What causes fibroids to develop and grow?

Trawl the internet, flip through self help books and chances are you wont find a definitive answer.

Whilst many scientists and doctors now believe fibroid growth is fueled by excess estrogen and probably progesterone (or the lack of it) no one really knows what kick starts the disease process in the first place.

I’m firmly of the belief that we reap what we sow! and I can certainly hold my hand up to the fact that in my late 20’s early 30’s I lead a less than healthy lifestyle.

I smoked, I drank alcohol, I worked hard and I played hard and stress through work was off the richter scale.  My diet was chronic and exercise simply didn’t register on my radar.  Frankly I was lucky that I only developed fibroids!

Fibroids, endometriosis, PMS, ovarian cysts, fibrocystic breast disease are all symptoms of inflammation and today I can look back over the years and see how and why I developed fibroids.  Quite simply I had set the stage for chronic inflammation.

Inflammation is normal and beneficial to our health and we need a certain amount of it to stay healthy.   It is only when inflammation gets out of control is it detrimental to our health.

But controlling inflammation is also incredibly important to our health as excess inflammation in our body can fester silently for years until a disease or symptom develops such as fibroids.

Some scientists believe that low grade or chronic inflammation is associated with everything from heart disease, diabetes to alzheimer’s and arthritus!

Both excess insulin and excess estrogen in our bodies are highly inflammatory molecules and are strongly implicated in the growth of fibroids.  The good news is that both insulin and estrogen can be successfully controlled through exercise and diet.

The following conditions can increase your risk of chronic inflammation

• Being overweight
• Eating a poor diet
• Being insulin resistant
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Poor immune system
• Stress

Lifestyle changes that can help reduce chronic inflammation in your body

• Avoid pro-inflammatory foods such as trans-fats, all processed foods, fast foods, fried foods, foods high in sugar and fructose
• Eat a moderate amount of fish. The omega-3 fats in fish can help reduce inflammation. 
• Learn to optimise your insulin levels - have your GP or doctor test your fasting blood glucose levels
• Exercise - regular exercise will get excess glucose and insulin out of your system faster - doing less damage to your body
• Improve your immune system - one method is to improve your gut flora, consider taking probiotics
• Take steps to reduce your levels of stress, stress causes the release of your ‘stress hormone’ cortisol.  Your body makes cortisol from progesterone the most fundamental hormone needed to help balance estrogen within your body.  Prolonged bouts of stress will deplete your body’s reserves of progesterone.

One such herb which helps reduce inflammation in our bodies is ginger.  Fresh ginger from the root, widely available in most supermarkets, is wonderful grated over a salad or grated and steeped in boiling water as in a cup of green tea.

Turmeric, used in curries, is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects!  Aside from its uses as a culinary herb it is also available as a health supplement. 

Interestingly turmeric is a member of the ginger family!

SHOULD YOU USE PAIN KILLERS FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

It’s all too easy to reach for that large bottle of anti -inflammatories/pain killers when menstrual cramps strike... but are you aware that they come with a huge list of unpleasant and debilitating side effects.

REGULAR USE OF NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) INCREASES ALZHEIMER’S RISK

Researchers followed 2,736 dementia-free people age 65 and older for up to 12 years, during which time 476 developed dementia.

Those who were "heavy" NSAID users (the equivalent of approximately six Advil per day) were 66% more likely to develop dementia, and 57% more likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease in particular. 

These statistics held true after the researchers controlled for other factors that might make people vulnerable to dementia -- among them education, APOE gene status and diabetes.

So rather than helping slow the onset of Alzheimer's, NSAID's may actually increase your risk of developing it!

* Medical studies have repeatedly shown that taking traditional painkilling drugs like ibuprofen and diclofenac have a 55% and 24% increased risk of heart attack respectively.

These drugs can also INCREASE your risk of peptic ulcers, diabetes and breast cancer.

* NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – commonly used as a first line arthritis treatment, result in a staggering 100,000 hospital admissions per year due to gastrointestinal problems linked to long-term use.

Even worse: approximately 15 per cent of those patients die as a result of their adverse reactions.

* Cox-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx and Cerebrex have been found to substantially increase your risk of heart attack, to such an extent that Vioxx was withdrawn from sale when it was found to DOUBLE the risk of heart attack and stroke.

