Fibroids can cause many problems with fertility and excess menstrual bleeding. About 20% of women over 30 suffer from fibroids. Fibroids are non cancerous growths that can grow out side the wall of the uterus, inside the wall of the uterus, or they can grow suspended internally within the uterus. The sizes vary from very small to quite large. Current research shows that the development of fibroids can be caused by an excess of estrogen levels.

Fibroids are difficult to detect when they are small as symptoms may not be noticeable but as they grow they can cause excess menstrual bleeding and pain. They can become very painful if they grow large enough to press against other organs such as the bladder or in some cases the kidneys. Usually at this stage surgery is required, in many cases the fibroid can be removed with laser surgery but if they are too large a hysterectomy is required. About 30% of hysterectomies are due to fibroids. In some cases, if the fibroid is removed surgically they can grow back at a later stage and the patient may require surgery again.

In terms of a Chinese Medicine or Acupuncturist diagnosis, fibroids are caused by what is known as Liver Qi & blood stagnation which has usually developed over a number of years. I have seen fibroids reduce in size with  treatment as the condition responds well to  lifestyle and diet changes. One of the worst causes of excess estrogen is ingesting or consuming foods and beverages that contain xenoestrogens. To find a list of xenoestrogens please click on the link below.

www.suite101.com/content/list-of-xenoestrogens—chemical-estrogens-a205523

To help balance hormone levels especially estrogen and progesterone acupuncture can help in combination with a diet high in cruciferous vegetables, high quality omega 3 supplements, the juice of a fresh lemon in water every day, reduce carbs and only eat grass fed animal protein and free range products. Also liver cleansing herbs like milk thistle, dandelion and turmeric are very helpful.