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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