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.

Lorraine's Fibroid Tumor Story

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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