Non-cancerous growths in the womb. They often produce no symptoms, but as they grow may cause heavy and long menstrual periods, painful intercourse, and bladder or bowel pressure. Sometimes fibroids can cause infertility.

Treatment - Practical Advice

The growth of fibroids appears to be related to hormonal imbalance, particularly the overproduction of oestrogen. Coming off the Pill or hormone replacement therapy (both of which provide synthetic oestrogen) may help prevent futher growth.

Dietary

Reduce intake of animal fat and increase intake of fibre. This helps reduce the production of oestrogen and restore hormonal balance. Increase intake of vitamin C and bioflavonoids (found in the skin, peel and outer layer of fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, and in leafy vegetables and red onions). Increase intake of vitamin E (found in wheatgerm, vegetables oils, seeds and nuts). Increase intake of vitamin A (found in liver, kidney, egg yolk, butter, fortified margarine and milk).

Visualization

Lie or sit in a relaxed position and a quiet atmosphere. Let your attention go to the area of the fibroids, focus your attention on them and experience how they feel. Try to create an image of the fibroids (it can be what you think they really look like or an abstract); keep focusing on that image, allowing it to change and evolve. Then try to form an image of something which could be done to make the fibroids reduce in size. Finally visualize what the womb looks like without the fibroids. If you find you are unable to do visualization alone, a practitioner of autogenic training or a counsellor, psychologist or psychotherapist can teach you.Professional HelpFibroids respond well to professional homeopathic treatment. Acupuncture can also be effective.

Orthodox

Small fibroids tend to cause no problems and often disappear after the menopause. Those which cause problems are removed surgically, an operation which may or may not involve a hysterectomy (removal of the womb)