Fibroid

FIBROIDS Treatment In Ayurveda 

Fibroids are tumors of fibrous tissue inside or outside of the uterus. They usually occur during a woman’s reproductive years. These are usually not harmful but can cause complications during menstruation. Fibroids are caused by unknown factors, but they are mostly related to hormones, genetics, and age. They can exhibit symptoms or remain asymptomatic. In Ayurveda, it is known as Garbhasaya Granthi. It is classified as the Mamsaja Granthi (muscular tumor), which is a benign nodular growth in the uterus.

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are the outgrowth of fibrous tissue, which comes under a benign tumor. These are muscular and nodular tissue formations, also known as leiomyomas. These are usually non-cancerous and develop in or on the wall of the uterus and are the most common tumors among females. These can vary in size and number. Fibroids can be small and hard to see, or they can be big enough to look like an orange. In severe cases, fibroids grow so big that they can be easily palpable. Uterine fibroids show no symptoms in some people, and they stay unaware of the disease. Other symptoms, like heavy and irregular bleeding and pain in the pelvic area, can be seen. Its treatment depends on the symptoms and severity of the disease.

What causes uterine fibroids to grow?

The exact cause is still a question for many, but doctors say the overproduction of hormones such as progesterone and estrogen plays an important role. In a study, it was found that uterine fibroids increase in size when there is a hike in hormone levels (in pregnancy) and shrink when hormone levels are low (after the age of 44-45). So here are the situations that can lead to uterine fibroids-

• Genetic factor- It is found in the cells of fibroids that there have been some genetic changes that caused them to grow, unlike other cells.
• Hormonal factors- The fibroids have a lot more cells that Progesterone and estrogen bind to, compared to the uterine muscle cells. So during menstruation, fibroids tend to increase in size, and after menstruation, they shrink in size due to the lack of estrogen and progesterone.
• Extracellular matrix- The extracellular matrix (ECM), which is present outside the cells, holds them together. This can also make changes in the cell and make it fibrous, and make it grow.

Ayurveda View

Ayurveda states that fibroids are caused by the imbalance of doshas, mainly due to kapha and meda dominance. The other two doshas are also involved, but their effect is minimal. In Ayurveda, uterine fibroids are classified under the Grabhasaya Granthi. It is also caused by genetics and age. Other than this, obesity, absence of pregnancy, early onset of menstruation, and late menopause can increase the chances of getting uterine fibroids.

Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

While in most cases the small uterine fibroids remain asymptomatic, in some cases, when fibroids are larger in size, there are several symptoms related to this disease, like-

• Pain in the lower back and pain during sexual intercourse.
• Heavy and irregular bleeding between the cycles.
• Painful bleeding during menstruation.
• A feeling of fullness in the abdomen, like bloating, and the person’s stomach looks big, as if the individual is pregnant.
• Frequent urge to urinate and not being able to pee in some cases.
• Constipation and pressure on the rectum.

These are the main symptoms of uterine fibroids, which can help in early diagnosis and provide suitable treatment.

Risks associated with fibroids

Some fibroids are not harmful and do not even show symptoms, while others can show mild to severe complications. The most common symptom is immense pain, which is unbearable. Excessive bleeding during periods and bleeding in between periods, inflammation of the abdomen and pelvic area, and anemia are some common complications. Other than these, it can cause infertility as well due to anovulatory cycle due to this condition. These complications can be avoided with proper Ayurvedic treatment and medications. At Gynocci, such treatments are easily accessible.

Diagnosis

As mentioned earlier, fibroids may or may not show symptoms, so it is hard to detect small fibroids normally. In Ayurveda and modern medicine, fibroids can be found during pelvic examinations or if symptoms like heavy bleeding and pain show up. There are a number of tests that are available that can confirm the presence of fibroids, their size, and location to help remove them.

