Uterine fibroids are abnormal growths that appear in the uterus. They usually form from the muscular tissue of the uterus. This condition is also known as uterine leiomyomata. Fibroids can range in size and can occur either singly or in numbers. Uterine fibroids tend to be the most common type of non-malignant growth that occurs in women of reproductive age. They occur in approximately 75 percent of women throughout life. Uterine fibroids are not related to uterine cancer. They also can decrease in size after menopause due to hormonal changes.
The most common symptoms of fibroids
Despite the fact that many women with uterine fibroids don’t experience any symptoms, some of them can have one or more of the following:
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Bleeding between periods
- Reproductive problems (like early labor, infertility, or multiple miscarriages)
- Heavy or painful periods
- A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
- Lower back pain
- A frequent need to urinate
- Constipation
Some women with uterine fibroids are able to easily get pregnant but others may have some problems with conceiving. Moreover, some pregnant women with uterine fibroids may be at a slightly greater risk of problems like miscarriage, premature labor, and delivery. But in most cases, uterine fibroids don’t complicate pregnancy.
What do you need to know before using natural remedies?
Due to the fact that the safety and effectiveness of natural methods in uterine fibroids treatment are still not proven, it is better to consult a doctor before starting any alternative remedy in order to treat this condition. Self-treatment, refusal or postponement of standard medical care can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Natural alternative treatments for uterine fibroids
There are a few studies that explored how alternative medicine can affect uterine fibroids. Here is the list of three non-drug treatments for uterine fibroids.
1. Traditional Chinese medicine
In a pilot study, a group of women with uterine fibroids were treated with the help of traditional Chinese medicine, body therapy and guided images for six months. The results of the study showed that uterine fibroids decreased or stopped developing in 22 patients in the treatment group, compared with three patients that were in the control group.
2. Acupuncture
Researchers looked for all randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture with various other treatments for uterine fibroids (such as medication). Despite the fact that the authors of the review haven’t found any of the available studies that were reasonably well designed and concluded that the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of uterine fibroids remains uncertain, some people assure of its effectiveness.
3. Green tea
There was an animal study that showed that green tea affects uterine fibroids. Scientists found that eight weeks of treatment with green tea extract resulted in a significant reduction of uterine fibroids among a group of mice.
Common treatments for uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids can cause some complications such as anemia from heavy blood loss. So it is very important to make an appointment with your doctor if you experience some signs that may indicate this disease.
The most common treatment option for uterine fibroids is the use of medications that are able to ease symptoms and slow the development of fibroids. There is also a surgical procedure called myomectomy. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the fibroids from the uterus but leaves unaffected areas in place.
