What are Fibroids?

Symptoms

Although, some women don't experience any noticeable symptoms, many other's suffer from symptoms that can be debilitating and can hold them back from normal life activities. According to MountSinai.org some of the symptoms include but, are not limited to:

• Bleeding between periods

• Heavy bleeding during your period, sometimes with blood clots

• Periods that may last longer than normal

• Needing to urinate more often

• Pelvic cramping or pain with periods

• Feeling fullness or pressure in your lower belly

• Pain during intercourse

Symptoms that are not mentioned here that I have personally experienced due to fibroids are:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Abdominal Distension

• Extreme Fatigue

• Brain Fog

• Inflammation

• Bloating

• Bowel Issues

• Gut dysbiosis

• Hormonal Acne

• Lowered Self Esteem

While more research is definetly needed on fibroids, I have personally discovered connections between my blood sugar levels, gut health, stress levels, and fibroids. These links, along with many other factors, are not widely publicized or researched enough. If you experience any symptoms, I encourage you to get an abdominal ultrasound to rule out fibroids before deciding on the best treatment options for YOU.

Diagnosis

Fibroids are diagnosed through a variety of methods, which include:

• Pelvic Examination-A doctor physically examines the pelvis to feel for lumps or abnormalities.

• Ultrasound - A transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound uses sound waves to produce pictures of the uterus

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - An MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images.

• Hysterosonography (Sonohysterography) - Saline solution is injected into the uterus during an ultrasound to expand the uterine cavity.

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG) - A dye is injected into the uterus and X-rays are taken.

• Hysteroscopy - A small, lighted telescope (hysteroscope) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.

• Laparoscopy- A laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen.

Traditional Treatment Options

It's important to understand that while these options won't heal your uterus or address the root cause of fibroids, they can help alleviate or completely relieve your symptoms, albeit with varying levels of sacrifice of your uterus and its integrity. Depending on your life stage—whether you wish to preserve your uterus for future childbearing or are considering menopause and/or a hysterectomy—take your time to decide what is best for you.

Non-Invasive procedure: Focused Ultrasound Surgery

a non-invasive treatment for uterine fibroids that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves, guided by MRI or ultrasound, to heat and destroy fibroid tissue. This outpatient procedure involves no incisions, offers quick recovery, and preserves the uterus, making it ideal for women wishing to maintain fertility. It has fewer complications compared to traditional surgeries but may not be suitable for all fibroids and may require specialized centers.The effectiveness may vary, and some patients may require additional treatments.

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• Uterine artery embolization. Involves injecting small particles into the uterine arteries to block blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. This procedure helps relieve fibroid symptoms with a similar complication rate to surgical treatments but with a lower risk of needing a blood transfusion. However, there is a risk of reduced blood supply to the ovaries or other organs.

• Radiofrequency ablation. In radiofrequency ablation, heat from radiofrequency energy destroys uterine fibroids and shrinks their blood vessels. This can be done laparoscopically through small abdominal cuts, transvaginally, or transcervically. In laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation (Lap-RFA or Acessa), a camera and ultrasound guide needles to heat and destroy fibroid tissue, causing it to soften and shrink over 3 to 12 months, with symptoms improving. The transcervical method, known as Sonata, also uses ultrasound guidance. This less invasive procedure allows for a quick recovery, typically within a few days.

• Hysteroscopic myomectomy. This procedure may be an option if the fibroids are inside the uterus, also called submucosal fibroids. The fibroids are removed using tools placed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus.

• Endometrial ablation. a procedure that destroys the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to alleviate heavy menstrual bleeding. It uses methods like heat, cold, or other energy sources inserted through the cervix, typically done on an outpatient basis under anesthesia. Benefits include reduced or stopped menstrual flow with a quicker recovery compared to hysterectomy, but it's generally recommended for women who have completed childbearing due to potential impact on fertility and risks such as infection or organ injury.

Invasive Procedures:

• Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy. In a myomectomy, the surgeon removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. For fewer fibroids, a laparoscopic procedure using slender instruments and small abdominal cuts may be chosen. Sometimes, a robotic system provides a magnified, 3D view for greater precision. Larger fibroids can be removed through smaller cuts using morcellation, which breaks them into pieces, often within a surgical bag to minimize cancer spread risks. Alternatively, one incision can be extended to remove fibroids without morcellation.

• Abdominal myomectomy. Abdominal myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids through a larger incision in the abdomen, recommended for multiple, large, or deeply embedded fibroids. It's an alternative to hysterectomy for those considering fertility preservation, although scarring from the procedure may affect future pregnancy chances.

• Hysterectomy. Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus and is the only proven permanent solution for uterine fibroids. It eliminates the ability to bear children, and if the ovaries are also removed, it induces menopause. Hormone replacement therapy may be considered to manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes. Most women with uterine fibroids have the option to retain their ovaries during the procedure.

Natural Treatments

Although there are no "medically proven" or medically recognized ways to shrink and manage fibroids, I have discovered many natural methods on my fibroid health journey that women have found effective over hundreds of years. Many cultures have herbal remedies and methods that have been around forever!

On my journey, I have found it crucial to address stress, blood sugar, diet, physical movement, supplementation, and proper liver detoxification. By systematically addressing these topics, I have been able to unlock the code to shrinking and managing my own fibroids.

If you choose the natural route, as I have, I highly suggest partnering with a health professional who can help you measure your progress and provide guidance. Conducting deep research is also essential. You should become an expert in your condition. My hope is that documenting my journey aids in your advocacy and provides inspiration and support along the way.

GlamPreezy

Women's Health Advocate