Uterine fibroids are abnormal muscular growths in the uterus. The fibroids may or may not cause symptoms in the beginning. As the fibroids start to grow in size or number, the symptoms become quite evident. The fibroids are very common during the reproductive years of a female, that is why it is important to keep a check on the symptoms.
The common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Severe menstrual cramps
- Periods become irregular
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding lasting for more than usual days
- Frequent spotting in between periods
- Back pain during periods
If you identify with some or all of these symptoms of uterine fibroids, you need to get proper treatment. Here we will tell you about various treatment options for uterine fibroid without surgery.
Table of Contents
Lifestyle and dietary changes- Natural treatment for uterine fibroids
Your lifestyle and eating habits have a direct impact on your health, especially uterine health in females. That is why shifting to a healthier and fulfilling diet and staying active is the crucial step to cure the fibroids in the uterus.
A fiber-rich diet can curb the symptoms
A fiber-rich diet plays an important role in relieving the symptoms of existing fibroids and preventing the condition from worsening. Fibrous fruits and foods facilitate the removal of toxins and excess estrogen from the body. Therefore, include more fibrous fruits like apple, guava, banana, and mangoes. You should also eat more berries as they have antioxidant properties which aid in curing uterine fibroids.
Fresh fruit juices
The idea is to drink fresh and cut down on preserved juices that have added sugars. Keeping yourself hydrated with fresh fruits and juices also enhances the overall functioning of your uterus and prevents the fibroids from getting larger or severe. (Also read: Home remedies for uterine fibroids).
Green tea
The anti-oxidant and inflammatory properties of green tea is an excellent remedy to subside the symptoms of uterine fibroids. Green tea effectively helps in reducing the size and number of fibroids in the uterus. Green tea is also enriched with bioflavonoids that help shrink the uterine fibroids.
Obesity is a risk you must avoid
Obesity is one of the major risk factors for uterine fibroids. Therefore, if you are dealing with uterine fibroids, you must shed those extra kilos. Otherwise, the condition can deteriorate and the symptoms may become more severe. Exercise regularly, maintain a healthy diet, and avoid greasy and oily foods. Healthy body weight can go a long way in ensuring a healthy life for you. (Also read: Does uterine fibroid cause weight gain)
Ayurvedic treatment for uterine fibroids
Ayurveda mentions uterine fibroids under “Granthi” or “Arbuda” and considers them to be a result of disturbances in the Kapha, Pitta, and Vata doshas. The Ayurvedic approach to uterine fibroids treatment aims to restore the balance of the three doshas.
There are a number of medications available for uterine fibroids. These medicines increase the blood flow to the uterus and help in flushing out toxins. Ayurvedic medicines also subside the pain and discomfort caused due to uterine fibroids and help you live with them.
Some of the common Ayurvedic medicines for uterine fibroids are:
- Kanchanaar
- Kaishore Guggulu
- Shudh Guggulu
- Haridra Khanda
- Shatavari
In addition to medicines, Ayurveda also recommends practicing yoga asanas to improve uterine fibroids. Bharadvajasana, Supta Baddha Konasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, and Paschimottasana are the best yoga poses that benefit greatly in the condition of uterine fibroids.
Homeopathic medicines for uterine fibroids
Like Ayurveda, Homeopathy also offers a wide range of medicines that can improve uterine fibroids. These homeopathic medicines work on the symptoms and then reduce or completely dissolve them. The extent of recovery depends on the severity of uterine fibroids. Homeopathic medicines alleviate the menstrual discomforts that uterine fibroids cause. These medicines also provide relief from the pain and heaviness of uterine fibroids.
The most effective homeopathic medicines for uterine fibroids include:
- Fraxinus Americana
- Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris
- Ustilago Maydis
- Sabina Officinalis
- Trillium Pendulum
- Ferrum Met
It is highly recommended to consult with your homeopath regarding the dosage and the duration of the medicines. Indulging in self-medication for uterine fibroids is a big no!
Other medications to treat fibroids
Conventional medicine also offers a wide variety of drugs for uterine fibroids, each with a specific function. These medications can be hormonal as well as non-hormonal. GnRH agonists, SERMs, Tranexamic acid, and NSAIDs are the most common medications prescribed for uterine fibroids.
GnRH agonists or Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists block the production of estrogen and progesterone. These medicines thus put you in a temporary menopause-like state. In the absence of these hormones, the uterine fibroids shrink and the symptoms subside. However, these medicines are quite expensive and their prolonged use is not recommended as it can weaken the bones.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) are another kind of medications that work on estrogen levels. Unlike GnRH agonists, SERMs may be capable of shrinking the uterine fibroids without a menopause-like state. However, the effectiveness of SERMs for the treatment of uterine fibroids is still being researched.
Tranexamic acid medications like Lysteda and Cyklokapron are non-hormonal medicines that provide relief from the heavy bleeding caused due to uterine fibroids.
Similarly, NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are non-hormonal medicines that alleviate the pain and heaviness caused by the fibroids. These, however, are not effective in reducing the menstrual flow.
In addition to the medications, your doctor may also prescribe certain vitamin and mineral supplements to tackle anemia and other complications.
Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally-invasive non-surgical procedure used for shrinking the fibroids present in the uterus. In this procedure, the doctor injects a fluid containing PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. PVA cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and eventually die.
Thus, embolization can help you get rid of uterine fibroids and the associated discomforts without any complex procedure. However, after embolization, you may be required to stay in the hospital due to the after-effects like nausea and vomiting. Also, embolization does not provide a permanent solution and fibroids can form again in the uterus.
Take Away
You must have felt a sigh of relief now if you had earlier thought that surgery is the only option to treat uterine fibroids. Well, surgery is necessary only in severe cases. Usually, the aforementioned treatments prove to be quite effective in getting rid of uterine fibroids.
If you are currently experiencing the issues of uterine fibroids, it’s better to get the suitable treatment without any further delay. It will save you from any unprecedented complications associated with uterine fibroids.
Pristyn Care also has a team of highly experienced gynecologists. So, if you need, you can consult a specialist by simply booking your online appointment with us.
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