Fibroids have a limited supply of blood vessels, and with the blood flow blocked, the fibroid cells start to die off. The surrounding normal uterine muscle has a better blood supply and is able to survive. Deprived of blood, nutrition and oxygen, fibroids shrink like prunes for the three to six months following embolization, and the symptoms from the fibroids often lessen as well.

Embolization has been used in medicine for many years and has been used in gynecology since 1972 to stop heavy bleeding from cervical cancer or heavy bleeding from the uterus that rarely occurs after childbirth. Embolization has been very effective for those women, with success rates of 85-100%. Embolization was first used to treat fibroids by the French physician Dr. Jaques Ravina in 1995. Interestingly, his idea was to stop the vaginal bleeding caused by large fibroids prior to performing an abdominal myomectomy. To his surprise, many of the women who were scheduled to come back for surgery after embolization cancelled surgery because most of their symptoms had disappeared as a result of the embolization. It became clear to Dr. Ravina that embolization might be more than a preparation for surgery; it might be the only treatment needed. Shortly after Dr. Ravina published his findings, uterine fibroid embolization became available in many countries around the world. It has now been performed in over 25,000 women.

Are you a Good Candidate for Embolization?

Embolization is still a relatively new procedure, and selecting the appropriate women who will clearly benefit from UAE is still a work in progress. There remains some difference of opinion amongst interventional radiologists, and even more differences between gynecologists and interventional radiologists as to who should have the procedure. Obviously, the first criteria for treatment would be the presence of fibroid symptoms bothersome enough to require that something be done. As is true for fibroid treatment in general, the option of doing nothing exists unless the fibroids are causing significant anemia or the fibroids are blocking the ureters and threatening harm to the kidneys.

UAE works well for women who have large fibroids that are causing discomfort or pain because of their size. If shrinking the fibroids to a little more than half their present size would relieve your symptoms, then UFE may be right for you. However, UAE may not be very helpful for women with extremely large fibroids because they may not shrink enough to make a difference in the symptoms.

Women with fibroids on a stalk outside the uterus, called pedunculated fibroids, should not have UFE. Embolization can cause the stalk to deteriorate and allow the fibroid to float around the abdominal cavity. The dead tissue causes an inflammation inside the abdomen resulting in pain and fever. Surgery may be required to remove the degenerating fibroid. Fibroids that mostly bulge inside the uterine cavity, submucous fibroids, may also detach and float inside the uterine cavity after embolization. The uterus will then cramp and contract in order to expel the fibroid. Discharge and blood may accompany this process, and sometimes infection develops. If the fibroid is not expelled, surgery may be needed to remove it.

UFE works well for women who have fibroids that are causing heavy bleeding. If your fibroids are small, endometrial ablation may alleviate your symptoms. This outpatient procedure also allows you to avoid hysterectomy and is painless, inexpensive, fast and has a one-day recovery period. However, ablation may not be technically possible if your fibroids are very large. Embolization works very well for women with bleeding and large fibroids

Do I Need a Hysterectomy for Fibroids?

I believe hysterectomy for uterine fibroids should be performed as a last resort. The many issues concerning hysterectomy are fully discussed in the "Hysterectomy" chapter of A Gynecologist's Second Opinion. Hysterectomy is a major operation and carries with it risks of infection, injury to other organs, anesthesia risks, and blood loss that can sometimes result in the need for transfusion. While complications are uncommon, they should not be taken lightly. Also, recovery from abdominal hysterectomy, with the incision made through the abdomen, takes 4-6 weeks, and recovery from vaginal hysterectomy may take 4 weeks. That's a large chunk out of your life. The cost of surgery is expensive, including doctor's fees, anesthesia fees, hospital charges, and operating room charges. So, if major surgery can be avoided, that's preferable.

