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Alternative Treatment For Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are overgrowths of the uterus that appear in the reproductive age of women. It develops after puberty and before menopause due to excess imbalance of female hormones in the body. The fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy that shrinks after the delivery of the baby. After menopause, its size also decreases. It is usually asymptomatic. It is often represented by symptoms such as heavy menstrual flow, pain in the abdomen, pain during sex, and many others.

Alternative treatment for uterine fibroids include-

Herbal Treatment

Green Tea– according to various studies, green tea is an anti-inflammatory herb. It can decrease the size of the uterus and relieve inflammation by removing toxins from the body.⁽¹⁾

Chasteberry- this herb is useful to relieve heavy menses; pain related to periods and balances the hormone level in the body.⁽¹⁾

Isphagula Husk, Senna, And Castor Oil– these herbs relax constipation induced in fibroids.⁽¹⁾

Traditional Chinese Medicine– in this method, herbal remedies are utilized to reduce the growth of the uterus, normalize the levels of hormones, and control the symptoms of the fibroids.⁽¹⁾

Uterine Artery Embolization- this therapy is a procedure in which blood supply to the fibroids is obliterated to control its growth. Tiny particles are injected into the femoral artery to block the supply in the fibroids to shrink it. This procedure is performed in those women who wish to have children and do not want surgical removal of the uterus.²⁾

MRI– Focused Ultrasound Therapy- MRI-focused ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive technique that utilizes high doses of ultrasound waves on the uterine fibroids to reduce its size without destroying the nearby tissues. It is not recommended for the women who have previous abdominal surgery or cesarean scan.⁽²⁾

Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation- this procedure includes insertion of the needle in the uterus where fibroids have developed. It causes damage of fibroid tissues with shrinking of the fibroid. It is not recommended for women who want babies in the future.⁽²⁾

Acupuncture– according to a study done in 2010, acupuncture can be effective to reduce the symptoms of fibroids. However, there is no evidence that can prove the effectiveness of acupuncture for fibroids.⁽⁴⁾

Nutritional Therapy- nutritional therapy can help in reduction in levels of estrogen in the body. It helps to shrink the size of the uterus. Diet and supplements can reduce the symptoms of fibroids. Diet should focus on the enhancement of the functions of the liver to promote the breaking down of estrogens. Meat and dairy products should be avoided as they are high in estrogen stored on the fat cells. Fresh vegetables, fruits, raw seeds, whole grains, and nuts are included in the diet that is rich in fiber and low in fat. Vitamin A and vitamin B supplements promote the breakdown of estrogens.⁽³⁾

Hydrotherapy– hydrotherapy is a technique that is used to stimulate blood circulation in the abdomen. This helps to improve nutrients supply to the cells of uterus and removal of the waste products. It helps to relieve pain. After hydrotherapy, castor oil is applied to the lower abdomen and is alternated with cold packs to boost up the immune system.⁽³⁾

Home Treatment- yoga, meditation, dance therapy, and spirituality may help to reduce stress levels that may prevent the unnecessary increase of estrogen in the body relieving some of the symptoms of uterine fibroids.⁽⁵⁾

Conclusion

Uterine fibroids can be regulated with many treatment techniques such as uterine artery ambulation, MRI focused ambulation therapy and Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation in women who wish for future pregnancy. Acupuncture, herbal therapy, nutritional therapy and others discussed above are also useful as an alternative treatment for uterine fibroids.

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Alternative Treatment For Uterine Fibroids