Taking Charge of Your Health: Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are something many people might not be familiar with, yet they touch the lives of countless women. Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that form in or around the uterus. They can vary in size, from the size of a bean to the size of a grapefruit or even larger.
Why Do Fibroids Happen?
The exact cause of uterine fibroids isn’t known, which can make understanding them a bit challenging. However, researchers have identified several factors that may increase risk:
- Hormonal imbalance, particularly of estrogen and progesterone
- Family history (genes you inherit from your family)
- Other factors, potentially including high body weight and diet
Symptoms of Fibroids
Not everyone with fibroids experience symptoms, but when they do occur, they can include:
- Heavy, long menstrual periods
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the lower belly
- Frequent need to urinate
- Pain during periods or intimacy
- Lower backache or leg pain
Conventional Ways to Tackle Fibroids
Western medicine suggests several ways to manage fibroids, based on how severe symptoms are and if a woman wishes to have children in the future. Options may include:
- Medications to regulate hormones and relieve symptoms
- Non-invasive procedures that use ultrasound or MRIs
- Surgeries like myomectomy (removing fibroids) or hysterectomy (removing the uterus).
Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Managing Fibroids
In TCM, the goal is to heal the whole body, not just eliminate symptoms. Fibroids in TCM are considered to be a type of accumulation in the body resulting from lack of free flow of qi (energy) and/or blood. By identifying and treating the root cause of fibroids, rather than just the symptoms, TCM can offer a pathway to not just temporary relief but long-term well-being.
- Acupuncture can ease pain, reduce swelling, and improve how the organs function—including those affected by fibroids.
- Chinese herbal medicine uses a combination of natural herbs to support and nourish the body from within, creating an environment that supports healing and balance. These herbs can work alongside acupuncture to address the hormonal imbalances and inflammation that play a role in fibroid development and symptoms.
- Lifestyle and dietary recommendations can also help to address the factors contributing to the development of fibroids, leading to improved outcomes.
At TLC Medicine, we believe in exploring every avenue of healing, blending science with traditional wisdom to support your journey to wellness. If you’re facing the challenges of uterine fibroids and seeking a path that aligns with your body’s natural power to heal, we’re here to walk with you, every step of the way.