Uterine fibroids are non cancerous tumors that grow within the wall of the uterus. Fibroids, known as leiomyomata, can vary in size and numbers and maybe accompanied by infertility, miscarriage , and early onset of labor. 50-75% of women will suffer from fibroids in her lifetime that’s 1 in 5 women over the age 35. Black women in the U.S. are 3 times more likely than white women to develop uterine fibroids and are 2 to 3 times more likely to undergo surgery.
WHY?
Researchers have found a number of elements that are linked to this disparity, though no cause had been identified. Here’s what we know:
There may be some genetic element that increases this tendency among African-American women.
Another study suggested that greater overall lifetime stress might help trigger fibroids.
Some evidence suggests environmental factors, such as diet or a history of abuse, increase the risk.
Another study pointed to a Vitamin D deficiency due to darker skin.
One of the most unusual – and possibly controversial – connections seems to be with hair relaxer.
To do the job, hair relaxers contain hormonally-active compounds and harsh chemicals, some which even cause burns on the skin.
A study of more than 23,000 African-American women found increased risk of fibroids among those who had the longest and most frequent use – and most burns – from hair relaxer.
Women living in the South with higher educational attainment, higher income and white-collar jobs registered the most frequent use of hair relaxer and, therefore, the greatest risk of early and more severe fibroids.
There are 4 different types of Fibroids
Fibroids are classified by there location and can range in size from the size of pinhead to that of a 9 month baby. Their growth rate is usually slow but will thicken and grow quickly due to stress. Estrogen is one of the leading causes of new fibroid development.Fibroids that are inside the cavity of the uterus are called introcavitarymyomas will cause bleeding in between periods also known as metrorrhagia and often cause severe cramping.
Submucousmyomas are partially in the cavity and partially in the wall of the uterus. They too can cause heavy bleeding between periods.
Intramural myxomas are fibroids that are in the wall of the uterus and ca nrange from microscopic to the size of a grapefruit. Doctors often say these type don’t cause problems unless they get large however the goal is for them not to ever get large so taking care of your fibroids as soon as you find out that you have them is important.
There are 2 types of fibroids that are in the walls of the uterus. Subserousmyomas are on the outside of the walls of the uterus and may even be connected to the uterus another type of fibroid. They also say that they don’t need treatment unless they grow large but also states how these types of fibroids can twist and cause pain. This is why as I recently mentioned the importance of taking care of your fibroids early.
Women whose fibroids cause heavy menstrual bleeding may become anemic over time. Women with large uterus may not be able to eat normally as the fibroids can be leaving little room which can make it uncomfortable to eat. This is how women with fibroids can also become malnourished.
Types of foods to avoid when you have fibroids
If your are trying to manage your fibroids and maintain or shrink their current size, balancing your hormones naturally is a first great step. Your diet has a huge impact on your hormone levels which is why it is one of the first areas you can apply changes.
• High-Fat, Processed Meats – Red processed meat is known to be high in added hormones, particularly estrogen.
• High-fat Dairy Products – Conventional dairy can contain high levels of steroids, hormones, and other chemicals that promote inflation.
• Foods High in Salt – Highly salted foods are hard on your liver, which is the organ that is most responsible for removing toxins and balancing hormones.
• Refined Carbohydrates – White foods such as pasta, white bread, white rice, cakes, and cookies have been known to alter estrogen levels, causing fibroids to increase in size.
• Refined Sugar – High consumption of sugar can result in inflammation and weight gain; there is an association between weight gain and hormone imbalance.
• Caffeine – Too much caffeine puts additional stress on your liver, discouraging the organ from working the way it should (think: balancing hormones!)
• Alcohol – Over-consumption of alcohol can lead to inflammation of the body and reduced immune function. Reducing or eliminating alcohol can help promote a healthy balance of hormones
Supplements may also help shrink or maintain fibroid size. Vitex, fish oil, and B-complex are a few supplements that have been known for creating a better hormone balance. Additionally, the fatty acids in fish oil (or cold water fish) may help fight inflammation that could contribute to fibroid growth. Be sure to speak with your physician before introducing new supplements into your diet.
Foods to buy when you have fibroids
Organic foods
Leafy greens
Flaxseeds
Whole grains
Foods high in iron ( grass fed beef and legumes)
Beta Carotene rich foods such as (carrots and sweet potatoes)
Treatment Options
While most doctors would often times just recommend hysterectomy procedures I am against this for so many reasons. I think its a genocide to black women to be prescribed hysterectomy procedures for fibroids when there are less non invasive alternatives that also a women to keep her uterus. There is a case last year where a medical doctor treated her uterine fibroids. with a consistent yoni steaming practice. After consistent steaming for 6 months, her ultrasound showed that all 3 of her fibroids had decreased in size. The first went from 11cm to 8cm. The second went from 7cm to 4cm and the third went from 6cm to 3cm. The doctor attributed the reduction of her fibroids to the vaginal steaming she had been doing and decided that she was going to take it more seriously after seeing the results.
If you’ve bent the gynecologist and have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids and would like to take a more natural approach to your healing as opposed to doing invasive procedures like a myomectomy or hysterectomy book a womb healing consultation to learn more..