* TNF-Blockers, such as Rituximab, have been shown to cause respiratory failure, as well as nausea, myalgia (muscle pain) and low blood pressure.

* SAARDs and DMARDs, like Methotrexate – an immuno- suppressant used to treat patients whose arthritis is at an advanced stage – can exacerbate side effects such as serious gastrointestinal disorders, cause liver damage and can even cause death.

It’s quite likely that you’re already taking one of these drugs without realizing it…..and without even realizing what the full side-effects and risks may be.

If you’re unsure, then check out below some of the drug names that you need to watch out for, such as:

Acetaminophen,oxycodone, tramadol, diclofenac potassium, diflunisal, etodolac, fenoprofen calcium, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, meclofenamate sodium, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, piroxicam, celecoxib, valdecoxib, aspirin, choline salicylate, magnesium salicylate, cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, auranofin (oral gold), azathioprine, cyclosporine, hydroxychloroquine sulphate, methotrexate, minocycline, penicillamine, sulphasalazine.

Source:

John C.S. Breitner, MD, MPH, of the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System and head of geriatric psychiatry at University of Washington School of Medicine.

If you must use a pain killer or anti inflammatory for the management of pain only use if you really have to and try to avoid any long term dependence on them, better still try to find an alternative pain relief technique that works for you.

Here are some suggestions for alternative pain relief techniques to help with menstrual cramps that don’t require the use of drugs.

Take a warm bath

Taking a warm bath can also help lessen heavy menstrual flow, and the warm water will alleviate lower abdomen pain, and relax the muscles.

Excercise

Probably the last thing you want to do besides curling up in bed with a hot water bottle but regular exercise, including exercise right before and during your menstrual cycle can help lessen the severity of menstrual cramping.

Valerian Tea or Tinctures

Medicinal uses of valerian date back to 400 B.C. with the Greek physician Hippocrates. Valerian is traditionally used to improve sleep and treat insomnia. However, it may also be effective for treating menstrual cramps. Take valerian in liquid tincture, tea, capsule and tablet form.

Valerian contains valepotriates and valerenic acid, which can attach to the same brain receptor sites as Valium. This makes valerian beneficial for treating pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Therapeutic Heat

Take advantage of therapeutic heat to relax your menstrual cramps.  ThermaCare^® Menstrual provide soothing heat that relaxes muscular contractions to relieve menstrual cramps. 

ThermaCare are heat patches and their ultra-thin design conforms to your lower abdomen for discreet comfort.

They can provides soothing heat for 8 hours of menstrual-cramp pain relief and are thin enough to wear under clothing and on the move.

Omega-3 and Magnesium supplements

For further information on supplementing your diet with omega-3 and magnesium citrate see earlier article '2 excellent remedies for menstrual cramps'

Bleach without the chlorine - that works at lifting difficult stains

Xeno-estrogens refer to other environmental compounds (usually but not always pharmaceutical) that generally have a very potent estrogen like activity on our bodies and thus can be considered very toxic.  

Put simply they disrupt hormone balance and promote the growth of fibroids, fibrocystic breasts, endometriosis and even breast cancer!

Typical sources of xenoestrogens include:

Plastic containers (including water bottles) tupperware food storage, microwavable dishes, cleaning fluids, such as dishwasher soap, bleach, laundry detergents, fabric softeners... to name but a few!! - believe me this isn't even the tip of the iceberg!

So I thought I'd tell you about one of my favourite products that not only works! but is kind to you and your environment.  Ecover are a UK based company who manufacture cleaning products that are made from natural, sustainable plant-based ingredients.

I stopped using chlorine based bleaches some years ago and was over the moon when I found this little laundry dynamo, it whitens natural cotton bed linen and white towels like nothing else and I even used it today in my dishwasher to 'bleach' my coffee stained mugs - and whilst I no longer drink coffee the rest of the family still does.

It's an oxygen bleach and chlorine free but is fantastic at lifting difficult stains such as tea, coffee and blood.

It's sold predominately in the UK through health food stores but is widely available to buy on the internet and I've even found it for sale on amazon.com so it is available in the US.

Can green tea help shrink fibroids?

According to a study published in 2010 in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology a substance in green tea appears to significantly shrink the size of uterine fibroids.

