We receive more questions about fibroids and endometriosis than any other health topic. Up to 40% of American women 35 and older have uterine fibroids. They most often occur in the reproductive years, but they can appear past menopause, too. Fibroids can cause discomfort, bloating, a heavy menstrual cycle and fertility challenges. However, some women experience no symptoms at all.

Endometriosis is another problem that can impact fertility. Endometriosis affects a shocking 10%-15% of all women of reproductive age! Sadly, research shows it takes up to 10 years and 3-4 different doctors before endometriosis is accurately diagnosed. Symptoms to watch for include: unexplained infertility; heavy, long or painful periods; chronic or intermittent reproductive pain; digestive or bladder problems; and pain during intercourse. 

If you’re struggling, making dietary changes and using natural therapies can dramatically reduce symptoms. Here is my 4 step breakthrough plan for vibrant reproductive system health when addressing uterine fibroids or endometriosis. 

4 Step Breakthrough Plan For Fibroids and Endometriosis

Step 1. Enhance Liver Health & Estrogen Metabolism

The liver is in charge of converting the food you eat into vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that nourish and protect you. It’s also responsible for ridding the body of excess estrogen and toxins that fuel problems like uterine fibroids and endometriosis. 

To enhance liver health and help rid the body of excess estrogen

Avoid foods that stress the liver like processed foods; fatty meats; fried foods; excess alcohol, caffeine, or sugar. Review your prescriptions and over the counter medications. Many stress the liver, and should be avoided or strictly limited while the body is recovering. 

Use liver tonic herbs like burdock root or dandelion root to encourage liver detoxification and estrogen metabolism. Many women notice less bloating and pain around the cycle when using liver tonic herbs in teas, extracts or capsule formulas.

Tip: Crystal Star Liver Renew caps with burdock and dandelion help promote normal liver detoxification and estrogen metabolism. Bonus: Using liver tonics can also increase weight loss,improve digestion and encourage strong immune defenses against colds and flu! 

Step 2. Increase Antioxidants to Fight Free Radical Damage 

Research published in Fertility and Sterility reveals there are increased free radicals in the pelvic cavity of women with endometriosis.The development of uterine fibroids is also associated with free radicals. Free radical activity is spurred by cellular debris, degrading tissue, immune cell activity or a combination of factors. Over time, it stresses the reproductive system, affects egg health and worsens symptoms. 

For protection, add more antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables to your daily diet.. Have a leafy green salad or green smoothie with spirulina or barley grass everyday. Be sure to choose organic when possible as it’s more nutrient rich. In addition, consider an antioxidant supplement like NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) for support.  

Step 3. Reduce Inflammation & Pain 

Fibroids and endometriosis create significant inflammation in the uterus and sometimes in the neighboring  ovaries, digestive organs and bladder. Herbs like turmeric and ginger have strong anti-inflammatory activity to help normalize reproductive health. Both herbs are also well known pain relievers and contain high amounts of enzymes for help with tissue repair. Consider a Turmeric supplement for support.

You can add turmeric and ginger to broths, soups or teas to help ease symptoms. As another option, try ginger capsules 1000-2000 mg daily or turmeric capsules 500-1500mg daily or as directed for therapeutic results. 

Step 4. Promote Reproductive Health With Specially Developed Herbal Formulas

Specially developed herb formulas can help put you on the path to recovery if you have fibroids or endometriosis. This two part program from Crystal Star soothes mild discomfort while encouraging normal reproductive function. 

Fibro Defense is a 17 whole-herb blend with pau d’arco and cordyceps that helps to balance hormones, normalize tissues, and optimize breast and uterine wellness. Use as directed between periods for up to 4 cycles. 

Women's Best Friend is a 17 whole-herb blend with cramp bark and goldenseal that supports the regularity of the cycle, soothes occasional pain, and encourages uterine and ovarian health.  Use as directed during the cycle or as your primary formula as needed. 

Make Your Recovery a Priority 

Feeling better is important in your recovery process from any health concern. With fibroids and endometriosis, it’s especially important as the pain and discomfort can be serious. Take advantage of the 4 Step Breakthrough Plan detailed in this article to soothe symptoms and rebuild your reproductive health. You won’t regret making yourself and your recovery a priority. 

References

Agarwal, Sanjay K, M.D. et al.  (2019, Jan..). Clinical diagnosis of endometriosis: a call to action. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Vol. 220, Issue 4. 

Retrieved from: https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(19)30002-X/fulltext

The Path To Diagnosis May Not Always Be Simple. (2018). 

Retrieved from: https://www.speakendo.com/about-endometriosis/testing

Donnez, Jacques, M.D., Ph.D. et al. (2016, Oct.). Oxidative stress in the pelvic cavity and its role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Fertility and Sterility. Vol. 106, Issue 5: 1011-1017

Markowska A, Mardas M, Gajdzik E et al. (2015). Oxidative stress marker in uterine fibroids tissue in pre- and postmenopausal women. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 2015; 42: 725–729

Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26753472/