Uterine Fibroid Tumors

About Fibroid Tumors

Fibroid tumors are most commonly found most often in the uterus of women in their 20's, 30's and 40's.  Between 20-50% of women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids.  They are usually benign (non-cancerous) uterine tumors. Medically, fibroids are also referred to as myomas or leiomyomas, and are considered to be a woman's fibrosis condition that is usually associated with estrogen dominance.

Uterine fibroid tumors are nodules of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue, hence the name 'fibroid' tumor. They develop within the wall of the uterus. Fibroids may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. They may grow within the wall of the uterus or they may project into the interior cavity or toward the outer surface of the uterus. In rare cases, they may grow on stalks or peduncles projecting from the surface of the uterus. These uterine tumors are known as pendunculated fibroids. 

While many women do not experience any problems, symptoms can be severe enough to require treatment, and are the most common indication for surgery, including hysterectomy, myomectomy, and uterine fibroid embolization.

There are four primary types of uterine fibroids, classified primarily according to location in the uterus:

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

Although no precise answers exist for the development of uterine fibroid tumors, there is a link between fibroids and estrogen production. Fibroids do not develop until the body begins producing estrogen during the onset of menstruation. During the reproductive years, hormonal imbalance can cause fibroids to form and grow.  Hormonal imbalance occurs when estrogen and progesterone are not present in the proper proportions, often referred to as estrogen dominance. The most common imbalance that causes fibroids is low progesterone in ratio to estrogen, which is often too high.

Progesterone production decreases during the 30s and 40s.  When additional estrogens, such as the type found in birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and plant and environmental estrogens are brought into the mix, hormonal imbalance often occurs.  Additionally, fibroid tumors may grow very quickly during pregnancy when the body is producing extra estrogen.  Fibroids sometimes shrink and disappear after menopause when the body stops producing as much estrogen.  However, if a woman has used hormone replacement therapy for many years, there is a possibility that she may have an excess of stored estrogen that can prevent fibroids from shrinking after menopause. A woman will almost never develop fibroid tumors after menopause.

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How Vitalzym May Help Shrink Fibroid Tumors

Fibroid tumors are largely made of a tough protein called fibrin. We make a certain amount of enzymes in a lifetime, and the levels decrease as we age. With decreasing enzyme levels, our organs begin to collect deposits of fibrin. This can cause women to develop conditions such as uterine fibroid tumors and fibrocystic breast disease, especially when coupled with estrogen dominance.

Replacing enzymes through supplementation with an enzyme product assists the body in eliminating abnormal formation of fibrous tissue. Vitalzym, a systemic enzyme blend, works extremely well to break down fibrin, thus helping to shrink fibroid tumors.

The #1 product we suggest for fibroid tumors is Vitalzym:

Vitalzym - Vitalzym contains proteolytic (protein digesting) enzymes as its active ingredients. The serrapeptase contained in Vitalzym is a powerful fibrinolytic enzyme. Fibroid tumors are made up of proteins in the form of fibrin, muscle cells, and red blood cells. Vitalzym can help digest the protein in tumors when taken at an “activation dose,” promoting tumor shrinkage. Read our blog: Vitalzym for Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Complementary Products to Manage Fibroids

The following products may also be useful in helping to shrink fibroids. Hormone balancing is especially important for most women with fibroids. Click on the links to read more about how each of these products may play a role in helping you with your fibroids.

