Numerous women throughout the world deal with uterine fibroids, which are benign (non-cancerous) growths that can occur in the uterus. They are extremely common, yet doctors frequently miss them, therefore they are often called women’s “silent health problem” because of this.
What are uterine fibroids? What are the symptoms? What causes them? What treatments are out there? – All of these questions and more will be answered in this blog post.
Fibroid tumours of the uterus are solid, muscular growths that can be found in the uterine wall. Pea-sized to melon-sized, they consist of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. Fibroids can occur at any age in a woman, but are most frequent in the reproductive years of her 30s and 40s.
Uterine fibroids may cause a number of different symptoms.
Fibroids of the uterus can cause a wide range of symptoms, and some women may not even notice they’re there. But here are some of the more typical signs:
- Periods that are very heavy or last for a long time
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis
- Urinary frequency increases
- Constipation
- Pain in the back or the legs
- Infertility
Why do Women Get Uterine Fibroids?
Although no one knows for sure what causes uterine fibroids, many factors are speculated to contribute. Uterine fibroids can develop when there is an imbalance in the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Uterine fibroids have been linked to genetics since they tend to cluster in families. Fibroid risk rises with a woman’s age, especially throughout the reproductive years. Uterine fibroid risk is higher in women who are overweight or obese.
Conventional Treatment Methods for Fibroid
The size, location, and quantity of fibroids in a woman’s uterus all play a role in determining the best course of therapy. Here are some of the most often used treatments:
Medications: Through their effects on hormone levels, hormonal birth control pills, IUDs, and GnRH agonists can all be useful in reducing the distressing symptoms associated with uterine fibroids.
Surgery
Treatment for symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure typically involves modern medicine’s focus on hormones that govern menstrual cycles. Hysterectomy and abdominal myomectomy are examples of surgical procedures; NSAIDs and progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) are examples of oral medications.
Uterine fibroids can be classified into the following categories:
- Intramural fibroids, first, develop inside the thick lining of the uterus.
- Submucosal fibroids, secondly, protrude into the uterine cavity.
- In the third place, subserosal fibroids extend beyond the uterine wall.
Uterine fibroids have far-reaching consequences because of the severe anaemia, dysmenorrhea, pelvic pressure and pain, urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, infertility, preterm labour, and early and repeated pregnancy loss that they cause due to heavy monthly bleeding (HMB).
Uterine Fibroid and Ayurveda
In the Ayurveda Text Gharbhashayagatha granthi-uterine fibroids are discussed at length. The pathogenesis of Fibroid is the combination of Kapha and the morbid Tridoshas, which cause a rounded protuberant, knotty or glandular and hard swelling in the uterus and a variety of menstrual cycle disorders (menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, etc.) and infertility. Additionally, fibroids can be broken down into subserous fibroids (vataja granthi), submucosal fibroids (Pittaja granthi), intramural fibroids (kaphaja granthi), and degenerative alterations of fibroids (Medo granthi and Sira granthi).
Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to the treatment of fibroid uterus. The treatment focuses on balancing the doshas or energies in the body and strengthening the immune system.
Panchakarma treatment can help in balancing the doshas, which in turn help with the management of fibroids.
Panchakarma therapies that can be useful for fibroid uterus:
Virechana : Detoxification through Virechana aims to eliminate toxins
Basti: This therapy involves the administration of medicated oils or decoctions through the rectum. It is believed to help in balancing the Vata dosha and can be useful for managing the pain and discomfort associated with fibroids.
Nasya: This therapy involves the administration of medicated oils or herbal powders through the nostrils.
Shirodhara: This therapy involves the pouring of warm herbal oil over the forehead. It can help in reducing stress.
Swedana: This therapy involves the use of herbal steam to promote sweating and detoxification.
It is important to note that Panchakarma therapies should only be performed by qualified practitioners and under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician. The treatment may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important to undergo a thorough evaluation before beginning any Panchakarma therapy.
Ayurvedic remedies that can help with the management of fibroid uterus:
Triphala: A combination of three fruits, namely Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, triphala is a powerful remedy for fibroids. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps in the removal of toxins from the body.
Ashoka: Ashoka is a herb that is widely used in Ayurveda for the treatment of menstrual disorders, including fibroids. It helps in reducing the size of fibroids and regulating the menstrual cycle.
Shatavari: Shatavari is a rejuvenating herb that helps in balancing the hormonal levels in the body. It is also known to have a positive effect on the female reproductive system and can help in reducing the size of fibroids.
Ginger: Ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that can help in reducing the inflammation associated with fibroids. It also helps in improving blood circulation and strengthening the immune system.
Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that is widely used in Ayurveda for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help in reducing the inflammation associated with fibroids and also helps in strengthening the immune system.
In addition to these remedies, Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle and diet. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques with Yoga can all help in managing fibroid uterus.
Conclusion
Fibroids of the uterus are common during a woman’s reproductive years, and they can cause a number of issues with menstruation, including dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and irregular periods. On the basis of Ayurvedic core principles, conventional medical care for this issue is feasible.
Avoid Foods like excessive meat consumption, fast food, processed foods, and canned or frozen meals. Our sages placed great emphasis on “avoid etiological influences,” and went into great detail on the significance of Daily and seasonal Regimen and Rajaswalacharya in the development of healthy women. So, we can promise women that they can beat common gynaecological problems like Uterine fibroids with the help of Ayurvedic drugs and lifestyle changes.