Fibroid Tumor Symptoms - What Are Leading Symptoms Of Fibroid Tumors?

By Olinda Rola

Fibroid tumor symptoms are often blamed on other causes. Sometimes, the symptoms of fibroid tumors are not even noticed, while other times the quality of life is affected every day. Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous growths that form in the uterus. Fibroid tumors often grow in groups, and they can be as small as a pea or as large as an egg or even a grapefruit. Fibroid tumors afflict nearly 80f North American women. About 40f women will develop fibroid tumor symptoms during perimenopause, which is the age before menopause.

Here are the leading symptoms of fibroid tumors:

1. Pain - especially lower abdominal pain or pain and irritation in the bladder area. The pain can come and go or it can be somewhat constant. And pain with sexual activity can happen if the fibroid tumors grow in proximity to the vagina or become large enough to cause the vaginal walls to protrude.

2. Pressure on the bladder or lower abdomen - this pressure can result in having to urinate often. Also, you can feel a sense of urgency to urinate before you normally would expect to have to go. In rare cases, one can lose the ability to urinate.

3. Menstrual cycle problems - heavy bleeding or painful periods, sometimes bleeding between periods. Women with fibroids sometimes have periods that last 8 days or longer. If frequent or heavy bleeding occurs, the excessive blood loss can result in an anemic condition.

4. Increase in waist size and shape - even though there is no significant weight gain, your clothing no longer fits around the midsection.

5. Pressure on the rectum - the result is constipation and/or the development of hemorroids.

6. Depression, irritability - constant pain can wreak havoc with ones state of mind.

7. Infertility and pregnancy complications - a fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus if that wall is already occupied by one or more fibroids leading to miscarriage. When fibroid tumors are found near the fallopian tubes, the passage may be partially or totally blocked. This usually means that the egg cannot come down and the sperm cannot go up, so the egg and the sperm can never meet and pregnancy cannot occur. When a fertilized egg does implant in the uterine wall with a fibroid tumor located near the implantation site, the fibroid may continue to grow, demanding both space and nourishment needed by the fetus. The result may be miscarriage.

Fibroid tumor symptoms are the #1 reason women in their thirties or forties have hysterectomies in the USA each year. 1 in 4 women will have complaints serious enough to seek medical treatment for the symptoms of fibroid tumors.

Fortunately, only about 1f fibroid tumors are malignant. Physicians with patient health in mind will advise that hysterectomy should be performed only in the event of malignancy or other life-threatening condition such as heavy uncontrolled bleeding. That means far too many hysterectomies and removal of the uterus are used as a fibroid tumor symptoms treatment. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms of fibroid tumors other than the fibroid itself. Other women will have one or more of the symptoms listed above.

Why do fibroid tumors develop? There are several known factors that cause fibroid tumor growth and fibroid tumor symptoms in women. And instead of submitting to hysterectomy surgery, there are effective alternative treatments for symptoms of fibroid tumors. Learn as much as you can about this common medical condition affecting so many women today.

Copyright 2005 InfoSearch Publishing About the author:Olinda Rola is a leading authority on womens health, President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/- a popular website on womens health. For information on fibroid treatments that work, visit http://www.safemenopausesolutions.com/uterine-fibroids.htmlto learn more.

Attack of the Cancer Fighting Tomatoes

By Michael Brooks

Copyright 2005 Michael Brooks

That’s right, the colorful little fruit (yes, it’s a fruit) has been shown to pack a powerful punch against several forms of cancer. A variety of studies indicate that a diet rich in tomato based products (tomato paste, sauce, juice, soup and ketchup) can significantly reduce the risk of prostate, lung and colon cancer. Not bad for a fruit that was considered by many to be poisonous and inedible until the 19th century.

What is the Active Ingredient?

The active ingredient that makes tomatoes such a formidable opponent against cancer cells is the carotenoid called Lycopene. Lycopene is the natural red pigment found in tomatoes and tomato based products. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present.

How does Lycopene Fight Cancer?

In the body, lycopene is deposited in the liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon and skin. Its concentration in body tissues tends to be higher than all other carotenoids. Some organs, such as the testes and adrenal glands, store higher levels of lycopene than do other organs or tissues. Lycopene acts as a super antioxidant by picking up free radicals in the body. Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed these highly reactive radicals can start a chain reaction. Their primary danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components such as DNA, or the cell membrane. Cells may function poorly or die if this occurs.

Is there any Research on the Cancer fighting power of Lycopene?

Although more large-scale studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be made, current research does suggest that lycopene from various tomato products is indeed associated with the lowered risk of several types of cancers. Several published reports are listed below.

Gann et al. 1999 - Cancer Research

The study examined initial plasma caroteniods (including lycopene) of 1872 men in 1982, and then followed them for 13 years. These men were randomly assigned to a placebo group or a group to receive beta-carotene and aspirin supplementation. Of the men studied, 578 developed prostate cancer versus 1294 control subjects. Lycopene was the only antioxidant with a significantly lower average blood level in those men with cancer as compared to those without cancer. In those men not receiving the aspirin and beta carotene, plasma lycopene levels were very strongly related to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. This study concluded that increased consumption of tomato products and other lycopene-containing foods may reduce the onset of prostate cancer.

Giovannucci 1999 - Journal of the National Cancer Institute

This journal is a review of research studies available regarding cancer risk (not just prostate cancer) and intake of tomato based foods as well as blood lycopene levels. After identifying 72 studies that fit these criteria, it was found that an inverse relationship between tomato intake or blood lycopene levels and cancer risk was reported in 57 of them. Of these 57, it was found that 35 of these inverse relationships were statistically significant. It was also found that cancer protection from lycopene was strongest for prostate, colon and stomach cancers, but also appeared to have some benefit in the treatment of other cancers.

Rao et al. 1999 - Nutrition and Cancer

This study examined plasma and prostate lycopene levels in cancer patients and a control group free of cancer. Though only 12 patients were in each group, significantly lower serum and prostate lycopene levels were found in those with cancer. Levels of other carotenoid substances did not vary between the groups.

Additional Benefits

In addition to fighting cancer, the lycopene found in tomatoes has been associated with better mental activity in old age and a reduced risk of heart disease. A University of Maryland study found that tomatoes might protect the eyes by hampering macular degeneration, a cause of vision loss in older adults.

How do I get Lycopene into my body?

The best source of lycopene intake is through eating tomato-based products. This is more effective than supplementation. You will get the most lycopene through concentrates and processed products such as tomato paste, sauce, soup and canned tomatoes. Heating helps to release lycopene and adding a little light olive oil will increase absorption. Start packing your diet with more tomato based recipes and begin enjoying the cancer fighting power of the mighty tomato.

About the author:

Mike Brooks has been a life long follower and proponent of the fitness lifestyle. Through his avid research, Mr. Brooks has come to the realization that being healthy is a choice and encompasses not only proper diet but also a fitness regimen that includes the mind, body and soul. Mike Brooks is the publisher and editor-in-chief for the health information site http://www.Ultimatehealthreport.com