My fibroid has grown in size -- anyone know why?

I just want to md who suggest that I stay on lupron until menopause since Im 47 he feels that this is ok but Im really tired of looking like Im pregnant and I really want my body back.I was so happy with this choice because I was told that I need a hysto why because Im pass reproductive age so what is the point of keeping my uterus if anyone knows of a md that may have a different choice in the phila/nj areas thanks Id appreciate it Thanks

There are quite a number of reasons why it has grown. Research has shown that fibroids feed off of estrogen. Many of the foods and products we consume and use contain some sort of estrogen or chemicals that make our bodies believe it is an estrogen. It is this excess estrogen in our system that helps promote unchecked cell growth. My suggestion to you is go on a detox this can help cleanse your body from those chemicals and excess estrogens that are causing the unchecked cell growth and change your diet...start eating certified organic foods...STAY AWAY FROM SOY!!! The processed soy is an estrogen stimulant but my doctor doesn't recommend any soy (including organic soy) for anyone who has fibroids. Make sure you diet consists of a lot of fruits and vegetables (organic), poultry (organic), nuts and grains (organic). Why organic- because this means no harmful and unatural chemicals, pesticides, or antibotics are in or on them. Antibotics (the levels they put in meats and poultry) has been known to cause growths such as fibroids. If you would like some more help and want to speak with a GYN doctor who knows about natural ways to rid the body of fibroids go to www.healyourselfwithoutdrugs.com and you can contact Dr. Cynthia Goodman MD. I was once in your position...I am going through the healing process now. I wish you well in this endevor.

I too have a Fibroid - today measured at 20 weeks. Last year I did IVF and stopped it when my Endometriosis got bad. My dr said that any fertility treatment will accelerate growth of Endometriosis - maybe the Fibroid too. I

Lowengail, while we're waiting for the expert, I thought I'd see what I could find on the web for you. You might be interested to know that 30% of all women over the age of 30 have fibroids.

Here's a very good primer on fibroids from the Merck manual:

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec22/ch246/ch246a.html

Ob/gyn.net says that an indication of the need for treatment is if the fibroid reaches the size of a 12- to 14-week-old fetus (a large grapefruit). If a fibroid is deemed to be large and very rapidly growing, there is a slight (1 in 750-1,000) chance of malignancy (normal fibroids are benign).

Here's their page on fibroids:

http://www.obgyn.net/medical.asp?page=/english/pubs/features/fibroids

You mentioned that your progesterone is low; Progesterone.com actually says that fibroid tumors normally develop in the presence of too much estrogen, relative to too little progesterone. This may be something to discuss with your doctor:

http://www.progesterone.com/fibroid_tumors.html

Are you having pain or other symptoms?

I have not talked to my doctor yet. My naturopathic doc says my progesterone level is at a 3, which I know is low. I had a fibroid (I am guessing the same one) during my pregnancy a couple of years ago, but it was small and not a concern then.

Dear Lowengail, since you just found out this, were you able to discuss your question with your doctor? While the EmpowHer team seeks expert advice, here is what I know about fibroids and possible causes for faster growth: Pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and estrogen replacement therapy are among the three most common reasons why fibroids growth may be accelerated. In other words, the speed of grrowth has a close correlation to hormonal levels such as estrogen and progesterone. On the other hand, fibroids will tend to shrink after menopause, when hormones are not longer an issue. Hope this helps!

Hey Lowengail, I'm sorry to hear about your fibroid as well. We have forwarded your question to a stellar women's health expert and hope to have an answer for you in a week or so. Hang in there.

I'm sure you will read other very helpful comments about your fibroid condition, but I want to let you know that our EmpowHer team recently captured a doctor about fibroids and his videos will be up on our site very soon.

I am certain you will find Dr. McLucas' information very helpful and I know he specifically addresses why fibroids grow and shares many different surgical and drug treatments available.

Good luck!