UTERINE FIBROID

Introduction:

Uterine fibroid is also known as uterine leiomyomas or fibroids.They are benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms while others may have painful or heavy periods. If large enough they may push on the bladder causing a frequent need to urinate. They may also cause pain during penetrative sex or low back pain. A woman can have one uterine fibroid or many. Occasionally fibroids may make it difficult to become pregnant although this is uncommon.

Location and classification:

Different locations are classified as follows:

Intramural fibroids are located within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type.
Subserosal fibroids are located on the surface of the uterus.

Sub mucosal fibroids are located in the muscle beneath the endometrium of the uterus.
Cervical fibroids are located in the wall of the cervix (neck of the uterus).

Types of uterine fibroid:

Type 0: pedunculate intracavitary (inside of the uterus)
Type 1: <50% inside of the uterine cavity
Type 2: >50% inside of the uterine cavity
Type 3: contacts the endometrium, 100% in the wall of the uterus
Type 4: intramural completely inside the wall of the uterus
Type 5: Sub serosal >50% intramural
Type 6: Sub serosal <50% intramural
Type 7: pedunculated sub serosal
Type 8: other (e.g. cervical, parasitic)

Signs and symptoms:

Causes:

Genetic changes: Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in typical uterine muscle cells.

Hormones: Two hormones called estrogen and progesterone seem to help fibroids grow. Fibroids contain more cells that estrogen and progesterone can bind to them than do typical uterine muscle cells. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a drop in hormone levels.

Other growth factors: Substances that help the body maintain tissues such as insulin-like growth factors may affect fibroid growth.

Extracellular matrix (ECM): It increases in fibroids and makes them fibrous. ECM also stores growth factors and causes biological changes in the cells themselves.

Diagnosis of uterine fibroid:

Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to get a picture of uterus. It confirms the presence of fibroids with the dimention.

Lab tests: If someone is having irregular menstrual bleeding, they may need to do blood tests to look for the possible causes. These might include a complete blood count to check for anemia due to ongoing blood loss.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test can show in more detail the size and location of fibroids.

Hysterosonography: This procedure helps to view the mucosal fibroids and the lining of uterus.

Hysterosalpingography: This test can help to find out if the fallopian tubes are open or are blocked and it can show some sub mucosal fibroids.

Hysteroscopy: This procedure helps to view the walls of uterus and the openings of fallopian tubes.

NATUROPATHY AND YOGA TREATMENTS

YOGA THERAPY

Asanas:

Marjariasana
Supta vajrasana
Balasana
Bhujangasana
Dhanurasana
Poorna titali asana
Janu sirsasana
Supta virasana
Baddha konasana

Effects:

They help to regulate the hormones and promote the healthy functioning of the reproductive system.
They help to increase blood circulation to the reproductive organs.
They help the balance and flexibility to the pelvic floor muscles.
They relieve the muscular tension.
They help to manage the pain caused by uterine fibroids.

Pranayamas :

Nadishodhana pranayama
Kapalbhati Pranayama

Effects:

They prevent depression and boost production of endorphins making oneself feel positive.
They reduce stress and promote relaxation.
They purify and balance subtle energy channels thereby ensuring a smooth flow of prana (life force) in the body.
They help to reduce stress and relieve the muscle tension.

^{DIET THERAPY}

Foods rich in Vitamin E – like almond, nuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds.
Low estrogen diet – red and green vegetables.
Foods rich in iron – such as dates, figs, black currants, jaggery.
Potassium rich food – like millets especially finger millet, banana.
Fresh fruits and vegetables especially cruciferous vegtables; fruits like apples, tomatoes.

Benefits :

Fruits and vegetables are rich in fiber which helps the body to get rid of excess estrogen through stool. Estrogen feeds fibroids, so clearing out any excess may decrease risks of fibroids.
These foods have nutrients like vitamins, trace minerals and antioxidants that may discourage the growth of fibroids.
These foods help to reduce the blood pressure in the uterine muscles and shrink the uterine fibroid.

HYDROTHERAPY

Hip bath
Cold abdomen pack
Full immersion bath

Benefits :

Help in relieving the chronic, inflammatory condition of the pelvic organs.

MUD THERAPY

Direct mud application
Mud pack to abdomen

Effect of mud therapy:

Mud has anti-inflammatory property. so it will reduce the symptoms of uterine fibroids.
It dilutes and absorbs the toxic substances of body and ultimately eliminates them from body.

ACUPUNCTURE

DU-20
SP-6
ST-36
Ren-3,4,5

Effect of acupuncture:

Reduction of fibroid with decreased vasularization.
Helps to reduce the size of tumor and absence of hypermenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain and anemia.
Significantly reduces hemorrhage during menstruation and absence of dysmenorrhea and pre-menstrual syndrome.

MANIPULATIVE THERAPY

Castor oil massage – it stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic system which helps to reduce and dissolve cysts. It also has anti-inflammatory effect.