For hormone balancing and management of excess estrogen:
	DIM - Diindolylmethane - Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a powerful metabolizer of estrogen, assisting in removing excess estrogen and benefiting conditions associated with estrogen dominance, such as uterine fibroid tumors, fibrocystic breasts, glandular dysfunction, and more. Supplementation with DIM can help promote proper estrogen levels.
	Myomin - Myomin is a formula of Chinese herbs that helps promote proper hormonal balance. Like DIM, Myomin also metabolizes excess estrogens. Myomin can reduce levels of bad estrogens and promotes production of the good estrogens. Additionally, some of the herbs have been shown to help promote shrinkage of tumors and cysts.
	Natural Progesterone - Natural progesterone is used to supplement low progesterone levels and balances the ratio between estrogen and progesterone, thereby assisting in promoting proper hormone balance. It can be safely used by menstruating women, pre- and peri-menopausal women, as well as those who are menopausal.
Additional Support:
	Calcium D-Glucarate Calcium D-Glucarate can be beneficial in helping to remove toxins and used hormones before they become re-absorbed back into the bloodstream where they can be deposited into fatty tissues and areas such as breast tissue and the uterus.It aids the body in the elimination of many harmful substances and helps to lower abnormally high levels of steroid hormones including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
	Magnesium Citrate - Some fibroids, especially older ones, can develop a calcium coating which can get in the way of enzymes dissolving the fibrin within. Magnesium, when taken alone without calcium, can help to remove the calcification of uterine fibroid tumors. Magnesium is also helpful for uterine cramping.
	Vitamin D-3 - An exciting study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that Vitamin D may be a key player in helping to manage fibroid tumors. NIH says, "In previous research, the study authors found that vitamin D inhibited the growth of human fibroid cells in laboratory cultures." This is exciting for women because as the researchers point out, this could provide "a promising new lead in the search for non-surgical treatment of fibroids that doesn't [negatively] affect fertility." Read more in our blog Reserach Points to Vitamin D to Help Shrink Fibroid Tumors.
	Zinc - Zinc is important for peak gynecological function. More than 70% of women do not obtain the minimum daily requirement of zinc from their diets. Zinc assists the body in absorbing enzymes, such as those found in Vitalzym, to help them work as efficiently as possible in the body.
For Anemia and/or Heavy Bleeding:
	SSS Tonic and Energetic B-12 Spray - Many women with fibroid tumors are anemic, due to heavy bleeding often caused by fibroids. SSS Tonic, a liquid iron supplement, and Energetic B-12, a B-vitamin and folic acid supplement, are helpful to raise the iron levels in women who are clinically anemic.
	Vitamin A Heavy bleeding is common amongst those with uterine fibroids and/or hormone imbalances. For many, this type of blood loss can cause one to become anemic. Taking vitamin A (10,000 IU per day) and an iron supplement together has been reported to help overcome iron deficiency more effectively than iron supplements alone.
For Basic Nutritional Support:
	Life Essence Life Essence multi-vitamin/mineral supplement provides the vitamins and minerals your body needs to building a solid foundation for hormone balance, which is critical for managing fibroid tumors.. It contains enzymes, flavones, trace elements, amino acids, antioxidants, and more. The Superior Tonic Herbs and SuperFoods round out this stellar product.
	One‘n’Only One 'n' Only is a once daily version of the Life Essence multi-vitamin that is the most nutritious one per day dietary supplement ever offered. It provides a perfect balance of all the standard vitamins and minerals plus super foods, tonic herbs, and plant enzymes.

Fibroid Tumor Symptoms and Complications

Many women with uterine fibroids experience little to no symptoms or complications that require treatment.  Women who do experience uterine fibroid symptoms may suffer from pelvic pain, abnormal menstruation, uterine cramping, and a variety of other conditions. Pregnancy may be complicated, resulting in miscarriage, premature birth, and other difficulties.

Uterine Fibroid Symptom Check List

Abnormal Menstruation and Bleeding
Anemia
Pelvic pain and/or cramping
Bladder and Bowel Problems
Miscarriage, Pregnancy Complications, and Infertility
The appearance of weight gain, especially in the abdomen

Abnormal Menstruation and Bleeding
Fibroids can result in a number of abnormal menstruation symptoms. Periods may be longer and more frequent than normal.  Bleeding may also occur between periods. Tumor pressure can result in severe cramping. Menorrhagia (heavy prolonged menstrual flow) is also possible and can contribute to severe anemia if left undiagnosed and treated. Menorrhagia is the most common reason for hysterectomies.

Anemia
Women with menorrhagia (heavy bleeding) may pass blood clots, and may develop anemia (decreased red blood cells and hemoglobin).  In rare occurrences, blood loss can be life threatening. Heavy bleeding is common amongst those with uterine fibroids and/or hormone imbalances. If clinically diagnosed as anemic, supplementing with a highly absorbable iron supplement is critical. Additionally, adding B-vitamins to this regimen can be beneficial because they help build red blood cells, which is an important factor when addressing an anemic condition. Taking vitamin A (10,000 IU per day) and an iron supplement together has been reported to help overcome iron deficiency more effectively than iron supplements alone. Susan M. Lark, M.D., stated that "in a study of 71 women with excessive bleeding, the women were found to have significantly lower blood levels of vitamin A than the normal population. Almost 90 percent of the women studied returned to a normal bleeding pattern after two weeks of vitamin A treatment. Please consult with a health care provider to help you determine an appropriate dose for you.

