What are Fibroids?

Fibroids, otherwise known as leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas are abnormal, non-cancerous growths in or on the uterine walls. Fibroids appear as single or many malignant tumors.

Advances in medicine now provide women with minimal to non-invasive treatment options for fibroids.

Before we dive in, let’s debunk some myths about fibroids.

1. Number one is “Fibroids are cancerous growths on the lining of the womb”. Fibroids are NOT cancerous.

2. The second myth applies to many other illnesses. “It is okay to watch the fibroids because they are not significantly large at diagnosis.” Waiting to act on any illness is not a good idea. However, fibroids are impacted by the hormones in the body which makes them unpredictable and they can become large very quickly. Also, the size of the fibroids does not determine the body’s response to the presence of abnormalities.

3. “A Hysterectomy (removing the womb) is the only way to remove fibroids.” This is not true because medicine has advanced enough to provide other less invasive treatments. For example, a myomectomy can be performed in cases where surgical removal is necessary.

4. “Fibroids prevent or terminate a pregnancy.” There are different types of fibroids and not all of them affect fertility or the ability to carry a baby full term. And IF your fibroids affect fertility, there are treatment options to help improve the chances of you having children.

5. “Fibroids must be removed”. A vascular specialist will help you decide which treatment option is best for you. This may or may not include the removal of the fibroids.

6. "Once removed, fibroids won't return". The possibility of removed fibroids returning is very high. New ones can grow as well.

There may be cases where surgical removal of fibroids is necessary. However, there are options when that is not the case.

1. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), or Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) A thin tube is threaded into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid. Then, tiny plastic or gel particles are injected into the blood vessels. This blocks the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. UFE can be an outpatient or inpatient procedure.

2. MRI -guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) is: A noninvasive treatment option for uterine fibroids that preserves your uterus, requires no incision, and is done on an outpatient basis. Performed while you're inside an MRI scanner equipped with a high-energy ultrasound transducer for treatment.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is theorized that uterine fibers are related to an imbalance of the blood and qi. Food, herbs, and a combination of Holistic Medicine and Western Medicine can be used to eliminate and prevent the return of fibroids.

Some herbs to research include: peach kernel(Tao Ren), cassia twig(Gui Zhi)

radix paeoniae rubra(Chi Shao), poria cocos(Fu Ling), panax notoginseng(San Qi), etc.

Fibroids are an urgent issue and aren’t something that should be brushed aside once diagnosed. There are always options for treatment and care after fibroids. Holistic healthcare also provides non-invasive options for the treatment and prevention of the return of fibroids. Please note that Holistic Healthcare providers do not diagnose or perform surgical removal of fibroids. After your diagnosis, you can discuss treatment options with your Vascular specialist and take further steps based on the information provided. Your options may include some Holistic Care options or combination treatments.