• Ultrasonography- In this test, sound waves are used to create an image of your internals to see the size and location of fibroids.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- In this test, magnets and radio waves are used, and high-quality images are generated to locate the fibroids.
• Computed tomography scan (CT scan)- In this test, X-rays are used to get a detailed outline of the internal organs from different angles.
• Hysteroscopy- In this test, a thin tube-like device with a camera at the tip is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix to see the fibroids inside the uterus.
• Laparoscopy- In this test, the doctor makes a small cut in the lower abdomen of the patient to look at the internal organs.

Tests like these help to diagnose the size, location, and severity of the fibroids, and then treatment starts accordingly.

Treatment with medicines and Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, herbal medicines, detoxification by Panchkarma, balancing the doshas, an anti-fibroids diet, and lifestyle changes are the steps taken to treat fibroids. Ayurveda focuses on a non-invasive and holistic approach to treating diseases.

• Herbal medicines- It includes Ashoka, which supports uterine health (reduces the size of fibroids and helps reduce excessive menstrual bleeding), Triphala, which helps in digestion and detoxifies, Kanchanar guggulu, which has powerful scraping properties and helps dissolve fibroids and balances kapha, Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory medication and reduces the size of fibroids, and Aloe balances hormones and detoxifies.Varunadi Kashayam: Often used alongside Kanchanar, this herbal decoction helps clear blockages and reduce the "mass" in the uterus.
• External therapies like Lepam, which applies turmeric and neem in the form of paste to reduce inflammation, and Udavartana, which is a herbal powder massage that improves circulation and reduces Kapha accumulation.
• Panchakarma- It includes a number of therapies that help reduce fibroids. Virechana removes toxins and cleans excess Pitta, Basti removes toxins that are hiding deep in the body and balances the Vata dosha, and Abhyanga is an oil massage which helps in circulation and stops Kapha accumulation.
• Diet changes- In any kind of disease, diet plays a very important role in recovery and treatment of the disease. A kapha-reducing diet is based on eating fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and avoiding processed foods, red meat, and dairy products. Keeping your body hydrated with water and herbal drinks helps remove toxins. Anti-inflammatory diets like ginger, garlic, turmeric, and green leafy vegetable helps a lot with inflammation.
• Lifestyle changes- Changes like stress management, regular yoga and exercise, and sleeping at least 8 hours, help in the healing process.

Treatment with Modern Science

Apart from Ayurveda, modern medicines and surgery also help in the treatment of fibroids. Fibroids are treated based on the size, number, location, and severity of the symptoms. If the fibroids are small and are not causing any symptoms or other complications, then they can be left untreated as they don’t pose any threat, but your health care provider will keep an eye on them. If the person is facing mild to severe symptoms, then a range of treatments are available, which include-

• Oral medication- These are given to reduce the pain caused by fibroids and increase iron content in your body if you are experiencing heavy bleeding during or between periods.
• Birth control- These include pills, rings, IUDs, and injections that help reduce bleeding, pain, and cramps.
• GnRH (Gonadotropin-releasing hormone) analogues- These help in shrinking the fibroids before surgery to easily remove them. Their effect is temporary, and the fibroids can enlarge again if you stop taking this medication.
• Oral therapies- Oral therapies include Elagolix, which is given to people who show symptoms of fibroids, like heavy bleeding, who are still experiencing menstruation. These oral therapies can be taken for up to 2 years. Before taking any kind of treatment, you should consult with your medical care professional.

You should always consult a professional health care provider if you experience any signs or symptoms that you think are pointing towards uterine fibroids. At Gynocci, you can contact our healthcare provider and book an appointment to get the right guidance on how to get the best treatment. Gynocci provides Ayurvedic treatments and procedures that can help cure fibroids from their roots.

FAQs

• How to cure fibroids naturally?

The best natural way to cure fibroids is Ayurveda, by herbal remedies like turmeric and other herbs, and procedures.

• Which vitamin deficiency causes fibroids?

Data shows vitamin D deficiency can cause fibroids in some cases.

• Can stress increase the chances of getting fibroids?

Yes, stress and depression can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and lead to fibroids.

• How can I stop fibroids from growing?

Doctors provide hormonal therapies to reduce the secretion of progesterone and estrogen, which helps shrink the size of fibroids.