Conventional Remedy:
A fibroid is a benign tumour of the smooth muscle of the womb. Fibroids occur in about 5 per cent of women during reproductive years, rising to about 20 per cent approaching menopause.
Fibroids may grow within the walls of the uterus, or spread stalk-like into its cavity. They can even extend outside along the ligaments which hold the womb in place.
They grow slowly, and generally as they get bigger, they cause more symptoms. These include heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, urinary symptoms, constipation and backache. Fibroids grow under the influence of oestrogen, so that they begin to shrink after the menopause. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by an ultrasound of the pelvis.
There are four choices in treating fibroids:
Observation: the usual choice when they are small and not causing symptoms. If rapid growth occurs, then the fibroid must be removed in case it is turning malignant. This occurs in less than 0.1 per cent of cases. Surgery: the treatment of choice when a woman has not completed her family.
Hysterectomy: the treatment of choice in older women and those with heavy bleeding or pressure symptoms.
Drug treatment: using an analogue of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. The injection suppresses oestrogen secretion, which in turn shrinks the fibroid. However, the treatment is temporary and can also induce bone loss.
Alternative Remedy:
Fibroids below 3cm in size respond very well to homoeopathic treatment. If your fibroids are symptomless, I would recommend what we call "constitutional treatment" - that is, taking a wider view of your illness than your fibroids. I would prescribe a remedy for a person's overall state of health. If you are having acute discomfort with your fibroids and have irregular periods that are heavy and prolonged, there are a number of homeopathic remedies that will give relief from pain and haemorrhaging. The remedies are available in a homeopathic pharmacy and can be taken in the 6c potency, four times daily for up to 3 weeks. The remedies I suggest are: Thlaspi Bursa Pastoris (Shepherd's Purse): this is an excellent remedy for haemorrhaging from the uterine fibroids, with aching in the back or a general bruised soreness. Viburnum Prunifolium (Black Haw Tree): a remedy for when the whole pelvis feels full and congested. Hydrastis (Golden Seal): this is an excellent remedy, particularly during the menopause, for fibroids with profuse uterine haemorrhage with aching in the lower back. Lachesis (Buchmaster Snake): there can be short, scanty periods as the menopause approaches, with great premenstrual pain. The pains ease as soon as the flow starts. Remember, too, that the abdomen is always sensitive to tight clothing.
Homoeopath Ruth Appleby
The Irish Society of Homoeopaths, Ruxton Court, 35-37 Dominick St, Galway. Tel: 091-565040.
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