Green tea extract can kill human leiomyoma (fibroid) cells in tissue cultures and can eradicate fibroid lesions in lab animals, according to Dr. Ayman Al-Hendy, director of clinical research at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn and colleagues - as published January 14th 2010 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea however green tea is made from the unfermented leaves and black tea from the fermented leaves.  After harvest green tea does not go through any processes of fermentation and therefore contains or rather retains relatively high amounts of a substance called polyphenols which have anti-oxidant properties helping to combat cell damaging molecules called free radicals.  

The most biologically active polyphenol in green tea is called epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG.

In the 2010 study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology varying  doses of green tea derived EGCG were introduced into test tubes that contained cells of uterine fibroid tumours.  They also gave mice oral doses of EGCG.  Within as little as 24 hours the EGCG was shown to slow tumour growth and when fibroid tumours were measured at 4 - 8 week intervals they showed a medically significant decrease in both their weight and overall volume. 

The study concluded that EGCG can effectively halt fibroid growth and trigger the death of fibroid cells in a test tube and in live animals.

Although these exciting study results came from tests on animals, clinical studies will soon be underway in human trials.

Liver toxicity

Concerns have been raised as to green tea’s toxic effect on the liver.  A study published in The Journal of Nutrition in January 2009 found that consumption of high levels of green tea extracts did not affect markers of liver function in healthy men. 

However the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that green tea extracts that contain EGCG or other active substances can potentially increase your risks for liver problems.

The green tea extract consumed in the 2010 study was approximately equivalent to consuming between 6 and 8 cups of green tea per day. Although a few previous studies using mice and isolated case studies suggested that green tea might increase the risk for liver problems.  The study authors noted that it is likely these adverse liver reactions were at least partly due to other, unrelated factors, such as genetics or other health problems, and not simply green tea consumption.

Other studies suggest that green tea may even help to prevent liver damage.  However, these benefits may only apply to the brewed drink form of green tea. Some evidence points to green tea extract supplements having a negative effect on the liver. 

A 2006 review published in Liver Transplantation noted that commercially available green tea supplements may trigger acute liver toxicity. However, the report doesn't list doses or supplement concentrations.

So my advice would be to stick to drinking cups of brewed green tea and avoid the supplements as brewed green tea does appear to offer health benefits to the liver and potentially fibroids.  

It is also important to note that tea (as well as coffee!) are heavily sprayed crops so try and buy organic green tea as this will help reduce your exposure to endocrine disrupting herbicides and pesticides.

Green tea also contains caffeine just like its black tea counterpart so consumption should be restricted to no more than 5 cups per day.

Preliminary research shows green tea may also lower your risk for certain types of cancer, lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk for Parkinson's disease, according to MedlinePlus.

Other potential benefits include reducing inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease, lowering your risk for diabetes and helping with weight loss, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.

If you are pregnant or suffer from anemia, heart conditions, bleeding disorders, anxiety, osteoporosis, glaucoma or diarrhea, you should limit your consumption of green tea even further, since caffeine can worsen these conditions. Green tea may also interfere with certain medications, so you should speak to your doctor before taking green tea extract or drinking large amounts of green tea.

WHAT'S THE BEST NATURAL REMEDY FOR Fibroids?

What's the best natural remedy for fibroids and their unpleasant symptoms?... well in my opinion and experience it's exercise.

But before I go any further I have to tell you that I absolutely hate exercising! and will do anything to avoid it!

So let me bring you bang up to date with the latest research regarding exercise and just how much of it we really have to do to reap the benefits or rather how little of it we should be doing!

But first let's look at why exercise is so important and so very beneficial to us fibroid sufferers.

Estrogen - American English spelling

Oestrogen - British English spelling

• Many scientists and doctors now believe estrogen plays a large role in stimulating fibroid growth, exercise helps reduce and normalise estrogen levels 

• Excercise can really help with menstrual cramps as it boosts circulation, prompts the body to release pain-killing endorphins and relaxes muscles

• Stress is another antagonist for fibriods, exercise is a great stress buster and helps by lowering cortisol levels.  Excessive exercise stresses the body and raises cortisol levels!

• Exercise can help you manage your weight and the amount of fat you store in your body.  The more fat you carry the more estrogen you are able to store in your fat cells, effectively 'feeding' your fibroids!

