Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. Many women develop fibroids at some point in their lives, but often have no symptoms. However, some fibroids can grow quite large and cause significant symptoms such as heavy or painful menstrual periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, pain during intercourse, and reproductive issues.
While uterine fibroid embolization and surgical procedures like myomectomy or hysterectomy are treatment options for large, symptomatic fibroids, many women wish to explore nonsurgical approaches first. Fortunately, there are several effective options to consider before resorting to surgery.
Medications
Medications are often the first treatment approach for large fibroids. The most commonly prescribed drugs are:
- Birth control pills – Oral contraceptives can help control heavy menstrual bleeding and painful periods. They may also help shrink fibroids by suppressing estrogen levels.
- Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists – Drugs like Lupron and Synarel temporarily shrink fibroids by blocking estrogen and progesterone production. They are often given before surgery to reduce fibroid size.
- Progestins – Progesterone or progestins can help control heavy bleeding, but they don’t shrink fibroids.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs can help relieve menstrual cramping and pelvic pain.
The downside is that medication only treats the symptoms of fibroids, not the actual growths themselves. Fibroids often regrow once you stop medication. Long-term use of GnRH agonists also leads to bone loss and other menopausal side effects.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply. During the procedure:
- A thin tube (catheter) is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and guided to the uterine arteries using imaging.
- Tiny particles are injected to block the flow of blood to the fibroids, causing them to shrink over time.
The benefits of UFE include:
- Outpatient procedure with fast recovery time
- 85-90% effective at shrinking fibroids and relieving symptoms
- Avoid major surgery and loss of the uterus
- Covered by most insurance plans
However, there is a risk of post-procedure pain and other complications. Fibroids could also regrow from collateral blood flow. Recent technological advances like new embolic agents help improve results.
Focused Ultrasound Surgery
Focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) is another minimally invasive approach to treating large fibroids. High intensity ultrasound waves are precisely targeted at fibroids to raise the temperature high enough to destroy the abnormal tissue while sparing surrounding structures.
Benefits of FUS include:
- Noninvasive procedure with fast recovery and return to normal activities
- Up to a 33% reduction in fibroid volume
- Significant improvement in symptoms
- Avoid anesthesia risks and surgical complications
- uterine tissue is preserved
However, there are some limitations. FUS may not work well for some fibroid locations or sizes. Multiple procedures are sometimes needed for large or dense fibroids. Symptoms can recur as fibroids potentially regrow.
Nutritional and Lifestyle Changes
Diet and other lifestyle factors can influence fibroid development and growth. Some strategies include:
- Eliminate red meat, fatty foods, and dairy: Eating a plant-based, high fiber diet can help prevent estrogen dominance which encourages fibroid growth.
- Choose green tea over coffee: Compounds in green tea called catechins inhibit fibroid cell proliferation.
- Take vitamin D and calcium supplements: This helps improve hormone balance and discourage fibroids.
- Increase fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fats: These contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that protect uterine health.
- Reduce stress: High stress and cortisol encourage excessive estrogen. Relaxation practices like yoga and meditation help counter stressful lifestyle.
- Exercise regularly: This helps lower body fat, excess estrogen, and inflammation.
- Limit alcohol: Alcohol raises estrogen levels, encouraging fibroid growth.
Nutritional and lifestyle changes may help slow fibroid growth and manage symptoms naturally without surgery.
Herbal and Home Remedies
Many women use herbal remedies and natural therapies to shrink fibroids naturally. Some options include:
- Turmeric: Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, restricts blood flow to fibroids and inhibits their growth.
- Ginger: Ginger tea or supplements help stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation.
- Garlic: Garlic contains antioxidant and anti-tumor properties that prevent abnormal cell growth.
- Green tea: The antioxidants in green tea called EGCG inhibit fibroid cell proliferation.
- Vitex or chasteberry: This herb balances female sex hormones to help relieve fibroid symptoms.
- Castor oil packs: Applying castor oil over the abdomen enhances circulation and healing.
- Apple cider vinegar: The acetic acid in ACV provides anti-tumor effects.
Herbal remedies and natural therapies may help shrink or slow fibroid growth and alleviate symptoms when used consistently.
Alternative Medicine Approaches
Some holistic and naturopathic therapies may support uterine health, hormone balance, and detoxification. Options include:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture improves circulation and reduces fibroid-related pelvic pain and heavy periods.
- Reflexology: Massaging reflexology points on the ankles, feet, and hands enhances uterine health.
- Prolotherapy: This treatment strengthens connective tissue and restricts blood supply to fibroids.
- Homeopathy: Homeopathic remedies like calcarea carbonica are used to regulateperiods and encourage fibroid shrinkage.
- Myofascial release: Gentle massage techniques release tension, improvepelvic circulation, and decrease fibroid growth.
Alternative approaches like acupuncture, massage, and homeopathy may help control symptoms naturally but require regular sessions for continued benefit.
Interventional Radiology
If you want to avoid major surgery, ask your doctor about minimally invasive interventional radiology treatments. Options include:
- Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): Blocks blood supply to starve fibroids.
- Magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS): Focused sound waves destroy fibroids.
- Radiofrequency ablation: Heat from radio waves destroys fibroid tissue.
- Cryomyolysis: Extreme cold shrinks and destroys fibroids.
- Laser or microwave ablation: Beams of light or microwaves break down fibroids.
Interventional radiology provides minimally invasive options to shrink or destroy fibroids without surgery. It allows thorough treatment of all fibroids while preserving uterine form and function.
Natural Hormone Balancing
Hormone imbalance is often at the root of abnormal fibroid growth. Strategies include:
- Correct estrogen dominance with diet and supplements like DIM.
- Address low progesterone by monitoring cycles and supporting healthy ovulation.
- Thyroid testing and supplements like iodine can improve hormone signaling.
- Reduce stress and cortisol levels through relaxation techniques.
- Balance insulin resistance with nutrition and exercise.
Complementary medicine practitioners can provide individualized guidance on natural hormone balancing techniques.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to fibroids including:
- Acupuncture – Improves energy flow and restores hormone balance.
- Moxibustion – Heat therapy boosts circulation.
- Tui na massage – Releases muscular tension and stagnation.
- Cupping – Draws blood flow to disperse stagnation.
- Chinese herbs – Herbal formulas address root causes of fibroids.
- Diet therapy – Foods and recipes encourage harmony.
TCM addresses the body, mind, and spirit to create internal balance inhospitable to fibroids.
Conclusions
While surgical myomectomy or hysterectomy are options for treating large fibroids, many effective alternatives exist to avoid surgery including:
- Medications like GnRH agonists, birth control pills, and NSAIDs
- Uterine fibroid embolization to block blood supply
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
- Lifestyle, diet, and natural remedies
- Alternative medicine modalities
- Interventional radiology techniques
- Natural hormone balancing
- Traditional Chinese medicine
A holistic, multi-disciplinary approach often provides the best results. Seeking personalized guidance from a collaborative team of dedicated specialists allows you to explore all options fully for your unique situation before considering surgery.