Wednesday, November 2, 2011

The Fibroid Invasion

I recall the early morning that I arrived at Holy Cross Hospital in October 2008.  I was scheduled to have my two cantaloupe-sized uterine fibroids removed.  I wasn’t scared, if anything I was relieved to finally to be getting rid of these unseen gremlins who had attached to my uterus and caused all types of physical pain and emotional worry.  It was troubling. What was more troubling was there were several other young women in the waiting room that morning. The nurse told me there were nearly 35 patients scheduled that day for the same surgery I was having.  I realized then that the fibroids are taking over.
Fibroids, most commonly uterine fibroids (although there are also breast fibroids), are non-cancerous tumors that grow on or within the muscle tissue of the uterus.  According to the A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia, “as many as 1 in 5 women may have fibroids during their childbearing years (the time after starting menstruation for the first time and before menopause). Half of women have fibroids by age 50.”  Fibroids are more common among African-American women.  Some statistics indicate that up to 80% of African-American women will develop uterine fibroids. These growth aliens can cause infertility and pregnancy complications if not treated.
Some woman can go through life with fibroids and never have a symptom and will never need treatment.  We not so lucky gals will have one of the following symptoms that can upset your quality of life if not treated:
  • Spotting/ Bleeding between periods
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding sometimes with the passage of blood clots
  • Menstrual periods that may last longer than normal
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Pelvic cramping or pain with periods
  • Sharp pains in the stomach
  • Fatigue due to anemia
  • Sensation of fullness or pressure in lower abdomen
  • Pain during sex
The causes of fibroids are unknown, but we do know that fibroids are sensitive to the hormone estrogen and therefore a woman with fibroids who is menstruating will continue to have growing fibroids.  Or if you are a heavy meat eater or can't put down the milk and cheese then you are also likely to create a safe haven in your body for fibroids to thrive.  Animal flesh, dairy, and other foods have natural estrogen and added hormones (thanks to the major food manufactures for the extra growth boost! NOT!).
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms,you should contact your primary physician or OB/Gyn as soon as possible. Back in the day, the only option to get rid of the fibroids was to have a hysterectomy.  Science has come a long way and there a lot of less-invasive options available that will have you in and out of the hospital with all your goodies still intact and with the ability to conceive down the road if you choose.
Whether you have fibroids or not, there are things you can do to help prevent these nasty buggers from coming back or at least slow down the growth rate.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Avoid foods that contain estrogen (here’s a list http://dogtorj.tripod.com/id45.html)
  • Discuss with your doctor the option of limiting birth control usage, hormone replacement drugs, spermicides, etc.  
  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco products
  • Try stress reduction techniques
  • Incorporate apple cider vinegar/ lemon juice in your diet everyday to help eliminate toxins
Take good care of yourself.