Fibroids and Menopause: Understanding the Connection & Relief

  I suffered from painful fibroids when I was pregnant with my first baby back 20 years ago and still to this day my body remembers that pain. This is a subject that isn't talked about much and a lot of Women have no idea what that pain is when it happens. I know I didn't when I collapsed at 12 weeks pregnant on the side of the road and thought that I was loosing my baby, rushed to emergency and was immediately scanned and the physician found 2 fibroids the size of grapefruits!   I understand now that it was because of the increase in estrogen/progesterone due to my pregnancy. For a few weeks the Doctors were talking about operating to remove them. Yikes I was so scared that I was going to lose by 1st baby. Went back for another scan a few weeks later and low and behold the fibroids had shrunk. That's HORMONES for ya! crazy.   In MIDLIFE they are quite common also. Here is further info.   HORMONES & FIBROIDS   Estrogen and progesterone can increase the risk for fibroids. When these hormone levels drop during menopause, your risk for new fibroids decreases. The drop in hormones may also help preexisting fibroids decrease in size.   Some risk factors can increase your chance of fibroid development after menopause. Some of these risks include:   High blood pressure Low vitamin D levels Family history of fibroids Obesity No history of pregnancy Long-term, extreme stress Postmenopausal women over the age of 40 and African-American women are at a higher risk of getting fibroids. Here are some of the symptoms of fibroids. Symptoms of fibroids may include: •heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots. •pain in the pelvis or lower back. •increased menstrual cramping. •increased urination. •pain during intercourse. •menstruation that lasts longer than usual. •pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen.   Holistic Hugs,   Michelle x