How many of you reading this can relate to this experience or can easily think of someone who has?
2012 was the year I found out I had fibroids. My previous exams showed that I had fibrocystic breast and cystic ovaries. However, I was assured by the physicians over my care that this was normal, and it is nothing to worry about, as if it was harmoniously sung by a choir. Looking back with specialist eyes, what they were really saying was, we often see this in our exam rooms and is very common with patients, so due to the number of women experiencing this, don’t worry, its not cancerous. Although fibroids aren’t cancerous, nothing about this condition and its symptoms, while commonly experienced, is normal!
Fast forward to 2018-2020, I had been dealing with excessive bleeding, irregular cycles, and a visibly distended abdomen due to the fibroids’ enlarged size. Yes, I had multiple. Which led me to a gynecologist who specialized in surgically removing fibroids. At this point I was experiencing low iron levels because of a dangerous amount of blood loss during cycles (going through a pack of pads, 28-42 ct.), I consistently messed up clothes and linen, experienced discomfort while laying down, pressure in my lower abdomen and on my bladder, and to top it off I found out I also had endometriosis. The endometriosis had gotten so aggressive that it had completely bonded one of my fallopian tubes and ovaries together beyond saving and began to migrate to my diaphragm. I had loss noticeable weight and I had concluded that the only option was surgical removal. From initial diagnoses my care consisted of pep talks that would diminish the severity- to soothe my angst and birth control. Not once did I have a conversation, educating me on the nature of fibroids and identifying contributing lifestyle practices. Today, I live with ‘a geriatric’ stage reproductive system, one fallopian tube and ovary, a slim chance of having children, and a mission to help others not have to share my experience.
So, here’s what you need to know. Fibroids are an estrogen dominant condition. Estrogen dominance can be illustrated in two ways: by the underproduction of progesterone or the overproduction of estrogen due to nutritional choices or a malfunctioning liver. Therefore, when observing hormonal levels and estrogen metabolization it involves paying attention to a person’s liver, bile, and intestines-- disruption in these areas can cause imbalance. To support a healthy gut and balanced hormone levels, make sure that you are considering the following:
- Pre-and probiotics, to create a diverse microbiome and encourage the production of good bacteria to suppress the disease-causing bacteria
- Fiber to feed good bacteria and assist with normal, healthy bowel movements
- Minimal sugar and processed food intake because this fosters the proliferation of bacteria and fungi along with endocrine (hormonal) disruption
- Phytoestrogens, found in plants and carrying a weak estrogenic effect. These bind to estrogen receptors, to block strong estrogens that cause imbalance and plays an essential role in supporting estrogen levels in each reproductive stage of a women’s life.
Implementing these practices will get you off to a good start. If you are looking to get off of birth control or other medication, are experiencing the same symptoms, looking for a specialist to educate you while under their care, or just simply require assistance with choosing the best foods to support the body, then make your appointment today. Because at the end of it all, the irreversible choice was not surgery but not taking action to change the trajectory of my condition.
To hear more of my personal story and the reason behind my holistic approach follow me on Instagram: @b.theskinspecialist
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