For the woman who has symptoms from fibroids that require her to have surgery and who does not wish any, or any more, children, removal of the uterus should be discussed. Hysterectomy may be appropriate for a woman who has multiple fibroids, or very large fibroids, and who does not want to take a chance that another surgery may be needed for fibroids at a later time. Hysterectomy can be an option for women who have fibroids, but only when fertility is not an issue, only when other options have been tried, only when they are emotionally prepared, only as a last resort

Source:http://www.gynsecondopinion.com/fibroids.htm

Dr. Lee Treats Uterine Fibroid Tumors ( Myomas ) Successfully

WITHOUT SURGERY

Dr. Lee further writes in his book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause" :

"Otherwise known as myoma of the uterus, uterine fibroid tumors ( myomas ) are the most common growth of the female genital tract. They are round, firm, benign (i.e. noncancerous) lumps of the muscular wall of the uterus, composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue, and are rarely solitary. Usually as small as a hen's egg, they commonly grow gradually to the size of an orange or grapefruit. The largest uterine fibroid tumor ( myoma ) on record weighed over 100 pounds. They often cause or are coincidental with heavier periods, irregular bleeding, and/or painful periods.

Uterine fibroid tumors ( myomas ) are also one of the most common reasons that women in their thirties and forties have a hysterectomy. Some particularly skillful surgeons are capable of removing only the uterine fibroid tumor ( myoma ), leaving the uterus intact, but they are the exception.

Uterine fibroid tumors ( myomas ), like breast fibrocysts, are a product of estrogen dominance (too much estrogen). Estrogen stimulates their growth, and lack of estrogen causes them to atrophy. Estrogen dominance is a much greater problem than recognized by contemporary medicine. Many women in their mid thirties begin to have anovulatory (nonovulating) cycles. As they approach the decade before menopause, they are producing much less progesterone than expected, but still producing normal (or more) estrogen. They retain water and salt, their breast swell and become fibrocystic, they gain weight (especially around the hips and torso), they become depressed and lose sex drive, their bone suffer mineral loss, and they develop fibroids. All are signs of estrogen dominance.

When sufficient hormone is replaced, uterine fibroid tumors ( myomas ) no longer grow in size (they generally decrease in size) and can be kept from growing until menopause, after which they will atrophy. This is the effect of reversing estrogen dominance."

"Fibroids (benign tumors that grow in the uterus) are the most common reason that women visit a gynecologist in the ten or so years before menopause. Fibroids tend to grow during the years before menopause and then atrophy after menopause. This suggests that estrogen stimulates fibroid growth, but we also know that once they get larger, progesterone too can contribute to their growth. Many doctors prescribe Lupron injections to block all sex hormone production. This causes fibroids to shrink, but they regrow when the injections are stopped. The anti-progesterone drug RU-486 is also used to reduce the size of larger fibroids. Women with fibroids are often estrogen dominant and have low progesterone levels. In women with smaller fibroids (the size of a tangerine or smaller), when progesterone is restored to normal levels, the fibroids often stop growing and shrink a bit, which is likely due to progesterone's ability to help speed up the clearance of estrogens from tissue. If this treatment can be continued through menopause, hysterectomy can be avoided.

However, some fibroids, when they reach a certain "critical mass," are accompanied by degeneration or cell death in the interior part of the fibroid, and will have interaction with white blood cells that ends up with the creation of more estrogen within the fibroid itself. It also contains growth factors that are stimulated by progesterone. Under these circumstances, surgical removal of the fibroid (myomectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy) may become necessary. When you think of treating smaller fibroids, your should be thinking in terms of keeping your estrogen milieu as low as possible; when treating large fibroids, all hormones should be kept as low as possible.

The last thing you want to do if you have fibroids is take estrogen, which will stimulate them to grow. If you're estrogen dominant, then it's important to use supplemental progesterone , usually in doses of 20 mg per day during the luteal phase of the cycle. Sometimes this approach works to slow or stop the fibroid growth, and sometimes it doesn't. It is worth a try. Reducing stress, increasing exercise, and reducing calories are also good strategies for slowing fibroid growth.

There are a number of techniques for removing fibroids without removing the uterus. If your doctor doesn't know about these, find another one who does! The difference in recovery time alone between laparoscopic removal of fibroids ( for example) and hysterectomy is three weeks versus three months.

Ultrasound tests can be obtained initially and after three months to check results. A good result would show that the fibroid size hadn't increased, or had decreased by 10 to 15 percent. With post menopausal hormone levels, fibroids usually atrophy (and not taking prescription estrogen)."

Jesse Hanley, MD who coauthored the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You Abut Premenopause" with John Lee, MD now uses Indole-3-Carbinol 200 mg/day to treat uterine fibroids otherwise known as myomas. Hanley, MD seemed to have a high level of confidence that using Indole-3-Carbinol for fibroids has a high level of success. Recently, I talked to a Colorado Springs nutritionist that also used Indole-3-Carbinol and Bioflavinoids to treat uterine fibroids for decades. Indole-3-Carbinol is a derivative from brussel sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. Indole-3-Carbinol gives your body the raw material to deactivate estradiol. So you may or may not have hot flashes while taking indole-3-carbinol. However, you may only need to take indole-3-carbinol for 3-4 months. Do not use DIM. In our clincal experience of using DIM (Diindolymethane) for 2 years, we did not get any results with fibroids. Natural remedies for   fibroid ( myoma ) uterus includes indole-3-carbinol, bioflavinoids, and Natural Progesterone.

If you embark on the use of herbal remedies, allowe a time lapse of several hours between conventional drugs and herbal remedies, and  trie as much as possible to start herbal remedies at lower doses, working your way up, while watching for hypersensitivity and allergic reactions. Follow the principle developed by the father of homeopathic Medicine, Dr Samuel Hahnemann, who in 1796 proposed that “infinitesimal doses of remedies will produce better healing results than the larger doses.”Please read moore

Herbal remedies for Fibriods

Chaste Tree suppresses the over-production of estrogen and is widely used to balance hormones and treat premenstrual symptoms. Many double-blind placebo-controlled studies have proven its effectiveness, for example, the Institute for Health Care and Science in Germany found that 52% of women taking this supplement experienced significant improvements in menstrual symptoms such as bloating, headaches and irritability.

Chaste Tree also reduces estrogen levels while elevating progesterone levels, and has strong anti inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects which helps the body to shrink fibroids.

Red Raspberry is used to control excessive menstrual bleeding and strengthens and tones the uterine muscles. Red Raspberry is very helpful in supporting the body return the reproductive organs into balance. It's anti inflammatory and anti nausea effects makes Red Raspberry a powerful herb for menstrual problems.

Red Raspberry is a rich source of nutrients, including Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium, Phosphorus, and Vitamins A, B, C and E. Also rich in tocopherols, carotenoids, and natural antioxidants, Numerous studies indicate that Red Raspberry helps to manage blood sugar levels, helping you keep your energy levels high throughout the month.

Motherwort is used world-wide for a range of menstrual and reproductive problems. It contains leonurine which relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus, preventing cramping, and reducing menstrual pain.

Motherwort regulates menstruation, reduces cramping, balances hormones and reduces heavy bleeding, especially when mixed with Red Raspberry.

Siberian Ginseng has been used for over 4,000 in Chinese Medicine years to combat anemia caused by heavy bleeding, and maintain the energy levels. Like Red Raspberry, Siberian Ginseng helps manage blood sugar levels, preventing energy slumps throughout the month.

Siberian Ginseng contains properties that support the adrenal glands, and enables the body to cope with physical and mental stress. It also reduces blood clotting, especially when mixed with Red Clover.

Red Clover's daidzein and genistein compounds in are recognized by The National Cancer Institute to have anti-tumor properties. It is also a well-known blood cleansing herb, and supports detoxification, and it helps the liver to detoxify excess estrogen - the main cause of fibroids.

Red Clover has antispamodic and sedative qualities, calming the uterus, adn its as its phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) help balance the body's natural estrogen levels and regulate the menstrual cycle.

Rich in nutrients, it helps to replenish the body after many months of heavy bleeding. Red Clover contains tocopheral (Vitamin E), protein, and salicylates and coumarins, which reduce blood clotting.

Licorice Root is used to treat fluid retention, helping with bloating and weight gain during menstruation. The Mjölbolsta Hospital found people taking Licorice over 8 weeks retained less water and normalized blood pressure levels.

Licorice Root is also used to calm the digestion, and when combined with Red Clover, supports the liver in breaking down excess estrogen.

