Fibroids

Foods That May Shrink Fibroids – The Best Natural Options

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Do you have fibroids? If so, you’re not alone. Many women suffer from this condition, which is characterized by the growth of benign tumors in the uterus. While there are many treatments available, including surgery and medication, some women prefer to try natural methods first. In this blog post, we’ll discuss five foods that can help shrink fibroids.

Dandelion root is a popular herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including fibroids. This is because the dandelion root contains compounds that can help shrink tumors. It’s also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate the hormones that play a role in the development of fibroids.

Another food that can help shrink fibroids is broccoli. Broccoli is rich in nutrients like vitamins C and E, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors. Additionally, broccoli contains compounds that can help to detoxify the body and promote healthy cell growth.

If you’re looking for a food that’s rich in antioxidants, then look no further than blueberries. Blueberries are packed with nutrients that can help to protect cells from damage and promote healthy cell growth. Additionally, blueberries have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors.

Turmeric is another food that has been shown to be effective in shrinking fibroids. This is because turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Additionally, curcumin has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors.

Last but not least, ginger is a great option for shrinking fibroids. Ginger contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy cell growth. Additionally, ginger has been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors.

You may be wondering if there are foods you should avoid that can influence the growth of fibroids. The answer is yes.

A few examples of such foods are:

  • Processed foods: These foods are high in unhealthy fats and chemicals that can promote the growth of fibroids.
  • Refined sugars: Sugar can feed the growth of tumors and should be avoided if you have fibroids.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can contribute to the development of fibroids and should be avoided if possible.

Some other popular natural methods for treating fibroids include: acupuncture, herbs, and essential oils. If you’re interested in trying one of these methods, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first.

We hope this blog post has been helpful in giving you some ideas for foods that may shrink fibroids, among a few other natural options. Remember, if you’re considering any treatment, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first.

Please note that the above information is not intended to replace the advice of your healthcare provider. In need of one? Contact my office today, to schedule an appointment!

Are Uterine Fibroids Hereditary?

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Uterine fibroids are a common problem for women of all ages. Many women wonder if uterine fibroids are hereditary- meaning, can they be passed down from generation to generation? And if so, what can be done to prevent them? In this blog post, we will discuss the answer to that question and more. We will also cover what uterine fibroids are, and how they are typically treated.

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are very common, affecting an estimated 70-80% of women by the time they reach age 50. Uterine fibroids can vary greatly in size, from being as small as a pea to as large as a melon. They can also vary in number, with some women having just one fibroid, while others may have many.

It is not known exactly what causes uterine fibroids to develop, but there are several factors that may play a role. These include:

  • Hormonal imbalance: Uterine fibroids are more common in women of childbearing age, when hormone levels are higher.
  • Family history: Women who have a family member with fibroids (such as a mother or sister) are more likely to develop them themselves.
  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids.

Despite the fact that many women have uterine fibroids, most are unaware that they have them because they often cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids. Common symptoms include:

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

  • Painful periods
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation
  • Difficulty emptying the bladder

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor so that they can rule out other possible causes and determine if you have uterine fibroids.

There is no one definitive answer as to whether or not uterine fibroids are hereditary. However, there does seem to be a genetic component, as women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them themselves.  

If you are concerned about your risk of developing uterine fibroids, there are several things that you can do to help prevent them. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Limiting your intake of alcohol and caffeine
  • Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent uterine fibroids, making lifestyle changes such as these can help reduce your risk.

If you do develop uterine fibroids, there are several treatment options available. These include:

  • Medication: There are several different types of medication that can be used to treat uterine fibroids, including hormone therapy and oral contraceptives.
  • Surgery: If medications are not effective or if the fibroids are large, surgery may be recommended. This can involve removing the fibroids themselves (myomectomy) or the entire uterus (hysterectomy).
  • Minimally invasive procedures: There are also minimally invasive procedures that can be used to treat uterine fibroids, such as embolization and focused ultrasound.

The best treatment option for you will depend on factors such as the size and location of your fibroids, your symptoms, and your overall health.

If you are concerned about uterine fibroids, be sure to talk to your doctor so that they can help you determine the best course of action for you. In need of a second opinion? Call my office today to schedule an appointment. Offering comprehensive care for all women’s health needs I seek to provide you with the guidance and support that you need to make informed decisions about your health.