• Exercise helps reduce blood glucose and manage your insulin levels.  Insulin is your fat storage hormone.  Too much sugar and unhealthy carbohydrates in your diet will spike your insulin levels causing your body to store more fat and prevent it from burning fat as fuel

• For every additional hour of physical activity during the day, children fall asleep 3 x times quicker and sleep 20 minutes longer.  The same pattern holds true for adults!  Good restorative (healing) sleep helps balance our stress hormones!

EXCERCISE LESS... REALLY IS MORE!

If you lead a busy life, finding the time to exercise can be difficult or if you’re like me and you simply don’t like exercising then you’ll love this recent research into fitness that suggests that exercising just a few minutes each week can be just as beneficial as jogging round the park for an hour or so. 

More gain for less pain! Sounds too good to be true? ....read on! 

Professor Julian Baker from the University of the West of Scotland is at the forefront of this startling new research into fitness. His fitness regime involves short bursts with high intensity activity. For example you can run or step (anything that involves high intensity exercise) flat out for 30 seconds and then rest for 30 seconds. You then repeat this cycle 4 times over. Professor Baker’s research has found that pushing muscles to their absolute limit can improve your fitness. But what’s incredible about this fitness regime is that it lasts for only 4 minutes with 2 of them spent resting! Or put another way with only 2 minutes spent exercising! 

Professor Baker recommends that you would need to do the exercises about 3 times a week and your initial fitness level will depend on how quickly you improve your overall fitness. 

Current UK government guidelines recommend that we exercise 30 minutes to an hour a day of moderate exercise 5 times a week! 

The data compiled by the University of the West of Scotland suggests that this type of training improves above and beyond the benefits gained from exercising for 30 – 60 minutes. 

So how can a man or woman who is effectively only exercising for 2 minutes get the same or better fitness benefits as someone who exercises for longer. 

One line of reasoning is that if you do short burst exercising you’re working 250% harder in terms of the intensity of the exercise than say a jogger. The exercise for the jogger is much more gentles on the muscles where as the short burst exercises is pushing your muscles to the max, which has the maximum benefit on your fitness. 

Scientists are still trying to find out why this type of exercise should work but they do know that exercising to the absolute limit is more effective in reducing blood pressure and widening blood vessels and strengthening muscles. 

Depending on your initial level of fitness over a 5 week fitness period of exercising in short burst high intensity could result in a significant loss of body fat and loss of weight but could up your overall level of fitness by as much as 50%. 

If you haven’t exercised in a while don’t start running, stepping or any high intensity exercising straight off. You will need to build up from a gentle pace and see your doctor before you start any exercise regime if you have any concerns. Women who have fibroids need to get advice on their exercise regimens from a health care provider, especially those who are anemic, have additional medical conditions or bleed heavily during the menstrual cycle.

I think everyone no matter how busy and hectic a life they lead can find 12 minutes a week to exercise!

What treatments are there for Fibroids and what are the risks and side effects?

I can fully understand why many women want to find a quick fix solution to their fibroid symptoms.  I once thought that medical intervention was the right treatment for me, only to undergo a myomectomy and have my fibroids return with a vengeance some years later.

All that stress and worry about an operation, the pain! and weeks of impaired immobility only to find myself back to square one within about 5 years!

It is vitally important that you explore all the options open to you.  I would recommend that you do your 'homework' before discussing any treatments with your doctor/surgeon, that way you will be better able to understand and evaluate what he or she recommends as the most suitable treatment for you.

Below I outline some of the medical treatments for fibroids and their potential risks and side effects.

As you will see none of them are without risks and possible side effects and none really offer a quick fix solution.  Most of the procedures with the exception of a hysterectomy will not eliminate or prevent the re occurrence of fibroids for good.

Estrogen - American English spelling

Oestrogen - British English spelling

Medicines

To date there is no medicine that cures fibroids.  However, hormone-based treatments can help relieve your symptoms.

Treatment with medicines called gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRH analogues) can lower your estrogen level. This usually shrinks fibroids.

If you're having surgery to remove fibroids, you may be prescribed GnRH analogues such as goserelin or leuprorelin acetate, to take three to four months before your operation to make it easier for your surgeon to remove fibroids.

Side effects/risks

The side effects of the GnRH agonists are largely the result of the low levels of estrogen in the body, so they are usually confined to the symptoms associated with the menopause.

Side effects are common, and most women will experience at least one or two. The severity of the side effects varies from mild to severe, and some women will find them intolerable.

GnRH analogues can cause side-effects including hot flashes/flushes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, decreased breast size, headaches, decreased libido, insomnia, dizziness, depression etc...

The most serious side effect of treatment with a GnRH agonist is thinning of the bones, particularly the bones of the spine.

Therefore, you can only take GnRH analogues for a maximum of six months. Your doctor may prescribe progestogen hormone replacement therapy medicines or a medicine called tibolone for you to take at the same time as GnRH analogues.  This is to reduce the chances of you having side-effects.

GnRH agonists may interact with other medicines. Let your doctor know about any medication you are taking, including non-prescribed drugs such as complimentary therapies or herbal medicine.

Surgery

There are a number of surgical options for treating fibroids, including those outlined below.

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) 

A uterine artery embolisation is a non-surgical procedure used to treat fibroids. The arteries that supply your fibroids with blood are called uterine arteries. A uterine artery embolisation blocks off the blood supply to your fibroids, causing them to shrink.  

UAE is performed under local anaesthesia, meaning that feeling in the area will be completely blocked but you will stay awake during the operation.

The procedure is done by a specially trained radiologist called an interventional radiologist, in the X-ray department of a hospital and can take up to two hours depending on your fibroids.

Most women find that their fibroids shrink to at least half their size after having a uterine artery embolisation, and that symptoms such as heavy bleeding and pain are reduced. 

However, the procedure is not suitable for women who want to get pregnant because it may increase the risk of problems during pregnancy and birth.

UAE gives relief from symptoms such as bleeding and pain for at least six in every 10 women treated.

Side effects/risks

You will probably have some pain, especially for the first 12 hours after the procedure. When you're in hospital, the nurses will give you some painkillers.

Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects you may get after having this procedure. These can include extreme tiredness, especially in the first few days, and pain similar to period pains or cramps.

You may also notice that you have vaginal discharge which may have some blood in it. This usually stops around two weeks after the procedure, but can sometimes go on for a few months. You may need to wear sanitary towels. 

If the discharge has an unpleasant smell, contact your GP as soon as possible because this may indicate that you have an infection.

After your procedure you may pass a fibroid, or part of one, through your vagina. If this happens, it will be between six weeks and three months after your procedure and can be accompanied by period pains and bleeding. If this happens, you will need to wear a sanitary towel.

Your periods may stop but this is rare.

There is a risk that you may develop an infection after the procedure has been carried out.

Signs of an infection are:

• feeling unwell
• developing a high fever
• feeling a lot of pain
• having a sore and tender lower abdomen (tummy)
• having a vaginal discharge with an unpleasant smell

If you have any of these symptoms, contact your GP as soon as possible.

Infections can usually be treated with antibiotics. However, there is a small chance that if you develop a serious infection it could, in extreme cases, lead to a hysterectomy.

Endometrial ablation or resection 

Endometrial ablation is routinely done as a day-case procedure. This means you have the procedure and go home the same day.  But depending on the type of ablation you have, you may have the operation done under either local or general anaesthesia.

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to remove most of the lining of your womb or to destroy or remove an individual fibroid using energy such as microwaves or heat. During an endometrial resection, the lining of your womb or the fibroid is actually cut away.

There are several different methods of endometrial ablation. The main ones are listed below.

• Electrocautery (or diathermy). A small electric current is passed through a wire loop or ball-shaped sensor, which heats up.
• Laser ablation. This uses a high-energy beam of light.
• Heated fluid. A deflated balloon is placed inside your womb and filled with a heated fluid.
• Microwave endometrial ablation (MEA). A microwave probe is put into your womb and moved from side to side.
• Radio waves. A probe is placed inside your womb which uses radio waves.

Risks/side effects

Endometrial ablation is commonly performed and generally safe.

You may feel sick, or be sick after your operation. You may have some cramping pains or discomfort, similar to period pains. You will also have some vaginal bleeding and discharge, which may last for a few weeks.

