Home Remedies and Herbs for Uterine Fibroid (Myoma)

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous or benign tumors that grow in and around a woman’s uterus. They are firm, compact growths made of smooth muscle cells and the fibrous connective tissue about the uterus. Uterine fibroids are also known as myomas, fibromas, fibromyomas, fibroleiomyomas and leiomyomas. They’re rarely malignant or cancerous. ^1,2
 
Uterine fibroid tumors or myomas range in size from being undetectable without a microscope to as large as a grapefruit and able to block the entire womb. Myomas can be single growths or occur as multiple tumors. ^1,3
 
As many as 50 percent of women develop myomas in their childbearing years, although many women are not aware unless symptoms are present. Often, uterine fibroids have no symptoms. Many myomas remain undiagnosed and heal without intervention. ^2,3
 
Uterine fibroids occur in three places: 

• Myometrial tumors are in uterus muscle wall
• Submucosal tumors are just under the uterine lining
• Subserosal tumors are outside the uterus lining

Myomas are rarely found in women under the age of 20, however, half of women may experience uterine fibroids by the age of 50. Uterine fibroids are more common in African American women than Caucasians. ⁴
 
What Causes Uterine Fibroid / Myoma?
 
Uterine fibroid causes are not exactly known. There is ample evidence that high levels of estrogen are a contributing factor. This explains why myomas are common in women of older childbearing age due to their long estrogen exposure. ²
 
Other factors that influence uterine fibroid causes may be: 

• Progesterone
• Genetic changes
• Growth hormones
• Misplaced cells present before birth

It’s also suspected that uterine fibroid causes are related to a number of these factors that interact with each other. ³

Uterine Fibroid / Myoma Symptoms
 
Uterine fibroid symptoms go unnoticed in many cases. The exact number of cases is unknown as myomas remain undetected unless symptoms present or unless they’re detected during a physical exam. ³
 
In women who have uterine fibroid symptoms, the common presentations are:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Lengthy menstrual bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains
• Pain during intercourse
• Firm mass in pelvic area

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Uterine Fibroid / Myoma
 
Less than 1 percent of uterine fibroid tumors are cancerous or dangerous though they can be quite uncomfortable when advancing in size. Some of the best uterine fibroid natural treatments include:

• Yellow Dock - Yellow dock root is an herb contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It’s well-known to have liver purifying properties and helps the body cleanse excess estrogen that contributes to uterine fibroids. Yellow dock is also an antiseptic that helps to control anemia caused by myoma bleeding.
• Fiber - Foods high in fiber are effective treatments for cleansing the digestive system and relieving constipation and pelvic pain that are known uterine fibroid symptoms.
• Vitex - Vitex is also called chaste-tree berry and is known to slow uterine fibroid growth. When taken regularly, vitex is thought to dissolve existing fibroid tumors and help balance female hormones including the reduction of estrogen.
• Red Clover - Flowers from the red clover perennial herb contain agents that reduce production of uterine fibroid tissue.
• Nettles - Stinging nettle leaves are effective in treating uterine fibroid tumors by decreasing estrogen levels. They also help in production of red blood cells.
• Dandelion - Dandelion is a highly-effective liver tonic that helps control estrogen levels associated as a cause of uterine fibroids.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/dxc-20212514
2. http://obgyn.ucla.edu/fibroids
3. https://medlineplus.gov/uterinefibroids.html
4. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/uterine-fibroids