Uterine Problems
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 jasmineessential oil. May increase energy flow to the pelvis, which may help shrink fibroids, use rose or jasmineessential 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 ofvitamin 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
- you feel a sharp pain low in the abdomen.
- your periods are excessively heavy.