Homoeopathy is the oldest system of alternative medicine. It was first introduced in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann. The popularity of homoeopathy as an alternative system of medicine increased in the 19th century. Homoeopathy has been much under scrutiny in the 21st century. Scientists and researchers claim that the therapeutic benefits of homoeopathy have no strong scientific justification or proof. Despite such claims, a considerable share of the global population believes homoeopathy to be effective in treating health issues. The market for homoeopathy treatment is quite larger than estimated.
From mild to high-grade diseases, homoeopathy treatment is available. Fibroids are one such thing that can be treated effectively by the use of homoeopathic remedies. It may not cure an individual completely but it can improve the overall condition.
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What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are common in women, especially those in their prime age of reproducing. Fibroids or uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterus. They are smooth muscle tumours that rarely become cancerous. Such benign uterine tumours are also called leiomyoma. Most women hardly show any symptoms but in some cases, women may feel extreme pain and menstruate heavily for an extended time.
Shapes & Sizes
Fibroids vary in shape and size. They may be as tiny as a seedling, hardly visible to the naked eye or they may be bulky, larger pushing on the bladder and distorting the shape of the uterus. Women with bigger fibroids may have the urge to urinate frequently. Uterine fibroids may be single or multiple. In exceptional cases, multiple fibroids can enlarge and add to the weight. It may grow big enough to touch the rib cage. This is when affected individuals need to undergo surgery. Homoeopathy, as an alternative, can prevent fibroids from getting aggravated to some extent. Hence, many opt for homoeopathic treatment.
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Symptoms and Signs
Fibroids usually grow slowly and develop either inside the uterus or on its wall. It can also develop in the cervix area of the uterine cavity. The mass is usually made of fibrous connective tissues and blood vessels. Inflammatory fibroid polyp is a type that develops in the colon. Signs and symptoms vary from one individual to another. The common indication of the presence of a fibroid is as follows:
- Abdominal Pain
- Anaemia
- Increased Bleeding
- Pain during Intercourse( depending on the location of the fibroid)
- Complication in Pregnancy
- Premature Labour
- Need to Urinate Frequently
- The appearance of a Lump
- Uterine Heaviness
- Painful and Irregular Periods
- Prolonged Bleeding
- Gaining Weight
- Miscarriage
- Infertility(rare)
Probable Causes
The exact cause behind the development of uterine fibroids and associated disorders are not known. According to popular scientific hypotheses and research, genetic disposition and hormonal imbalance and their effects are probable causes of fibroid formation. Even growth factors and prenatal hormone exposure are likely causes. Xenoestrogen can cause the growth of fibroids. Risk factors include:
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Non-Reproduction
According to scientific research, fibroids are monoclonal tumours. 40 to 50% of them show chromosomal abnormalities. In cases of multiple fibroids unrelated genetic defects have been found. It is also believed that hormones like estrogen and progesterone are also responsible to affect leiomyoma cells. Cytokines, apoptotic and growth factors are also responsible for causing fibroids.
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Diagnosis
The commonly used diagnostic methods are as follows:
- Pelvic Examination
- Medical Imaging and Screening like Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI)
- Ultrasonography
- Gynecologic tests
- Hysterosalpingography or Sonohysterography
Occurrence
Uterine fibroids are extremely common. By the age of forty, about 20 to 25% of women develop fibroids and associated disorders. Women between 30 and 50 years of age are susceptible. 50% of the time, fibroids is the cause behind women undergoing surgery.
How Homoeopathy Can Prevent Conditions Leading to Surgery?
More than half the population of women undergo hysterectomy because of fibroids. In worse cases, they need to get rid of the entire reproductive system including their uterus. Surgically induced menopause occurs due to the removal of the uterus which in turn gives rise to other hormonal issues and discomfort. In cases of myomectomy, recurrence of fibroids is common.
Proper diagnosis and homoeopathic treatment in the early periods of fibroid development can prevent one from undergoing major surgical procedures.
Homoeopathy medicines tend to balance the hormones, cure fibroids and reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. They are effective and natural, with no side effects and can be used even during pregnancy.
Fibroids are a major cause of hysterectomy (the removal of the uterus). Eliminating the uterus leads to surgically induced menopause. The sudden disruption in the production of hormones will cause symptoms that are more severe, more frequent and last longer compared with symptoms of natural menopause.
Myomectomy is the removal of fibroids by surgery while preserving the uterus but recurrences are often observed.
During the early onset of fibroids, homoeopathy remedies can be effective in shrinking the tumours or preventing them from growing in size. Homoeopathic medication can control the symptoms. They can reduce pain in the pelvic area and give relief from associated complications like constipation, anaemia, iron deficiency etc. Homoeopathic treatment comes without side effects. Natural ingredients are used to make homoeopathic solutions. They also improve bowel function and boosts the immune system in various ways.
Homoeopathy Medicines for fibroids
More than 50 homoeopathy remedies are available for fibroids. The ones commonly prescribed by specialists are as follows:
- Aurum Muriaticum- It helps to decrease the size of fibroids.
- Calcarea Carbonica- It treats fibroids in women who have premature menopause due to the presence of fibroids.
- Calcarea Fluorica- It helps treat fibrocystic breasts and cases of multiple fibroids. Women having joint pains and bone spurs may benefit from this medicine.
- Phosphorus – Phosphorus is best to treat symptoms of fibroids like heavy bleeding and pain. Those anaemic can use this medicine.
- Sepia- It helps reduce pelvic pain and discomfort. Larger fibroids increase the urge of urinating frequently. Women are also susceptible to having urinary tract infections and vaginal prolapse. Sepia can give positive results by improving one’s condition.
Homoeopathy Treatment Duration for fibroids
The duration of homoeopathic treatment varies from one individual to another. It depends on the size of the fibroids and the severity of the patient’s condition. Homoeopathy may not result in an absolute cure but it can treat the symptoms and provide relief. Milder cases can be cured within weeks or months. It aims to give a holistic treatment.
One should always make sure to consult a specialist before using any homoeopathic medication or product for fibroids. Licensed homoeopathic professionals should be contacted for receiving the correct treatment solution.
Popularity of Homoeopathy
According to the national health survey of 2014, more than 3% of the Indian population prefer homoeopathic treatment. Germany has one of the largest homoeopathic drug markets in the world. It is worth 640 million euros. According to a 2014 survey, 60 per cent of Germans reportedly used homoeopathy products. The homoeopathic market is worth $3 billion annually in the United States. As of 2008, Australia has spent US$7.3 million on homoeopathic medicines. The reliance on homoeopathic medicines continues to increase as people benefit from them. It is also cost-effective and natural, devoid of side effects, thus making it popular among people.
