The Natural Approach to Fibroids and Endometriosis

Lisa Leger, B.A.Lisa Leger, B.A.

Natural Health ConsultantNatural Health Consultant

Pharmasave Health Centre, ParksvillePharmasave Health Centre, Parksville

Phone:(250) 951-0243Phone:(250) 951-0243

Email: lisaps@shaw.caEmail: lisaps@shaw.ca

General Recommendations for Every Woman

Do some research and try things.

Eat healthier food.

Get involved in a sport or exercise class.

Chart your cycles and record what you try so you can assess the results.

Take control of your body.

Take control of your life.

General Nutritional Recommendations

Cut down on fat and eat protein moderately (especially animal source, especially commercial meats with hormones).

Eat more vegetables (especially organic which would be free of pesticides, especially brassica-type for the indoles which help reduce estrogen).

Avoid enriched flour products and eat whole grains instead.Cut way back on caffeine and nicotine in all its forms (coffee, chocolate, pop). This is especially important for breast fibroids.

Breast and Uterine Fibroids are like Endometrial Tissue - Tissue grows in the presence of

estrogen.

- Estrogen elimination should be addressed (intestine and liver).

- Excess of fibroid and endometrial tissues is associated with sluggish elimination (constipation, congested liver, deficient kidney, bad skin).

Estrogen 101

There are 3 major types of estrogen made in the body:

Estradiol, Estrone, Estriol

A type of estrogen Not made in the body: Xeno-estrogens (estrogen-like chemicals from environmental pollutants)

Estradiol (E2)

- Most potent estrogen

– main hormone made by ovaries

- Falls after menopause

- Body converts it to other hormones

- has positive effects on bone, blood vessels, vaginal cells, skin, bladder, and likely the brain.

Estriol (E3) – weak estrogen- Comes from Estrone and Estradiol- Doesn’t stimulate endometrium the way

estradiol and estrone does.- High during pregnancy.- Doesn’t convert to other forms when taken

orally.- Most protective against estrogen

stimulated disorders.– supplement form has been used for 20

years here and longer in Europe and Japan.

- Though to be the safest form to supplement in bioidentical hormone replacement.

Estrone (E1)

– most predominant after menopause.

- a more dangerous form, high amounts are found in breast cancer cells.

- Can be converted to a storage form called estrone sulphate (high levels found in breast cancer tumors).

- A metabolite called 4-hydroxyestrone is implicated in the initiation of breast cancer.

Getting Rid of Dangerous EstrogenCholine, methionine, and inositol - facilitates the metabolism of fat by the liver

(estrogen is fat soluble).

- Indoles (promote estrogen metabolism and elimination).

Liver Detoxification - bitter herbs (stimulate bile production)

- Milk thistle, dandelion, artichoke, tumeric (promote elimination).

Bowel Health and Microflora- Disbiosis lets estrogen get reabsorbed from

the intestine in a form that is more dangerous.

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Painful, lumpy breasts

Worse before menstruation

Progesterone levels are high

Poor drainage from the tissues

Fibrocystic Breast Disease

Avoid Caffeine – coffee, black tea, pop, chocolate.

Rule out hypothyroidism.

Supplements for Breast FibroidsGeneral:

Anti oxidants (Vit. E, CoQ10)Vit. A and B complex (especially B6), C,

E, minerals (especially magnesium which is essential for detoxifying and excreting estrogens).

Specific:

Anti-inflammatories:

Evening Primrose Oil

Metabolic Enzymes like Serrapeptase

Herbs for Fibrocystic BreastsKelp - provides iodine (Dr. Ghent, Queen’s University, used Lugol’s solution then casienated iodine “iodaminol”)

Poultices:

Poke root (topical only) or sage.

Clay poultice daily (except during menstruation)

Massage with essential oils.

Uterine FibroidsSometimes no symptoms

Sometimes painful, prolonged menstruation, cramps, heavy bleeding

Complications can include painful intercourse, bleeding, pressure on internal organs

Loss of blood can result in anemia, weakness

Associated with high levels of Human Growth Hormone

Uterine Fibroids

Hysterectomy was the standard surgery, but myomectomy (a more exacting procedure that removes the fibroids) is preferred because it leaves the uterus intact.

Supplements for Uterine FibroidsGeneral: B complex (especially B6 which

supports progesterone), C, E, minerals (especially magnesium).

Specific:Anti inflammatories (Evening Primrose

Oil, Metabolic Enzymes)Poultices:Castor oil pack.

Herbs for Uterine Fibroids

Liver support herbs (as mentioned)

Endometriosis

Endometrial tissue displaced and growing outside of the uterus.

Grows under estrogen stimulation and breaks down when progesterone level drops at the end of the cycle.

Painful, heavy periods, cramps, painful intercourse

Can be associated with infertility

Natural Doctors note associations with candidiasis and allergies.

Causes of Endometriosis

Many theories:

Retrograde menstruation

Embryonic development

Exposure to radiation (NASA)

Exposure to dioxin (EPA)

Exposure to PCB’s (NIEHS)

Treatments for Endometriosis

Hormone-induced menopause

Surgical removal of endometrial tissue lesions (Dr. Redwine Method is more thorough).

Use menstrual pads instead of tampons (to prevent congestion and reduce pain and cramping).

Supplements for Endometriosis

Vit. E, B complex, minerals

Vitamin C with Bioflavanoids (repair small capillaries, prevent leaking)

Iron to correct anemia from bleeding

Herbs for EndometriosisGreen drinks

Alfalfa for vitamin K (clotting factor)

Nettle leaf (rich in iron)

Herbs that balance hormones: gromwell, chaste tree berry, yarrow, blackcurrant, raspberry leaf.

Herbs for pain: white willow bark.

Homeopathy to promote drainage: Lyphosot

(consult a herbal practitioner)

Traditional Chinese Medicine Avoid fear, anger, excessive emotion.

Avoid fatigue before / during menstruation.

Don’t dwell on frustration which can lead to stuck Qi flow and stagnation.

avoid cold raw foods before / during menstruation (eg. ice cream at night).

Avoid sex and vigorous exercise during menstruation.

Eat and drink moderately, get regular sleep, try to be happy, maintain balance in all things.

Aromatherapy

Cypress, hyssop, angelica, oregano, geranium, tarragon, basil, lavender, rosemary, camomile.

Homeopathy

Remedies to manage symptoms.

Formulas to promote drainage: lyphosot (lymphatic drainage)

Tissue Salts

Magnesium, lithium, zinc, copper, manganese.

(consult a practitioner).

Better Living Through Chemistry?The pill and other hormones are not a cure,

they just mask the problem by imposing a fake cycle.Side effects include PMS symptoms, flattened libido.Long term risks are constantly debated.Hormones deplete B vitamins which promote energy, better mood and help with stress.Hormones deplete magnesium which relaxes the muscles and reduces cramps.Synthetic progesterone nullifies the benefits of estrogen.