Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign, noncancerous tumors of the muscle layer of the uterus. MayoClinic.com suggests that fibroids are a prevalent condition among women, affecting approximately 75 percent of the female population at some time in their lives. According to naturopathic physician, Dr. Tori Hudson in her book, Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, fibroids are sensitive to estrogen. She mentions that the excess and/or dominance of estrogen, according to popular theory, stimulates the growth of fibroid tumors.
Anovulation
Anovulation is the failure of the female ovaries to release an egg during the menstrual cycle. Hudson comments that during perimenopause, where there are fewer eggs to be released overall, anovulation is common, as are fibroids. Hudson attributes this commonality to the concept of relative estrogen excess, also known as estrogen dominance. Estrogen in women with anovulatory cycles is not always excessive. In many cases, however, it appears so because estrogen's opposing hormone, progesterone, is lower than it should be. In order for the ovaries to produce progesterone, ovulation must occur. Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D. in her article, "Estrogen Dominance," says that the experience of anovulation causes estrogen to often go unopposed, thereby becoming dominant and in effect, stimulating the growth of fibroids. Common causes of anovulation include pre/peri-menopause, excessive body fat (Dr. Northrup designates "excessive" as anything over 28 percent), and the insulin-resistance or pre-diabetic state that can occur in conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Stress
Northrup continues to say that in industrialized countries like the United States, estrogen dominance can be attributable to the stress hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol. High levels of these hormones are caused by chronic or too high levels of stress. Sex hormones, like progesterone, are produced in the ovaries and in the adrenal glands in women. The adrenal glands also produce the stress hormones. Northrup mentions that excessive amounts of cortisol can lead to adrenal exhaustion or decompensation. Due to the fact that the fatigued adrenal glands also play a part in sex hormone production, the inefficient glands produce lesser amounts of progesterone, over time potentially inducing a state of relative estrogen excess and fibroid growth stimulation.
Diet
Women eliminate unused or excessive amounts of estrogen through the bowels. Chronic constipation is a frequent cause for the recycling and buildup of hormones that should have been released from the body. Northrup mentions that a low fiber diet, high in refined carbohydrates can commonly lead to estrogen dominance. Soluble fiber increases stool bulkiness, which stimulates bowel movements and keeps the estrogen that is in the body in its bound or non-active form. A 2004 article by chiropractor, Dr. Nicholas Leroy, entitled, "Uterine Fibroids: An integrative approach" notes that by increasing the binding protein, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), soluble fiber may be helpful in reducing estrogen in the treatment of fibroids.
Environment
The industrialization of the world has significantly increased the human exposure to man-made and many times, estrogen-mimicking products. Katolen Yardley, medical herbalist and author of the article "Xenoestrogens and Your Health," mentions that xenoestrogens, estrogens foreign to humans or chemically produced, can increase the total load of estrogens in the body and can stimulate estrogen-sensitive tissues. Xenoestrogens come in the form of cosmetics, toiletries, pharmaceutical drugs, soft plastics, oral contraceptives, food additives, hormones injected into livestock, and pesticides in many commonly eaten foods, says Nicholas Leroy, DC.
References
- MayoClinic.com: "Uterine Fibroids"
- "Women's Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Tori Hudson, N.D.; 1998
- Christiane Northrup, M.D.: "Estrogen Dominance"
- Journal of Chiropractic Medicine: "Uterine Fibroids: An Integrative Approach"
- Katolen Yardley, MNIMH: "Xenoestrogens and Your Health"