Gynecologic Conditions That Can Cause Infertility

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If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while and haven’t had any luck, you may be wondering if there’s something wrong with you. Believe it or not, there are several gynecologic conditions that can cause infertility, but also are treatable. In this post, we’ll briefly review a few of the conditions and treatment options. So, if you’re concerned about your fertility, read on!

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This can cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to infertility. Treatment for endometriosis may include medication, surgery, or both.

PCOS

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a condition that can cause irregular periods, excess hair growth, and insulin resistance. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility. Treatment for PCOS may include medication, diet, and lifestyle changes.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They can cause heavy bleeding, pain, and infertility. Treatment for uterine fibroids may include medication, surgery, or both. 

Uterine Septum

Uterine Septum is a condition in which the uterus is divided by a wall of tissue. It’s actual an abnormality that is present since birth and otherwise known as a Mullerian Anomaly. This can cause infertility by preventing implantation as well be the cause for recurrent miscarriages. Treatment for uterine septum may include surgery to remove the septum.

Uterine Isthmocele

A Uterine Isthmocele is a defect on the lower uterine segment at the site of a C-section scar. This can result in menstrual blood accumulating inside the isthmocele leading to an inflamed uterine lining. The defect can be an obstruction to future implantation.

To repair this defect, a Uterine Isthmocele Resection is performed. During this procedure the isthmus, or middle portion of the uterus, is removed.

Hydrosalpinx

Hydrosalpinx is a condition in which the fallopian tubes are blocked by fluid. This can cause infertility and recurrent miscarriages. Treatment for hydrosalpinx may include surgery to remove the blockage.

If you’re struggling with infertility, don’t give up hope. While these gynecologic conditions may represent some of the causes of infertility, many of them are treatable. Once treated, fertility can often be possible. Are you struggling with one of these conditions and interested in exploring your options? Contact my office to schedule an appointment today!

Why Do Black Women Have a Higher Risk of Fibroid Tumors?

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African American women are at a higher risk of developing uterine fibroids than white women. In fact, African American women have about three times the risk of developing fibroids as compared to white women. What is causing this difference? And how can we use this information to help reduce prevalence rates?

Fibroid tumors are noncancerous growths within the uterus. These growths can range in size as small as a pea to as large as a watermelon. Not all fibroids are symptomatic, but for those that are, women can experience heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding in between menstrual cycles, longer than normal menstrual cycles, back pain, pelvic cramping, among others.

The statistics surrounding black women and fibroids are not good. In collaboration with Hologic, The Black Women’s Health Imperative authored a whitepaper titled, Unmuting Fibroids: Meaningful Action Toward Equity for Black Women. Within this whitepaper, it was cited that 80% of Black women will develop uterine fibroids by age 50, three times the rate of other racial groups. However, most Black women will experience fibroids much earlier than age 50, with 74% of Black women reporting fibroid tumors by their 30’s compared to only 31% of white women in that age bracket.

Furthermore, Black women often have an increased severity of symptoms, and are more than two times as likely to undergo a hysterectomy and seven times more likely to undergo a myomectomy!

Why?

There is still no conclusion as to exactly what causes this disparity, however researchers have identified some possible associations and influencing factors. They are as follows:
A genetic component
Association to Hypertension
Possible environmental factors such as chronic stress

The above can all be associated factors for women of other racial groups as well. Because there isn’t anything very conclusive as to why Black women suffer more prevalently and severely, it is evident that more research is needed.

Hope

Tanika Gray Valbrun, founder of The White Dress Project, began to experience symptoms associated with fibroids as young as age 14. She had 27 fibroids removed! She is using her story to bring awareness of fibroids through the development of The White Dress Project.

Similarly, Sateria Venable, founder of the Fibroid Foundation, sought to bring awareness and generate funding for research to prevent other women from experiencing what she has had to go through, being diagnosed with fibroids at age 26.

Both referenced groups listed above have been champions in getting legislation proposed for additional funding for research. Recently, Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Shelley Capito (R-WV) introduced a Senate companion bill called the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Uterine Fibroid Research and Education Act of 2021. This legislation would provide $30 million to the National Institute of Health for fiscal years 2022 through 2026, establishing a research database for treatment of fibroids. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) introduced the legislation to the House in March 2021. It’s a start to hopefully gaining more answers.

Are you suffering from symptoms you feel may be related to fibroid tumors? I encourage you to schedule an appointment today so that we can help determine the best treatment for your individual needs.