Fibroids
Fibroids are
non-cancerous tumors or lumps that grow in the muscular walls of the
uterus. They can occur in
isolation or clusters, and can vary in size from the size of a pea to the
size of a melon! Fibroids are
most common in women in their middle menstruating
years. As estrogen levels
decline after menopause, fibroids often shrink naturally, as they are
“fed” by
estrogen.
Fibroids, like endometriosis, and many cases of breast
cancer, are considered to be an estrogenic condition. In particular, high circulating
estrogen levels, along with poor liver detoxification of this hormone are
often a part of their development.
SYMPTOMS
Many women have fibroids and are unaware of them due to
lack of symptoms. Other
women experience:
*Heavy menstrual
periods
*Abdominal distension that does not go
away
*Painful periods
*A change in the normal pattern of urination or bowel
motions
*Infertility
Treatment
Uterine fibroids can be improved greatly with a
long-term commitment to acupuncture and TCM. There are three main patterns of
energy imbalance which lead to fibroids. The most common cause is a stagnation
of the blood and qi (such as occurs in endometriosis). Emotional stress or physical trauma
frequently contributes to this stasis. Long term use of an IUD can cause blood
stasis.
Ongoing heavy periods can themselves lead to blood
deficiency and blood stasis.
TCM theory also believes that sexual intercourse during menstruation
leads to blood stasis. A
weakness of the spleen meridian can also contribute to fibroid
development and heavy bleedings. Spleen energy is weakened through long
term worry; overuse of the mind (such as studying); and a consumption of
a cold energy diet containing lots of raw or chilled
foods.
Treatment usually involves weekly
acupuncture, along with Chinese herbal medicine. Naturopathic changes include a dietary
protocol to reduce levels of estrogen metabolites involved in stimulating
growth of fibroids; and a gut and liver detoxification program to
increase breakdown and excretion of
estrogen.
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