What to look for
heavy irregular bleeding, with pain in
the lower abdomen or back.
difficulty urinating and moving bowels,
incontinence, backaches.
bleeding between periods.
chronic, abnormal bleeding.
The uterus has two parts - the body of the
organ and the cervix. It is essentially a strong, hollow, pear-shaped organ which is in
the pelvic region behind the bladder. It leads into the vagina.
The endometrium is the lining of the
uterus.
The endometrium can bleed abnormally and if
so can cause certain mineral deficiencies.
A prolapse of the uterus occurs when the
uterus moves downward.
Fibroids are benign growths that can occur
in or around the uterus.
Fibroids may cause the uterus to become
larger, make it difficult to become pregnant, you may have heavier periods or find it
painful to have intercourse.
Causes
Although the cause of fibroids is not
known, their growth is related to hormones. Therefore, oral contraceptives, oestrogen
replacement therapy, and pregnancy may cause fibroids to grow and expand. Your doctor will
be able to confirm their existence when you have a pap smear.
High levels of oestrogen may cause
excessive endometrium bleeding. This can be the result of obesity, but it can also occur
as a result of other diseases. This should be examined by your doctor.
The most common cause of a prolapsed uterus
is the stretching of the support ligaments that hold it in place. This is usually a result
of pregnancy and childbirth.
See uterine
cancer for more information on this condition.
Traditional Treatment
Fibroid treatment varies and depends on
their size and placement and if they are causing you discomfort. Speak with your doctor
about the possible ways to treat this problem.
A hysterectomy used to be the standard
treatment for most uterine conditions but now there are other ways to treat most problems
in this area. A hysterectomy will only be offered as an alternative if other treatments
have been exhausted or if the condition is serious and uncontrollable.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Alternative therapies are useful as an
addition to conventional methods.
Massage - May
increase energy flow to the pelvis, which may help shrink fibroids, use rose or jasmine
essential oil. May
increase energy flow to the pelvis, which may help shrink fibroids, use rose or jasmine
essential oil.
Homoeopathy - Pulsatilla, Belladonna,
Sabina, and Sepia are among the remedies that may be
prescribed for your uterine disorder. Pulsatilla, Belladonna,
Sabina, and Sepia are among the remedies that may be
prescribed for your uterine disorder.
Dietary
Considerations
You may wish to increase your fibre intake
and reduce your intake of fat. This has the benefit of controlling your hormone production
and consequently the fibroids. As well as this take supplements of vitamin C, bioflavonoids and vitamins A.
The supplements mentioned above together
with a high-fibre, low-fat diet may help balance hormone levels that may contribute to
uterine problems.
Aromatherapy - Rose or jasmine
essential oils diluted in a carrier oil or lotion and massaged on the stomach or used in a
compress works wonders. Rose or jasmine
essential oils diluted in a carrier oil or lotion and massaged on the stomach or used in a
compress works wonders.
Prevention
Try to eat well, get plenty of rest, avoid
stress by learning relaxation techniques and get some exercise daily. This will keep your
system in great order and be better able to avoid uterine as well as other disorders.
When to seek further
professional advice
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