Fibroids treatment
Fibroids natural therapy fibroids herbs fibroids alternative fibroids

Up to 70% of women develop uterine fibroids, benign tumors that can cause pain, excessive bleeding, and infertility. Genetic studies hint that a woman's susceptibility to fibroids may be inherited from her father. Uterine leiomyomas are the most common gynecologic neoplasm in reproductive-age women. It is clear that hormonal factors play a prominent role in this disease, particularly estrogens. In addition to endogenous hormones, xenoestrogens in our environment (e.g., organochlorine pesticides, pharmacologic compounds) are of potential concern with regards to their impact on this disease. These environmental estrogens have been shown to promote the growth of leiomyoma.

Diet and fibroids
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Medicine hints at the possibility that diet may have an influence on fibroid tumor growth. Uterine fibroids are hormonally responsive; estrogen and progesterone stimulate their growth. Lignans can act as weak estrogens or antiestrogens. Researchers found that women who excreted a higher amount of lignans in their urine (meaning their diets included foods with a high lignan content) were less likely to have fibroid tumors.

Medical therapy for Fibroids
Exogenous progestins can partially suppress estrogen stimulation of uterine fibroid growth. Danazol, an androgenic agonist, can suppress fibroid growth but has a high rate of adverse effects. GnRH agonists given by IM injection, subdermal pellet, or nasal spray are most helpful when given preoperatively to reduce fibroid and uterine volume.

Natural options for Fibroids
Tripterygium, a Chinese herb, may be an effective therapeutic agent for leiomyomas. Tripterygium has a reversibly inhibitory effect on the ovary which may be one of the mechanisms of Tripterygium in decreasing leiomyoma volume.

Fibroids Research Update
Non-surgical management of leiomyoma: impact on fertility.
Olive DL.University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, 53792-6188, USA.
Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Jun;16(3):239-43.
This review is designed to discuss the non-surgical treatment of fibroid. Advances have occurred in the medical treatment of uterine fibroids. Preoperative treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue does not improve surgical results or decrease blood loss. Medical therapies that have been looked into include danazol, raloxifene, mifepristone, aromatase inhibitors, and the levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine device. Most promising in terms of long-term usage for reduction of size and symptoms of fibroids appears to be the combination of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue and raloxifene, although selective progesterone receptor modulators may also achieve this aim. However, none avoid producing an anovulatory state that inhibits fertility, and none have been shown to enhance fertility following discontinuation. Uterine artery embolization is another non-surgical technique under intense investigation. The year's literature suggests that while results are comparable with hysterectomy in terms of complication rate and patient satisfaction, there may be important issues for women who wish to undergo the procedure and retain future fertility. Specifically, there is a significant rate of premature ovarian failure, as well as occasional damage to the endometrial vasculature with resulting atrophy and adhesion formation. Improvements in technique, in particular the use of larger and more spherical microspheres for embolization, may reduce these unwanted effects. However, few data exist regarding the course of pregnancy and outcome following embolization. SUMMARY: A number of non-surgical treatments exist for uterine fibroids, but none has been shown to be of value in the patient desiring future fertility. Myomectomy remains the standard of care for such women with fibroids, and all other therapies should be designated experimental and limited to appropriate investigational studies.

Fish oil questions
Q. I've been taking Zone Fish Oil for about 10 years. One reason I pay the extra money for it is it is as toxin- and heavy metal-free as any on the market, according to the IFOS testing. Has there been any similar testing of the various Krill Oils? I don't want to switch just because someone says it is "pure"; I'd like to see the test results and compare them to what I've been taking.
   A. We are not familiar, as of November 2007, with any independent testing of fish oil or krill oil products to determine their purity.
 

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