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Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow in or around the womb, or uterus. The growths are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size. Fibroids are sometimes known as uterine myomas or fibromyomas.

Many women are unaware that they have fibroids as they do not have any symptoms. This often means that fibroids are diagnosed by chance during a routine gynecological examination, test or scan. If they are suspected, your GP will recommend more tests, such as an ultrasound scan, to confirm fibroids.

Fibroids can present many symptoms such as heavy, prolonged periods, which can lead to anemia, acute pain during periods, abdominal pain and bloating, discomfort during sex, more frequent urination, waking several times a night to urinate, constipation, pain in the lower back and legs, and it can also cause infertility or complications during pregnancy.

HERBAL REMEDIES
A useful homemade remedy is to make a castor oil pack to help relieve congestion in the womb.

Herbs that strengthen the liver, such as milk thistle tablets or tincture, will help it to eliminate old hormones from the blood.

Agnus castus is useful for hormone balance. Take 25 drops of tincture in a glass of water every morning.

Lady’s mantle can be effective at reducing excessive bleeding and lowering estrogen dominance, as is chaste tree. Take them as a tincture or in teas.

Ginger oil is a powerful circulation stimulant, and it improves liver function. Put a few drops in the bath, or use in massage.

Marjoram can help to relieve cramping and discomfort.

Rose oil helps to ease tension. It also has mild hormone-balancing properties and is believed to work as a uterine tonic.

NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE
Eat foods containing phytoestrogens, such as soybean products, lentils, and chickpeas, which can help to reduce excessive levels of estrogen in your blood.

Reduce your intake of saturated fat but get plenty of essential fatty acids from eating oily fish, nuts, and seeds.

Make sure you include plenty of fiber in your diet to ease constipation. Choose whole-grain products, brown rice, and oats, as well as plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Dark chocolate with at least 80% cocoa is a good source of iron for those who are worried about anemia, or take a daily teaspoonful of molasses.

Vitamin A, B and C, plus zinc, calcium, magnesium, and iron are all essential for hormone balance. Choose a good-quality multivitamin supplement that contains them all.