Fibroids may be one piece of the puzzle impacting your overall health and wellbeing by presenting itself in various symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), pelvic pain, frequent urination, back pain, and infertility. Working with a functional practitioner will help to address the root causes of your symptoms.
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous solid tumors that grow in and around the uterus. They affect 1 in 5 women during childbearing years and incidence increases with age. They are hormone dependent and typically resolve with menopause. Fibroids are often estrogen dependent, but they can also be progesterone dependent.
Diagnosis
Most uterine fibroids are diagnosed with ultrasonography. Diagnosis should include number of fibroids, size, and location. Monitoring fibroid size can help determine treatment efficacy.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the number, size, and location of the fibroid(s). Many women with fibroids have no symptoms, however 25-50% of women may experience:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)
- Pelvic pain, pressure
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary frequency
- Difficulty emptying bladder
- Back pain
- Infertility and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes
Diet/Nutrition
Nutritional support: Iodine, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids include:
- Anchovies
- Chia seeds
- Cod liver oil
- Flaxseeds
- Herring
- Mackerel
- Oysters
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Soybeans
- Walnuts
Diet high in plant foods, especially citrus fruits
Avoid red meat and alcohol
Stress Resilience
Stress management tools, such as breath work and meditation, are listed here. Chronic psychological stress can increase a woman’s risk for uterine fibroids.
Movement
Aerobic exercise regularly.
Sleep
Sleep is essential: aim for 7-9 hours of quality, deep sleep.
Other
- Limit exposure to environmental toxic compounds and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
- Acupuncture for pain.
- Optimal outcomes may require surgical removal.
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