Treatment of Uterine Fibroids Using Conventional and Holistic Methods

Uterine fibroids are one form of non-cancerous growths which build up on muscular uterus wall and their size varies from very small like a pea to grapefruit. The main reason for their growth seems to be the change in estrogen hormone levels in the body since these fibroids grow at the time of pregnancy and then start to shrink after menopause. The problem is quite common with almost 25% of women aged 30 or more face it during their lifetime. 

Uterine Fibroids – Symptoms 

Many women do not have any symptoms while others may have some or all of the below mentioned symptoms: 

1. Bleeding in-between periods
2. Painful sex
3. Painful periods
4. Pelvic pain
5. Reproductive problems like miscarriages or infertility
6. Frequent urination
7. Constipation
8. Backache 

Diagnosis of the problem 

As many women do not have the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, a proper diagnosis is required in many cases involving: 

1. Ultrasound: Ultrasound scan will help to remove doubts about other conditions which have same type of symptoms. These scans are used when no conclusive results are achieved from blood tests and person is having heavy periods.
2. Trans-vaginal scan: Here a small scanner is used for viewing inside the uterus by inserting the scanner through the vagina.
3. Hysteroscopy: In this method a small telescope is inserted to check the uterus and if required a biopsy is also taken from uterus lining.
4. Laparoscopy: Using laparoscope the doctor examines the shape and size of uterus to check for any abnormalities.
5. Biopsy: In this method sample from uterus lining is checked to see if uterine fibroid exists. 

Treatment Options 

There are several treatment options available for uterine fibroids, let us look at some of them.

1. Medication: Medication may include GnRHA, tranexamic acid as tablets, contraceptive pills, anti-inflammatory medicine and LNG-IUS or Levonorgestrel intrauterine system.
2. Surgery: Various surgical options exists like hysterectomy in which uterus is removed, myomectomy where only the fibroids are removed, uterine artery embolization to stop blood supply to fibroids and MRGPL ablation in which laser is used in conjunction with magnetic resonance to shrink the fibroids.
3. Alternative Treatments: Herbal and Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbs and supplements and green tea. 

Which is better – Conventional or Holistic Treatment? 

Many people are nowadays getting inclined to use holistic treatment methods instead of relying on conventional methods for curing uterine fibroids. Let us look at some of the differences between these two treatment methods making people do the changeover. 

1. Solving the root cause: Holistic methods attempt to look at the problem’s root cause while conventional treatment methods focus on symptoms only.
2. Time Taken: In many of the conventional treatments such as surgery the results are immediate while holistic methods take more time before you get to see the results.
3. Treatment Plan: In holistic plan the process is ongoing and entails many lifestyle changes over a long period of time which is why results achieved are also sustained for long term. On the other hand conventional approach involves a procedure and only a couple of follow up visits for monitoring the condition.
4. Personalized Treatment: Holistic treatment plans are developed based on particular individual’s condition while conventional methods use a common benchmark for all patients.
5. Side effects: In conventional the likelihood of side effects is more than a possibility whereas in holistic treatment methods there are no side effects.
6. Permanent Results: Several people report recurrence of fibroids and surgical procedures only remove the large fibroids while leaving out the smaller ones. On the other hand if holistic treatment is followed with dedication and discipline then the results are permanent.

 Conclusion

 To conclude we will say that there are several options available for treatment of uterine fibroids and the selection should be based on your condition and particular requirements.