Burdock Root is another blood purifying herb, used to support the liver and detoxify excess estrogen and xenoestrogens.

It also has diuretic qualities, which help the body get rid of retained water, reducing bloating and swelling. Its anti-inflammatory properties also assist in shrinking fibroids in size.

Burdock Root is rich in Arctigenin, which inhibits the growth of tumors.

Goldenseal helps to keep the uterus free of inflammation and infection. It has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans for skin problems. It is also used to maintain the health of mucus membranes - the tissue surrounding the internal genitals.

The berberine in Goldenseal is antibacterial and antiviral, which helps the body fight infection and strengthens the immune system, especially when combined with Echinacea.

Echinacea has been used for over 400 years as a general cure-all. Recent studies sugest that Echinacea enchances the immune system, reduces inflammation and relieves pain.

For example, the Phytomedicine Journal reported a double-blind study in which subjects given Echinacea increased the functioning of the immune system by 120%. Additionally researchers in Germany found that large doses of echiacea healed wounds completely in just 7 days.

Echinacea has also been used to control benign growths and tumors such as fibroids

Source:http://www.fibroidclear.com/

Since the one of the most common causes of fibroids, is an excess of the estrogen hormone, most natural remedies for fibroids are aimed at the reduction of estrogen.

• Weight reduction: Estrogen is often manufactured and stored in fat cells. Therefore, in case you are overweight, it is advisable to your to lose some excess weight, with the help of a healthy and low-fat diet and by exercising regularly.

• Herbs: Natural remedies for fibroids include the use of herbs like Chaste berry, Red Clover, Passion Flower, Wild Yam, Black Cohosh, Indigo, Lady’s Slipper, Fox Glove and Lady’s Mantle. These herbs could be consumed in the form of an herbal tea. Drink at least 3 cups of herbal tea, either hot or cold, to help reduce the fibroids. Herbs like goldenseal, chamomile and comfrey too can be effective in curing fibroids and can either be taken in the form of a tea or in the capsule form.

• Water: Water is very important for the proper functioning of all the organs in the body. Lack of adequate water could cause the organs to shrivel up and become more susceptible to various diseases. Drinking at least 10 to 12 glasses of water a day, not only keeps the entire body well hydrated, by is also effective in flushing out the toxins from your body, which may contribute towards the formation of fibroids.

• Yoga: Certain Yoga techniques like the Pranayama (breathing technique) can be effective in reducing fibroids

A poor diet can elevate estrogen levels and prohibit the body's ability to break down and secrete excess estrogen. A diet rich in saturated fats from meats and dairy products, alcohol and sugar may overwork the liver, making it unable to break down the hormones efficiently. This causes elevated levels of estrogen, which triggers fibroids.

A low-fat, high fiber, is recommended. Some foods to eliminate from the diet are dairy products, which increase estrogen; animal proteins, which are high in saturated fats; and alcohol, caffeine, sugar and salt, which deplete minerals and B-complex vitamins that are needed to regulate muscle tension.

A diet that includes foods containing phytoestrogens, a natural source of weak estrogen, helps protect the body from the effects of excess estrogen. Foods that are recommended to eat are whole grains, such as buckwheat, oats, millet and brown rice; foods with essential fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, and flax seeds; fruits and vegetables, and soy, and non-dairy milk, which provide calcium.

The vitamins that are recommended for fibroid patients are vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A is found in liver, kidney, egg yolk, fortified margarine and milk. Vitamin C is found in the outer layers of citrus fruits and leafy vegetables. Vitamin E is found in vegetable oils, wheat germ, nuts and seeds.

Iron is important, especially for women who suffer from anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding. Iron supplements can be obtained from health food stores. High concentrations are found in chard, kale, spinach, molasses, nuts, seeds, wheat bran, and brewer's yeast.

Reducing stress and exercising can help relieve the symptoms of fibroids. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation help promote well-being.