Complications are when problems occur during or after the operation. Most women aren't affected. The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).

Complications specific to endometrial ablation are rare but can include:

• inflammation of the lining of your womb
• infection of your urinary tract (bladder)
• damage to your womb or bowel - you may need further surgery to repair the damage
• burns to your womb, vagina or skin when heated liquids are used.

Endometrial ablation doesn't work successfully for everyone and you may need to have the operation again. The exact risks are specific to you and differ for every person.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a major operation to remove your entire womb, usually via a 'bikini-line' cut in your abdomen or, if the fibroids aren't too large, via your vagina. 

A hysterectomy should only be recommended if other treatments, such as medicines or other surgery, are unsuitable or haven't worked.

Alternative hysterectomy techniques to an abdominal hysterectomy are:

• vaginal hysterectomy where the procedure is done through your vagina
• keyhole hysterectomy, where the procedure is done through small cuts in your abdomen and often in combination with vaginal hysterectomy

Please note that is if you have large fibroids the above procedures may not be possible or practical.  

The removal of large fibroids may require the surgeon to make a vertical incision from your belly button to your pubic hairline and not a discreet bikini line cut!  

A hysterectomy is the only surgical procedure that will eliminate fibroids permanently.

Side effects/ risks

The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, infection see above (signs of infection), excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).

You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off.

It's usual to feel some initial discomfort when you pass urine, but you should let your nurse or surgeon know if you are finding it difficult to pass urine or are having problems with bladder control. This should be temporary, but if it continues you may need to use a catheter for about two to three weeks.

You may also find that you don't have any bowel movements for a few days after the procedure and this can cause you to have painful wind. Taking laxatives will help you to avoid straining and stop you getting constipation.

Your nurse will give you advice about getting out of bed, bathing and your diet. You may see a physiotherapist who can explain some exercises that you can do to help your recovery.

The clips or stitches will usually be taken out by your practice nurse at your GP surgery about five to seven days after your operation. The amount of time your dissolvable stitches will take to disappear depends on the type of stitches you have. However, for this procedure, they should usually disappear in about two weeks.

Most women stay in hospital for two to four days. Before you go home, your nurse will advise you about caring for your wounds and may arrange a date for a follow-up appointment.

Specific complications of an abdominal hysterectomy include:

• blood loss – you may need further treatment, such as a second operation to stop the bleeding
• damage to other organs and tissues in your abdomen, particularly your bladder and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder) – this can cause incontinence or a frequent need to urinate
• damage to your bowel
• an infection, such as a urinary tract infection or an abscess in your pelvis
• premature ovarian failure – there is a chance your ovaries won’t function properly because they receive some of their blood supply through the uterus, which is removed during the operation

If your ovaries have been removed during the procedure, you will have menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness etc...

It usually takes about four to 12 weeks to make a full recovery from an abdominal hysterectomy, but this varies between individuals and their level of fitness, so it's important to follow your surgeon's advice. 

Most women are able to return to work between four and eight weeks after the operation but it will depend on the type of job you have and how physical it is. If you had a keyhole procedure, you will usually be able to return to your usual activities sooner than if you’ve had an open procedure.

Myomectomy 

A myomectomy is an operation to remove fibroids, leaving your womb in place. It may be done through a cut in your tummy, or sometimes it may be possible for your surgeon to use keyhole surgery. 

Myomectomy is usually only offered to women who would like the option to become pregnant in the future. Because your womb isn't removed there is a chance that more fibroids will grow in the future, so you may need to have further treatment.

Risks and recovery times can be very similar to a hysterectomy, further more if you wish to go on to have children you may find that you will not be able to deliver naturally and may require a caesarean section delivery.

If a surgeon is unable to stem any heavy bleeding during your operation then in rare cases your myomectomy can turn into a hysterectomy.  Myomectomies can result in a loss of blood and some patients will require transfusions during surgery.

Further more the removal of large fibroids may require the surgeon to make a vertical incision from your belly button to your pubic hairline and not a discreet bikini line cut!

Conclusion

All of the above medical/surgical procedures, with the exception of a hysterectomy, will not permanently remove or eliminate fibroids. 

Further more if the underlying causes of fibroids are not addressed then many women may go on to develop potentially life threatening diseases. 

