Understanding Fibroids: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Ayurvedic Healing Approach by Raseshwar Herbal
Fibroids: A Growing Women’s Health Concern
Uterine fibroids, medically known as leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. Though benign in nature, they can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life depending on their size, number, and location. Fibroids are most commonly seen in women between the ages of 25 and 50, particularly during the reproductive years when estrogen and progesterone levels are active. Many women live with fibroids without symptoms, while others experience severe menstrual disturbances, pelvic pain, and reproductive challenges.
Fibroids can grow within the uterine wall, project into the uterine cavity, or expand outward from the uterus. Some remain as small as a seed, while others can enlarge enough to distort the uterus. Despite their prevalence, the exact cause of fibroids remains multifactorial and complex. Understanding fibroids is not only about identifying a tumor; it is about understanding hormonal balance, lifestyle, genetic influences, and systemic health.
Causes of Fibroids
The development of uterine fibroids is influenced by hormonal, genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors. Estrogen and progesterone play a central role in stimulating the growth of fibroids. These hormones promote the thickening of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle, and fibroid tissues appear to have more hormone receptors than normal uterine cells. This heightened sensitivity may explain why fibroids enlarge during reproductive years and often shrink after menopause when hormone levels decline.
Genetic predisposition also contributes significantly. Women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them. Research suggests that certain gene mutations in uterine muscle cells can trigger abnormal growth patterns leading to fibroid formation.
Lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary habits, excessive consumption of processed foods, and high red meat intake have been linked with increased risk. Adipose tissue produces estrogen, and excess body fat can create hormonal imbalance, fostering fibroid growth. Chronic stress may also influence endocrine function, disrupting hormonal harmony.
Environmental exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, cosmetics, and pesticides may interfere with hormonal pathways, increasing susceptibility. Early onset of menstruation, vitamin D deficiency, and insulin resistance are additional risk factors that research continues to explore.
Fibroids are rarely caused by a single factor. Instead, they arise from a combination of genetic susceptibility, hormonal stimulation, inflammatory processes, and metabolic imbalance.
Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids
The symptoms of uterine fibroids vary widely depending on their size and position. Many women remain asymptomatic, discovering fibroids incidentally during routine pelvic examinations or imaging tests. However, symptomatic fibroids can disrupt daily life and reproductive health.
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is one of the most common symptoms. Women may experience cycles lasting more than seven days, passing large clots, or needing frequent pad changes. This excessive bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue, weakness, and breathlessness.
Pelvic pressure and pain occur when fibroids enlarge and press against surrounding organs. A feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, lower back pain, and discomfort during intercourse may arise. When fibroids press against the bladder, frequent urination becomes common. If pressure affects the rectum, constipation may develop.
Reproductive complications include infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or difficulty in implantation depending on fibroid location. Submucosal fibroids, which distort the uterine cavity, are particularly associated with fertility issues.
Abdominal enlargement resembling early pregnancy may occur in cases of large fibroids. Emotional distress and reduced quality of life often accompany chronic symptoms, especially when bleeding and pain persist for years.
Diagnostic Methods for Fibroids
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management. A gynecological pelvic examination is often the first step, during which a physician may detect irregular enlargement of the uterus.
Ultrasound imaging remains the most common diagnostic tool. Transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound can identify the number, size, and location of fibroids. It is non-invasive, widely accessible, and reliable.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed imaging for complex cases, especially when surgical planning is required. MRI helps differentiate fibroids from other uterine growths and maps precise anatomical positioning.
Hysteroscopy involves inserting a thin camera through the cervix to visualize the uterine cavity. This technique is particularly useful for detecting submucosal fibroids.
In some cases, saline infusion sonography enhances imaging clarity by expanding the uterine cavity. Blood tests may be conducted to evaluate anemia or hormonal status.
Proper diagnosis does not only confirm the presence of fibroids; it guides individualized treatment decisions based on severity, age, fertility goals, and overall health.
Fibroids – Ayurvedic View
In Ayurveda, uterine fibroids can be correlated with “Garbhashaya Granthi,” a condition involving abnormal growths within the uterus. Ayurveda does not view fibroids as isolated tumors but as manifestations of systemic imbalance, primarily involving Vata and Kapha dosha along with Rakta and Mamsa dhatu disturbances.
Kapha dosha, associated with growth and accumulation, plays a significant role in abnormal tissue proliferation. When Kapha becomes aggravated due to heavy diet, sedentary lifestyle, or metabolic sluggishness, it contributes to mass formation. Vata dosha, when disturbed, affects normal cellular movement and can localize the growth in the uterus.
Ama, or metabolic toxins, is another key factor. Improper digestion and accumulation of toxins obstruct microchannels in the reproductive system, leading to granthi formation. Hormonal imbalance in modern terms is interpreted as Agni disturbance and doshic vitiation.
Ayurveda emphasizes correcting root causes rather than suppressing symptoms. Detoxification, dosha balancing, uterine toning herbs, and lifestyle modifications form the cornerstone of management. Panchakarma therapies may be recommended in suitable individuals to purify the system and restore hormonal equilibrium.
Herbal Remedies for Fibroids
Ayurvedic herbal management focuses on reducing excessive growth, balancing hormones, improving circulation, and detoxifying the reproductive system. Herbs are selected based on individual constitution and severity.
Kanchanar is traditionally renowned for resolving glandular swellings and abnormal growths. It supports lymphatic drainage and reduces Kapha accumulation.
Ashoka is considered a premier uterine tonic that regulates menstrual cycles and reduces heavy bleeding. It strengthens uterine tissues and balances Pitta.
Lodhra helps control excessive bleeding and supports endometrial health. Its astringent properties contribute to stabilizing menstrual flow.
Shatavari nourishes female reproductive tissues and balances hormones naturally. It enhances uterine resilience and supports fertility.
Turmeric, with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, assists in reducing inflammatory processes linked to fibroid growth.
Triphala aids detoxification and improves digestion, addressing the root cause of Ama accumulation.
Punarnava supports fluid metabolism and reduces swelling. Guggulu formulations are often used to address abnormal growth and metabolic imbalance.
Herbal therapy must be guided by qualified practitioners to ensure proper dosage, duration, and suitability.
Conclusion
Uterine fibroids are common yet deeply impactful conditions affecting women’s physical, emotional, and reproductive health. While modern medicine offers diagnostic precision and surgical solutions when necessary, Ayurveda provides a holistic framework that addresses root causes, hormonal balance, metabolic health, and systemic detoxification. An integrative approach combining lifestyle correction, nutritional balance, stress management, and herbal support offers long-term stability. Early awareness, timely diagnosis, and personalized care empower women to manage fibroids effectively and maintain reproductive wellness.