WHAT ARE FIBROIDS?
FIBROID, UTERINE fibroid, tumour, fibroid tumour, growth, leiomyoma, fibroma, fibromyoma: different names for a condition that may affect as many as 80 per cent of Jamaican women. In Jamaica and most Western countries, the commonest surgery performed on women is the hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). In the United States 600,000 women lose their wombs each year to the gynaecologist's scalpel. As is the case in Jamaica, the commonest reason is uterine fibroids.
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumours of the uterus that arise from the muscle cells that form the walls of the womb. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a watermelon.
Amazingly, very little research is being done on the cause of fibroids. All the attention (and money) is directed at treating the condition and its symptoms after they develop. Here are some facts along with my own observations:
FIBROID FACTS
4 out of 5 women have them, but only about 25 per cent of women have fibroids that cause troublesome symptoms. Most fibroids do remain small and cause no trouble. Problems usually arise between ages 30 and 50, but younger and younger Jamaican women are now being afflicted.
Black women who adopt a Western diet are twice as likely as Caucasian or Asian women to have fibroids.
Each fibroid is derived from a single cell in the womb that begins to multiply abnormally. The cell begins misbehaving because of abnormalities that develop in its chromosomes. Hormone imbalance influences the behaviour of chromosomes.
Changes in the woman's hormonal balance influence the development of fibroids. The hormones oestrogen, progesterone and probably insulin are mainly involved.
Fibroids grow rapidly during pregnancy when hormonal levels are high and shrink after menopause when hormone levels fall.
All the hormone-sensitive organs in the body - such as uterus and breast (and prostate in men) - are now plagued by fibroid growths.
Modern women (and men) are now being exposed to unnatural hormones (mostly oestrogens) in unprecedented ways - many animal foods are laced with hormones while some pesticides, industrial chemicals, drugs, dyes and even some personal care items have hormonal activity.
A diet with a high consumption of commercial meats (non organic) is associated with the presence of fibroids.
A plant-based diet, high in soy and organic green leafy and cruciferous vegetables, is associated with a low incidence of fibroids.
There is also a relationship between obesity and fibroids. The fatter a woman is, the more oestrogen her body produces and oestrogen fuels the growth of fibroids. Of course, not all women who develop fibroids are obese.
I also suspect that some of the dietary factors that cause blood sugar problems and diabetes also contribute to fibroids.
CHECK YOUR OPTIONS
Many women are very reluctant to have their wombs cut out, while there are others that are extremely satisfied with this option. Each case is unique and I strongly recommend that before making a decision for or against surgery, that women have a frank and unhurried discussion with their gynaecologist.
You should prepare for this meeting by writing down beforehand all the questions and concerns that you have. Ask about the more recent procedures like uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and myolysis. Make sure you understand the difference between myomectomy (removal of the fibroids only) and hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus).
ALTERNATIVES
These non-conventional therapies that I will now discuss have the following goals:
Correcting the hormonal imbalance that causes the fibroids.
Relieving the symptoms that the growth produces - excessive bleeding, pain or pressure.
Preventing further enlargement of the fibroid.
Encouraging the long-term shrinking of the fibroids.
I am not acquainted with any alternative therapies that can make you pass out or expel your fibroid, neither do I know of any that will dissolve or melt fibroids.
DIET
Switch to a plant-based diet, high in soy and organic green leafy and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. Minimise your intake of animal foods, especially commercial red meats, dairy and poultry. Fish and soy should be the preferred source of protein.
Avoid the simple and processed sugars and carbohydrates such as flour products, candy, pastries and soft drinks.
Supplementing with vitamins, minerals and micronutrients is strongly essential.
DETOXIFICATION
Cleanse the body as much as possible of the pollutants and toxins that it accumulates from the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink. An effective cleansing programme can include fasting, colon cleansing, sauna treatments, herbal cleansers and chelation therapy. Intensive detoxification should be best done under the supervision of a trained health care provider.
HERBS
A number of herbs have been used effectively in controlling the problems associated with fibroids. These include Tang Quei, chaste tree, ginger and black cohosh. Professional advice regarding dosage and administration is recommended.
PROGESTERONE CREAM
Natural progesterone cream is a powerful way to balance the stimulating effects of excess oestrogen on the uterus. It contains the identical substance that your body produces in a cream that is applied to the skin. This is different to synthetic drugs that try to copy progesterone. They are called progestins and have many side effects. Get some professional advice on using natural progesterone cream as part of your anti-fibroid programme.
CASTOR OIL PACKS
A particularly novel approach involves the use of castor oil packs for fibroids. I have not been able to find any scientific studies on the subject, but castor oil packs have been used for thousands of years throughout the world for a variety of ailments. There has even been some recent research showing that castor oil packs can improve the function of the immune system.
STRESS MANAGEMENT
Poor stress management worsens the symptoms of fibroids. An important part of your programme involves finding time for rest and practising effective relaxation strategies. If you are worried about cancer, please talk it over with your doctor for reassurance.
Finally, I suggest that you keep a notebook to record your symptoms and your own evaluation of how you are responding to the natural approaches recommended. This will help you discover what works best for you. Good luck with this common and sometimes distressing problem.
Email Dr. Tony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, visit him at www.anounceofprevention.org or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106 FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