The only way to manage and control your underlying causes is through lifestyle changes, that is through the food you eat, the exercise you take and the careful management of stress in your life.

In the time that it takes a healthy woman to recover from a myomectomy you could be well on your way to reducing the underlying causes and symptoms of fibroids within as little as 6 weeks through lifestyle changes alone!  No pain, no risks, no side effects!

Are hair relaxers linked to Fibroids?

The media has made much play of a recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology linking chemical hair straighteners used by many black women to the development of uterine fibroids.

The study’s research reveals black women who had used relaxers over a long period of time were at greater risk for fibroids.

The study’s authors state relaxers contain chemicals like sodium hydroxide, a chemical that can eat through the skin and, if inhaled, can ruin your lungs.  


The study theorizes that as chemicals like phthalates get into abrasions and areas of irritation on the scalp, it may exercise some hormone like activity.

Dr. Williams said the study’s findings are startling, but research shows black women are genetically predisposed to fibroids.

While those behind the study believe relaxers could be a risk factor, Williams says diet is a factor, too.

What does not appear to have been reported is the fact that phthalate use is widespread and if women aren’t relaxing their hair they certainly are obtaining their phthalate doses from a wide range of products.

Hair relaxers are not the only products to use phthalates.  Their use in the cosmetic and beauty arena is widespread and they can be found in products diverse as:

...vinyl flooring, detergents, automotive plastics, soap, shampoo, deodorants, fragrances, hair spray, nail polish, plastic bags, food packaging, garden hoses, inflatable toys, blood-storage bags, and intravenous medical tubing... and the list goes on!

If a hair relaxer contains phthalates then there probably is a link to fibroids.  But hair relaxers alone are very unlikely to be the main cause due to the wide spread use of phthalates.  There are also other harmful chemicals used in the manufacture of hair relaxers which may also have a disrupting effect on our hormones.

And as the Environmental Working Group points out, the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products are not regulated. Indeed, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act gives no authority to the agency to approve cosmetic ingredients - except for specific coloring additives in certain hair dyes.  

Put simply, the cosmetic and perfume industries are unregulated and can use potentially harmful chemicals in their products.

Whilst there is some research that demonstrates phthalates as endocrine disruptors much of the current research on the effects of phthalate exposure has been focused towards children and men’s health.

However women may be at higher risk for potential adverse health effects of phthalates due to increased cosmetic use. Diethyl phthalate and dibutyl phthalate are especially ubiquitous in cosmetics and personal care products.

Did you know women who use makeup daily absorb, on average, 5 pounds of chemicals each year!

It has been well documented that endocrine disruptors such as phthalates can be additive, so even very small amounts can interact with other chemicals to have cumulative, adverse "cocktail effects".

You can limit your exposure to phthalates and switch over to natural brands of toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste, antiperspirants and cosmetics by visiting The Environmental Working Group’s great safety guide to help you find personal care products that are free of phthalates and other potentially dangerous chemicals.

If you do use chemical hair straighteners or relaxers you can also read the Environmental Working Group’s investigation into ‘Hair straightener makers and salons cover up dangers’.

NEW DRUG TO TREAT UTERINE FIBROIDS

I recently stumbled upon an article that claims that there is a new drug/pill in clinical trials that offers hope to millions of women with uterine fibroids.  It is in fact a lower dose of the the ‘morning after’ contraceptive pill.

Studies showed the pill stopped bleeding and shrank the fibroids and worked as well as shots of a hormone blocking drug which has unpleasant side effects.

The pill is called Esmya and is a low dose version of the emergency birth control pill called Ella.  It is currently in testing as it manufacturers need to establish whether it can be given to patients long term as Esmya may need to be given periodically especially if symptoms return, until the menopause when most fibroids usually disappear.

Two studies have already been undertaken with a small sample of 550 premenopausal women whose fibroid symptoms were serious enough that surgery was planned.

One study compared two doses of Esmya with a dummy pill for three months. The second tested Esmya against a monthly hormone-blocking shot that shrinks fibroids but causes hot flashes and, with long-term use, can thin bones. Women in that study got a daily Esmya pill and a dummy shot each month, or a hormone shot and a dummy pill.