Uterine fibroids are solid muscle tissue growths in the uterus. They are also called fibroid tumors, myomas, or leiomyomas. They occur frequently -- in up to half of all women over forty. The majority (80%) of fibroids are as small as a walnut, usually not bigger than an orange. In the USA, about one third of all hysterectomies is because of the fibroids. Estrogens, especially estradiol, promote their growth. Estrogen levels can rise during the early menopausal years, so suddenly, there is this diagnosis in spite of there being no previous symptoms and warnings. The symptoms can be, amongst others: . feeling of heaviness in the belly, . low back pain, . pain with vaginal penetration, . bowel difficulties, . urinary frequency or incontinence, . severe menstrual pain and flooding . heavy menstrual bleeding.. Hysterectomy will solve the problem but in a most violent way -- by taking the uterus out, often taking the ovaries out as well. The patient is being thrown into a surgical menopause, for the rest of her life. It is worthwhile to try other approaches to avoid hysterectomy, and there actually exist herbal remedies for uterine fibroids. Some Well Known Herbal Remedies for Uterine Fibroids The following are just the most popular herbal remedies for uterine fibroids. Any herb (or stimulant, for that matter) that affects the levels of estrogen will also affect the fibroids, for better or worse. . Eat more of whole grains or beans. Strictly speaking, these are not herbal remedies for uterine fibroids per se, but will help reduce the size of fibroids and will also protect from breast and endometrial cancers as well. . Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), milk thistle seed (Silybum marianum), or yellow dock root (Rumex crispus) will strengthen the liver.That will, in turn, metabolize estrogen out of the body, thus reducing fibroids. . Vitex (Agnus Cactus) or chasteberry tincture works directly with the pituitary gland, balancing the entire hormonal system. Take it 25-30 drops two to four times daily, and the fibroids will be shrunk. You will see first results within a few months, but continue taking it up to a year or two. . Warm castor oil packs and ginger compresses on the belly will also help with the fibroids. . Poke root (Phytolacca americana) used both internally and externally as a belly rub oil, will relieve the pain and distress from fibroids. This herb is poisonous, so may have to make it yourself. Practically all these herbs are tested and available as homeopathic remedies. It is possible to mix homeopathic remedies with herbal remedies. Special Mixture of Herbal Remedies for Uterine Fibroids Here's a treatment directly for the fibroids. The patient has both to drink the teas and to irrigate vagina. For the first part of the treatment, you will need the following herbs: . two spoonfuls of sage (Althaea Officinalis) leaves finely chopped, . flower of common marshmallow (Althaea Officinalis), . one spoon of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) leaves, . leaves of blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), . chamomille flowers (Matricaria chamomilla), . flower and leaf of yarrow (Achillea millefolium), . flower and leaf of common St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) and . white willow bark from the branches as large as hand -- taken off only in October and November (Salix alba). Pour all this into 1.800 grams of boiled hot water. Let it be under the lid for 90 minutes out of fire. Sift and put honey ad libitum. Drink 200 grams before breakfast, lunch, supper, and before going to bed. The remaining 1 liter use for irrigation, two times with 500 grams, 4 hours apart. During the day take one spoon of honey four times a day. Put honey on the tongue and take it slowly. At 10 am and 5 pm eat two fried apples (Pirus malus) with one large spoonful of honey. After this kind of healing make a pause 10 days long, then drink teas and irrigate for another 10 days. Drinking and irrigation should always be outside of the menstrual period. Source:http://www.how-to-avoid-hysterectomy.com/herbal-remedies-for-uterine-fibroids.html

 According to Shé D'Montford, Shambhallah, from Australia ‘The human body "WILL HEAL"... If we get out of our own way and allow it, it heals itself. It is our basic nature. Anybody who tells you other than that is trying to sell you something. No matter what you have been told. Don't give up on yourself and don't buy into the lines like ... ‘oh well you've had a good life'... 'at your age'... and the worst of all ...'there's nothing further I can do, I suggest you finalize your affairs'... How dare anyone tell you to give up! So much in society combines to convince us of the propaganda that some things never get better. It's up to you ... do you want to get better? Make things better? It is human nature to make things better, evolve and grow.”

This site  is intended to provide general information only and is not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment. All matters regarding health or a particular health situation should be supervised by a licensed health care professional.The author and the publisher shall not be held responsible or liable for any harm or loss allegedly arising, directly or indirectly from any information in this site