Fibroids and what you can do about it

Image from www.medicinenet.com

Fibroid, also known as uterine myomas is a benign tumor made up of muscle and fibrous tissues that grows in the wall of uterus. According to Australia's BetterHealth site (betterhealth.vic.gov.au), 4 in 10 women over age 40 have fibroid. There is no known cause for fibroid but it seems to be related to hormone imbalance involving progesterone and estrogen hormone (1).

Symptoms of fibroid includes:
- Heavy, long, painful periods
- Spotting between periods
- Lump or swelling in abdomen
- Painful sex

Complications include:
- Infertility
- Miscarriage
- Anemia (due to heavy period)

What can you do if you are diagnosed with fibroid?
Of course there is the surgical option to excise the fibroid if needed. Here we will focus more on useful food and supplements you can take at home.

• Foods: 

           - Brocolli, cabbage, cauliflower: to encourage excretion of excess hormones
           - Miso soup: regulates estrogen levels
           - Flax seeds: balances hormone naturally
           - Fresh vegetable juices

• Supplements:

           - Soy Isoflavones (Plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activities) 80mg: Found to be able to shrink fibroids
           - Omega-3 supplements (Fish-oils): vital role in hormone production
           - High strength multi-vitamin and mineral 
           - Fiber: prevent constipation as constipation aggravates fibroid symptoms.

1: Rein MS, Barbieri RL, Friedman AJ. Progesterone: a critical role in the pathogenesis of uterine myomas. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1995 Jan;172(1 Pt 1):14-8. Review. PubMed PMID: 7847524.