When I first found out that I had fibroids was at my first ultrasound appointment when I was three months pregnant.
The doctor told me that they were very small in size.
Fast forward four years later and they have grown to the size of a small grapefruit and an orange.
Yes, I now have fruits growing in my stomach.
Even though they protruded and made my belly look like I was a woman in her first trimester, that wasn't my main concern.
The real problem was the heavy menstrual flow.
It became so bad that on the first two days of my period I had to use 10 - 12 pads per day! Compounding this was the fact that I was already anaemic so I became quite tired all the time.
My doctor even wanted me too take some tablets to stop my periods for three months so that my body could get a higher haemoglobin level.
I refused however, since I came off the contraceptive pill 6 years ago I vowed not to take those type of medications again.
Does this sound like you? If so you are certainly not alone.
It is estimated that two out of every three women of reproductive age will develop fibroids.
For many of these women their fibroids go undetected since they are too small to cause any symptoms.
However for those women who experience such symptoms as heavy menstrual bleeding, swollen abdomen, pelvic pains and painful intercourse their fibroids are on their mind constantly.
Like many women who have reached this stage you may be cautious when surgery is suggested as an option and prefer to try a natural or herbal remedy.
Natural remedies can prevent new fibroids from growing and they can also shrink the present fibroids, ease discomfort and potentially eliminate the need for any surgery.
In order to reduce the size of your fibroids naturally you must be willing to make the necessary lifestyle changes in order to accomplish this.
Here are some things you can do at home.
Lifestyle changes Limit the amount of estrogen that enters your body.
Reducing estrogen exposure can shrink your fibroids naturally.
This includes limiting or eliminating the use of birth control pills, hormone replacement drugs, spermicides and pesticides.
A liver detox has been shown to reduce the build up of these toxins in the liver, thus helping contribute towards shrinking fibroids.
The liver is responsible for breaking down hormones so if it has to work too hard it will not function effectively.
Diet Avoid saturated fats found in meats and dairy products, alcohol and excess sugar.
Certain foods produce mucous in the body which cause fibroids to grow.
Therefore eliminate the intake of both cows milk and soy milk and use almond milk instead.
Use fish which is rich in essential fatty acids, instead of poultry and red meat.
Untreated heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to fatigue and anemia, a result of low red blood count, therefore it may be necessary to increase your intake of iron rich foods and supplements.
Use whole grains, such as brown rice, oats, millet, nuts,flax seeds, fruits and vegetables.
A multivitamin containing Vitamins A, C, and E.
Exercise Losing weight can potentially help shrink uterine fibroids naturally because excess estrogen is stored within fat cells and fibroids are more common in overweight women.
With the guidance of your physician start a diet and exercise routine.
Make it a goal to exercise at least thirty minutes daily.
Decrease stress Practice stress reduction techniques.
Stress can deplete progesterone in the body and lead to a surge of estrogen.
So what did I do you may wonder? Well Along with changes to my everyday diet I went on a herbal program specifically for fibroids.
It has been two months now and my menstrual flow has decreased considerably.
So shrinking fibroids naturally is possible however it does take discipline and patience in order to stick to your healthy lifestyle plan and attain the results you are looking for.