Uterine fibroids are benign growths that can form on both the interior and exterior walls of the uterus. They may cause no symptoms at all or may make themselves a nuisance by causing heavy and too frequent menstrual periods, pain on intercourse and fatigue. If left untreated, anaemia will result.
The growth of fibroids is generally accepted to be dependent on the presence of oestrogen. Therefore they seldom develop prior to the onset of periods and usually shrink after menopause. Sometimes no treatment is needed if they are not causing unwanted symptoms, and especially if the patient is close to menopausal age. Natural treatments usually revolve around reducing oestrogen excess and regulating excessive bleeding. Fibroid size will need to be contained or reduced. Herbal extracts can be effective in doing both, depending on the blend of herbs used. Relevant herbs may be Paeonia and/or Chaste Tree plus Bethroot, Lady's Mantle or Shepherds Purse which have an astringent effect. Blue Cohosh can also be very effective, (combined with other herbs) and so can herbals containing Calendula and Damiana. It would be best to consult a medical herbalist to find the appropriate blend. Dietary considerations would be to keep to a high fibre, low fat diet as this type of diet helps reduce excessive oestrogen levels in the body. It would also be advisable to supplement with minerals to prevent anaemia and to help the body heal. As the liver is the main means for the body to rid itself of excess oestrogen a herbal liver tonic is often useful. See page on 'Liver'. All information on this page has been compiled by Alison Odey from personal research and from results seen and experienced over 20 years in private practice. It is not intended to diagnose or to be construed as medical advice, but to inform the reader of alternative options that may be available to them. Any remedy mentioned in the text can be obtained by contacting the writer:
Contacts: Phone -64 7 5721147 Website www.alisonodey.com
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