Fibroids are abnormal noncancerous growths inside and outside of the uterus that occur in women of childbearing age. Fibroids heavily affect the African American and Latina community; however, every group of women has a story to tell.
Although the cause of fibroids is still unknown, there exist some consistencies among those affected. These characteristics include: generational trauma, estrogen dominance, pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, a familial history of fibroids, and high body fat percentage.
There are several types of fibroids, named according to their uterine location that include:
Intramural
lining of uterus (most common)
Subserosal
outside of the uterus
Pedunculated
a subserosal tumor on a stalk
Submucosal
inner lining of uterus (most times causes fertility issues)
Tired of all the technical terms? Ok, me too. So, let’s get down to how fibroids, regardless of the type, can present themselves. Personally, I’ve experienced heavy periods, large blood clots, spotting between periods, heaviness in my uterus, anemia, heart palpitations and bleeding or pain with intercourse. Other symptoms include: constipation, frequent urination, pelvic/back cramping, increased bloating, infertility, miscarriages and others yet to be documented. Even with aforementioned symptoms, fibroids are typically diagnosed with a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and/or Pelvic MRI.
So how do we treat fibroids? Wouldn’t it be great if one pill would fix it all? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Western medicine treatment options include: birth control pills, IUD, hormones therapy and/or surgery. Unfortunately, these options don’t guarantee that we will remain fibroid free. More holistic options include: acupuncture, determining the source of estrogen dominance and rectify that, vaginal steaming, taking herbs to assist with passing fibroids, heal generational trauma, improve womb health, meditation and last but not least massage. It has been my experience that women that have healed naturally from fibroids heals the mind, body and soul, so that healing takes place overall.