Pelvic Pain
Pressure from tumor growth can result in dull, aching pelvic pain. This sensation is sometimes reported as pain, or as a feeling of pressure in the abdomen and/or back. Pain may also be experienced during sexual intercourse, a condition known as dyspareunia.  Occasionally, the stem of a pedunculated fibroid may twist, blocking the blood vessels in the fibroid in much the same way a kink in a garden hose prevents water flow. This results in sharp, severe pain. In this circumstance, hospitalization and surgical removal of the growth will be required.

Bladder and Bowel Problems
The pressure of a growing tumor can cause bladder and bowel problems. Women may find it difficult to urinate, or conversely, experience urgent and frequent urination. The need to urinate may force women to get up several times a night resulting in sleep deprivation.  Some women have reported recurring bladder and/or kidney infections. Constipation, hemorrhoids, and difficult bowel movements may all occur as the fibroid puts pressure on the bowels.

Miscarriage, Pregnancy Complications, and Infertility
Many women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. However, the possibility of a miscarriage is higher if fibroids are present. The increased blood flow to the uterus during pregnancy can cause fibroid growth. If the tumor blocks the uterine passage, a C-section may be required. Large growths also increase the chance of premature delivery, and greater blood loss during delivery. Occasionally, a growth may block the uterus so completely that it causes infertility.

Weight Gain
Benign uterine growths can grow to large sizes without producing symptoms. Some tumors may only be detectable as gradual weight gain and distention of the abdomen, as if the woman was pregnant. As malignant tumors can also cause this type of distention, it is important to consult your doctor if you experience sudden, inexplicable weight gain.

Diet for Fibroid Tumors

Utilizing a specific diet can make a big difference in the effectiveness of a fibroid tumor management protocol. When working on balancing hormones and shrinking fibroids, be sure to keep these diet guidelines in mind:

Eat a Whole Foods Diet

This means making whole, unprocessed foods the bulk of your diet, while limiting or avoiding refined, highly processed foods. Be sure to include:

• Abundant vegetables including leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and crunchy vegetables like cucumber and bell peppers. Try to get at least one serving of vegetables in at every meal, but shoot for more. You ideally want to be getting in 4-6 servings of vegetables daily. Eating plenty of veggies will ensure your body has the vitamins, minerals and fiber necessary for proper hormone balance.


• Lean protein. Protein is necessary to support phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification, which is where estrogen is largely metabolized. Be sure to get protein in at every meal from sources including:


• Hormone and antibiotic free poultry and fish
• Legumes (beans), but avoid soy beans
• Eggs (antibiotic free)
• Nuts and seeds


• Whole grains including brown rice, quinoa, and buckwheat. You may consider eliminating glutinous grains like wheat, spelt, barley and rye from your diet for a few weeks, to see how it makes you feel. Many people have gluten intolerances that they are often unaware of, and find when they eliminate gluten from their diet, they see improved health. 1-2 servings per day.


• A variety of color fruit. 1-2 servings per day.


• Small amounts of dairy from plain unsweetened cultured yogurt and fresh cheese (hormone and antibiotic free). You may consider eliminating dairy from your diet for a few weeks, to see how it makes you feel. Many people have dairy intolerances that they are often unaware of, and find when they eliminate dairy from their diet, they see improved health. 0-2 servings per day.

What to Avoid

• Excess amounts of refined foods from flour products and excess amounts of refined sugar including cane sugar, beet sugar, and high fructose corn syrup. These foods deplete the body of essential nutrients needed for healthy hormone metabolizing.


• Strong phytoestrogens including soy beans. Be cautious about "women's supplements", as many of them contain phytoestrogens.


• Xenoestrogens, which are environmental estrogens from things like pesticides, meat and dairy raised with hormones and antibiotics, chemicals found in common household cleaners, and plastics, just to name a few. Xenoestrogens mimic estrogen in the body, and can make estrogen dominance worse.

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