Uterine fibroids are hard benign tumors of the smooth muscle of the uterus, particularly in women between the ages of 35 and 45. They can protrude into the uterine cavity, be located within the wall of the uterus or protrude into the abdominal cavity. Often fibroids cause little or no symptoms; however, as they grow they may cause excess bleeding, cramping and pain in surrounding organs. Traditional medicine often treats fibroids with hysterectomy; however, you can shrink and even eliminate fibroids with gentle natural nutrition and chiropractic care.


Symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
• Abnormal menses - often very heavy bleeding and/or bleeding between menstrual periods
• Severe pressure or pain
• Urinary or bowel complaints - sensations of pressure or incontinence.
• Recurrent miscarriages
• Infertility
Naturopathic Treatment of Fibroids
There are a couple of popular theories as to why fibroids develop:
1. Fibroids are the result of an excess of estrogen, excess xenoestrogens, and/or unopposed or imbalanced estrogen relative to progesterone.
2. Fibroids are a response to excessive inflammatory processes in the body.
Our Nutritional treatments are aimed at:
1. Helping with liver detoxification of excess estrogen or estrogen-like compounds known as xenoestrogens using supplements that aid liver breakdown of these substances so that the body can excrete them.
2. Improving progesterone production using herbal medicine and nutrition.
3. Reducing inflammation through proper diet, exercise and anti-inflammatory herbs.


Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic helps to regulate the nervous and to restore normal function of joints, muscles, tissues, and organs. Chiropractic care plays an important restorative role and nutrition plays an important supportive role for other lifestyle modification strategies for fibroids.
Testimonial
Janet R. tells her story. I am so thankful that I found Dr. Shapero after all the trouble and frustration that I have had over the years. I have been having lower back pain for some time now and wondered if it could be related to uterine fibroids. Here is how my story unfolds.

I have had two children and after my most recent pregnancy over 2 years ago, the my lower back on the left began to have a lot of pain. During my pregnancy, a uterine fibroid had caused a lot of pain. The medical doctor said it may have been exacerbated. The OB/GYN indicated that typically it would degenerate and should cause me no more problems after the pregnancy and not to be too concerned about it.

It has been uncomfortable and very frustrating as now it is going on close to three years & the back pain has only gotten worse. I have consulted and treated with many medical doctors & specialists, including laboratory tests, MRIs, I have been to physical therapy, massage therapy, nutritional therapist, in addition I have taken the suggested supplements, bought a gym membership and used the tread mill, walked, did home exercises to strengthen my core, tried to lift correctly and stopped picking up my little girl so much, but still I am in awful pain. I am not overweight; I eat a healthy diet, and only wear good flats or tennis shoes everyday for my back.

The doctors’ have said that I do not have any spinal problems and the problem is "just" muscular. My most recent MRI was about 1 year ago. I have been doing my best to cope with the pain by taking over the counter pain medication and only resorting to prescription pain killers and anti-inflammatory meds if I need.
After quite a bit of resistance I went to see Dr. Shapero at the encouragement of a friend. I was not too thrilled to see another doctor and have been to chiropractors in the past. I honestly do not know what compelled me to make the appointment. Although I was not sleeping well which interfered with my ability to be productive during the day I knew there must be some solution. I am glad I did. Dr. Shapero is not like other doctors. In fact he called himself a wellness doctor. I must admit the experience I had on the very first visit was not like any other office I had attended.
The examination I had was very complete and he used testing equipment that I had not seen anywhere else. I was at the height of my skepticism but I followed through for a few visits. Initially I got some minor relief, and it was enough to help me sleep a little bit better. Although the heavy bleeding, severe cramping, and clotting continued I was actually feeling better.
After about two weeks I noticed that I was not taking the medications. It took a couple of months and I started to feel like a normal person. After about 3 ½ months I had another ultrasound and was shocked at the fact that the fibroids seemed to be shrinking. I was not convinced and thought the test was incorrect, so after another two months I had another and was amazed that it certainly was less than one-fourth the size. That is when I nearly cried tears of joy. I am now a firm advocate of Dr. Shapero and would certainly recommend him.

A few home therapy recommendations
1. Take Chasteberry tincture daily, a common natural medicine used in the treatment of uterine fibroids and other conditions of the female reproductive organs. Chasteberry can shrink small fibroids in as little as two months; however best results are seen over long-term use. The dosage can very from a 200-300 mgs. to as much as 2000 mgs. a day.
2. Soak a clean washcloth in warm castor oil and apply it to your belly at least 3 times a week. Castor oil compresses should be applied for 30 to 60 minutes at a time, so reapply warm oil to the cloth every 10 minutes or so. The warmth of the compress will help to relieve your painful symptoms, while castor oil is thought to help shrink fibroids.
3. Enjoy a hot sitz bath as often as possible to help eliminate swelling and painful symptoms of uterine fibroids. You may add essential oils or sea salts to your sitz bath for an increased healing and relaxing effect. Useful oils may include lavender, chamomile and rosemary.


Over the years Dr. Shapero has seen many case studies of female patients with uterine fibroids (leiomyomas), and related symptoms such as profuse menstrual bleeding and benign breast cysts. The efficacy of a chiropractic treatment known as the "total mesenteric apron" in treating these conditions was shown to be successful. The symptoms of each of these patients either completely disappeared or were greatly improved using this treatment together with specific chiropractic adjustments. If you or someone you know suffers from this or other female problems Call Dr. Shapero.