In both studies, Esmya stopped the bleeding and shrank fibroids in most patients and worked as well as the shot, but with fewer side effects. Menstrual bleeding was controlled in over 90 percent of the women on Esmya — many within a week, compared to 19 percent of those who took a dummy pill.

At the end of the three months, only about half of the participants went ahead with any kind of fibroid surgery. That allowed the researchers to observe whether improvements lasted over the next six months. They did for many of the Esmya patients, while fibroids started growing after a month in the group that got the hormone shot.

This really does demonstrate to me how important it is to keep your hormones in check!  Whilst we all want the quick fix approach to treating fibroids (and I’d be the first to pop a pill that would magically make my fibroids disappear over night) there’s simply no substitute for a healthy lifestyle!  Further more Esmya is only treating the symptoms and not the root cause!

Esmya is currently awaiting marketing approval in Europe and needs to be tested in the US so it won't be available anytime soon.

Esmya is made by Swiss-based Preglem.

2 EXCELLENT REMEDIES FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Menstrual cramps are known medically as dysmenorrhea. They typically feel like a dull pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstrual periods. The pain sometimes radiates to the lower back or leg area. Other symptoms may include nausea, loose stools, sweating, and dizziness. 

There are two types of menstrual cramps: primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.  Primary dysmenorrhea involves no physical abnormality and it is the hormone like substance prostaglandins produced naturally in the body that are thought to cause the cramps and be responsible for the pain and inflammation.

Secondary dysmenorrhea on the other hand has an underlying physical cause and can be a result of certain conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibriods or uterine polyps.


The treatment of pain is similar with both primary and secondary dysmenorrhea.

Menstrual cramps occur when prostaglandins are released and the old uterine lining starts breaking down causing your uterus to contract. 

Researchers have discovered that there is a direct correlation between elevated levels of ‘bad’ prostaglandins and crippling pain.

Prostaglandins produced from from arachidonic acid (AA) – found in butter, animal fat (especially pork), organ meats, eggs, and seaweed seem to be involved in swelling, inflammation, clotting, and dilation, whereas prostaglandins found on the omega-3 pathway from fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have the opposite effect. 

This doesn’t mean that prostaglandins made from arachidonic acid are bad – though your body has a limited need for them – and they are widely regarded as ‘bad’ prostaglandins.

1. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines.

Animal studies suggest that the two compounds in fish oil, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may decrease ‘bad’ prostaglandin levels.

If you don’t wish to eat fish but want a regular intake of omega-3 consider taking krill oil.  A good product is Cleanmarine Krill Oil.  Krill are small shrimp-like marine crustaceans eaten by fish, birds and whales that live in our cool, deep oceans.  They are the most abundant living organism on the planet.  Fished in the pristine waters off antarctica, Cleanmarine Krill Oil is the ideal ethical and sustainable choice for marine sourced EPA/DHA.

1. Magnesium - More than 70% of women do not get the minimum Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of magnesium from their diets!  Magnesium is a great muscle relaxant, and can relieve cramping of the uterus and other smooth muscles and that includes leg muscles!

Magnesium also helps the body to detoxify hormones especially estrogen!

Studies have shown significant reductions in a number of common menstrual complaints in women who increased dietary magnesium consumption or were given magnesium supplements. Low levels of magnesium are also common in women who experience menstrual problems. 

One of magnesium's many roles is as a muscle relaxant. This is especially important for women who suffer from menstrual cramps because cramps are caused by excessively strong contractions of the uterus. Magnesium helps the powerful uterine muscles relax, reducing cramping.

Magnesium's muscle-relaxing powers also help relieve the PMS or menstrual headaches many women experience.

Menstrual fatigue is another common complaint of women that magnesium can help relieve, though the exact mechanism is uncertain.

Magnesium also reduces other symptoms of PMS, including constipation, water retention and bloating, breast tenderness, and many mood problems, including depression, irritability, and anxiety.

Magnesium of any kind can have a laxative effect if you take too much. If you have kidney problems, speak with your doctor before taking magnesium because the mineral could exacerbate kidney disease.

An excellent magnesium supplement can be purchased on the web from Dr Wong’s Essentials.

Visit http://docsprefer.com/magnesiumcitrate.aspx for supplies in the US

Visit http://www.aggressivehealthshop.com/citrated-magnesium-90-caplets.html for supplies in the UK

Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.