Western herbs that can worsen fibroids

[SydT]

I did a search for evidence based information on herbs and uterine fibroids on www.naturaldatabase.com/.

Interestingly, it notes that the following are contra-indicated for uterine fibroids, because of their oestrogenic effects (this assumes of course that fibroids are made bigger through excess oestrogen).

Siberian Ginseng
Black Cohosh
Chasteberry
Licorice
Fennel
Anisee
Chamomile
Wild Yam
Flaxseed
Panax Ginseng
Milk Thistle
Red Raspberry
Red Clover
Aletris (True Unicorn Root/ Starwort)

[Monique]

I have read a couple of Fibroid Natural Healing books that both go into information about the balance of hormones.......estrogen and progeston (sp?). I think that is the hard thing.......gaining balance of hormones. I know that a lot of what is in our food does not help! Obesity also creates a higher level of estrogen, because estrogen is also in our fat cells.

[SydT]

Hi Monique,

Yes im just learning too that there are so many things in our diet and our environment that can lead to hormone imbalances.

I was going to create a list of xenoestrogens and other nasties to avoid, but having had a look on the internet, i find it is completely overwhelming. Too much info. Alot is contradictory too.

What i would really love is to see a list of things that are good for us (that are unlikely to encourage fibroid growth). And not just a general list, but a specific one with specific products that will make it easier for women when we go shopping.

Im reading for example, to be more aware of what we eat, the shampoos and laundry detergents that we use, sunscreens to avoid, but what i would like to see is a list of alternatives that are safe or safer.

So... if anybody out there has suggestions/recommendation, please feel free to post throughout this board.

Thanks for stopping by.

[GrowlieGirl]

Yes i agree i was using some of those a couple of years ago, then went to a herbalist that gave me some more of those which made things worse. I then decided to come off everything and just be "normal" when i purchased the quick cleanse fiber drink during the 5 weeks of taking it my uterus became so much harder and bigger and on investigation it has a lot of flax seed in it! Its a nightmare having to watch out for some of these things. Also people think your nuts as they don't understand what a little of the wrong something can do to fibroids.

[SydT]

Hi GrowlieGirl

I must admit i am completely scared of taking supplements and herbs. Just because they are "natural" doesn't mean they are safe.

I've had a few adverse reactions to vitamin tablets.

I haven't started on herbs so i can't speak from personal experience. But im reluctant, especially as there is alot of evidence lacking with some herbs. It helps some, but makes others worse.

Naturopaths prescribe herbs and use terms like "uterine tonic" or "emmenagogue" or "astringent", without knowing exactly how the herbs work on specific issues like fibroids. I think if you do go down the path of herbs, you need to see someone who has a great deal of experience in herbs specific for women's health, and perhaps has some sort of training in medical sciences. (Even then you aren't guaranteed that you will get a better outcome).

Having had a look at some natural therapist's and herbalist's websites and books, i have noticed that they will recommend, for example, Chasteberry and flaxseed. However, having had a look at this scientific database, Chasteberry and flaxseed are noted to be contra-indicated for fibroids because of oestrogenic effects.

For example, take a look at
www.healthy.net/scr/Article.asp?Id=936
The author says he has had experience where 2 women have been able to "expel" their fibroids by using vitex (Chasteberry). But he also notes it doesn't work for everyone. So what if it actually worsens them! It sounds very hit and miss to me.

What im going to focus on is my diet and make sure im eating abit of everything, and getting adequate iron. Im eating more vegetables and fruits, less fatty stuff/take-out, organic where possible, lots of water, cut out coffee and tea. Im also going to see an acupuncturist later this week to see if she can help me.

As for herbs.... im not sure. I'm interested in scientific studies, so if anybody has relevant info, please feel free to post.

SydT

[Tanya]

I was able to control the size of my 2 to 3 cm. fibroid for 5 yrs.Yesterday my doctor said I need to have another surgery because my fibroid measures 7 cm. He did not expect that it will grow that fast for less than 2 years. So now I am trying to investigate what I have done: 1. Before(5yr period) I exercised a lot 3 to 4 times a week and even riding on my bicycle instead of taking a bus or taxi to do the marketing. Now(yr 2007 to present) I exercise a little and taking a bus or ask my husband to drive me to the groceries. It's too dangerous to bike in our new place now.
2. before since in the place where we lived, organic meat was difficult to find I ate less meat and more organic vegetables. Now, organic meat is easy to find I ate more meat and organic vegetables(but not as much as before).
3. Before , I ate fastfood burgers only 2 to 3 times a year. Now I ate more 2 to 3 times a month.
4. Before, I never tried flaxseeds but now I am taking a whey protein that has flaxseed almost everyday. I am not sure it this has an effect on my fibroid(who knows?)
5. Before I followed 80-90% of the diet I have learned from Dr. Randine lewis from her book Infertility Cure and followed the acupressure based on my condition especially for my fibroid. Now I still follow the diet 50% and doesn't apply the accupressure points.
6. before less dairy products and egss now more intake of dairy products and eggs(I buy organic dairy products and eggs)
7. Before, I was taking a fertility blend supplement continuously with Vitex/Chasteberry on it.Now I only take it once in a while.
Note: Stress might also be a factor and I am trying to control my temper, mood swings etc. Unlike before(asian country) the place where I live now has not much sunshine and makes me a bit depress.

I think I better go back to my old diet(more organic vegetables, less meat, less dairy and do a lot of exercises and and find ways to heal myself physically, emotionally and spiritually)
regards and goodluck to us! cheers!

[Ellie]

Tanya,

That is really interesting.
I eat alot of red meat because i worry about not getting enough iron and i also have dairy every day because im worried about not getting enough calcium. I have changed though to organic milk and meat. It will be another 6 months before my next ultrasound.
Im thinking maybe now i should cut out meat and dairy as much as i can... maybe it being organic doesnt make much difference. Maybe the best thing to do is just eat plenty of vegetables!

[Tanya]

Hi Ellie,
Organic vegetables and fruit as much as possible or search for top ten most pesticide fruit and vegetables and buy them organic. Also try to search for Foods containing natural estrogen and Estrogen Inhibiting Foods( a bit confusing though cos other books I have read and internet info. I have searched are contradicting/confusing) Of course I don't follow 100% the list of foods to avoid as mentioned on Foods containing Natural estrogen I still eat them but aware of my limitations) but I increase the intake of Estrogen inhibiting Foods. If you worry about iron deficiency, eating less lean red meat should be ok, lamb's liver, beef liver(but make sure they are not hormonally treated). Iron from food sources is best absorbed when foods rich in vitamin C are eaten at the same meal. Tea and coffee should be avoided at mealtimes( I avoided daily cup of coffee but I drink more cups of green tea instead). Dried apricots are a healthy snack and rich in iron". But of course it's you to decide what to follow and listen to your body, it's hard sometimes what to follow :-)
goodluck to your next Ultrasound..cheers!

[Tanya]

Hi,
I've just found a info. on fibroid diet(effect of eating beef and ham as studied) that might interest everyone..here's the link: www.fibroidnetworkonline.com/modules.php?name=News&file=categories&op=newindex&catid=3