Uterine Fibroids
The problem of uterine fibroids are increasing day by day where many cases are being diagnosed accidentally during ultrasound screening. Uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyoma, which is a benign growth of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue with in the uterine myometrium. It becomes one of the most common reason of hysterectomy now a days ,hence more people want to take help of Ayurveda to avoid surgery. The disease needs proper understanding through Ayurveda based on Doshas (factors which initiate pathogenesis),dushyas (factors which undergo dysfunction),agni (factors responsible for transformation),Srotas(cellular level channels),vyadhiawastha(stage of disease) in order to get properly diagnosed and managed. In Ayurveda the pathology is said to be started when prakupita dosha (factor for initiating pathology) with various gunas interact with dusyas ,the interaction creates dysfunction with in the structure and produce the symptoms of the disease. It is told that impairment of Srotas and Vata vaigunya are the most important factors in disease localisation.
Etiology and Risk factors –
The exact etiology is unknown , however increased risk is associated with factors like nulliparity , obesity, increased body mass index , PCOS , hyperestrogenic state ,black woman ,high fat diet , family history. All the risk factors are very much suggestive of association of prakupita kapha dominated with guru ,manda and snighdha guna causing rasa dushti and subsequent Artava dushti. Due to the dysfunction of samaan vayu following its interaction with excessive snighdha ,manda and guru guna the proper transformation of Artava is affected resulting in the formation of dusta Artava. This initiates the growth of leiomyoma by abnormally stimulating the Garbhasya( Uterine myometrium). Garbhasya being the moolsthana of artavavaha Srotas ,there is smooth muscle hypertrophy leading to the development of Uterine fibroid.
Types of fibroid –
Uterine fibroids are often described based upon their location within the uterus which are as follows –
1) Intramural fibroids –
These are most common type of fibroid. These types appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. They may grow larger and can stretch your womb.
2) Subserosal fibroids-
These are located beneath the serosa ( the lining membrane on the outside of the uterus). They often appear localised on the outside surface of the uterus or may be attached the outside. They may grow large enough to make your womb appear bigger on one side.
3) Pedunculated fibroids –
Subserosal fibroids can develop a stem ,a slender base that supports it. When they do so, they are known as Pedunculated fibroids.
4) Submucosal fibroids –
These types of fibroids develop in the middle muscle layer or myometrium of the uterus. These are not common as of others.
Symptoms –
Symptoms of fibroids depends on the number of tumors you have as well as their location and size.
1) Heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots.
2) Pain in the pelvis or lowerback.
3) Increased menstrual cramping.
4) Increased urination.
5) Pain during intercourse.
6) Menstruation that last longer than usual.
7) Pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen.
8) Swelling or enlargement of the abdomen.
How are fibroids diagnosed –
1) Ultrasound
2) Pelvic MRI
How fibroids are treated –
Treatment plan for the fibroids will be decided according to patients age ,size of fibroid and overall health of the patient.
1) Medication –
Medication to regulate your hormonal level may be prescribed to shrink fibroids. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist and antagonists both help to shrink fibroids. They work by stopping your body from producing FSH and LH.
Other options that can help control bleeding and pain , but won’t shrink or eliminate fibroids include –
1) An intrauterine device (IUD)
2) Anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen.
3) Birth Control pills.
2)Home remedies and natural treatment –
a) Acupuncture
b) Abdominal massage to relieve pain with oils like olive oil.
c) Manage your stress level and losing weight if you are obese. Pranayam helps to relieve stress naturally and effectively.
d) Dietary changes can help as well. Avoid meats and high calorie foods. Use food having high in flavonoids like green vegetables , green tea etc. Foods to detoxify your body are recommended like garlic, carrots, beets and drinking plenty of water will help. Anti-inflammatory foods like pineapple should be added. Foods with vitamin E like almonds should be taken.
e) Some Ayurvedic medicines that can be used are –
1) Ashokarhishta
2) Patrangasav
3) Kanchnar Gugglu
3) Surgery –
If the condition of patient worsen or if no other treatment work ,your physician may advise you for hysterectomy . However, this means that you won’t be able to bear children in future ,but no doubt it is in good will of patient’s healthy life.
For more informative articles on health issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult.