Glamour Magazine: Find a better birth control

Found an article on birth control in a recent copy of Glamour magazine. It covers Barrier Methods, Hormonal Methods, and Long-Term Methods of birth control with reviews from women who use them.

I have not used hormonal methods of birth control for several years. Not using the pill may have made me more susceptible to developing uterine fibriods. Read: Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids Same as Those For Endometrial Cancer, New Pill Study Finds. After my diagnosis of uterine fibriods I was put on the pill in the hopes that it would stop the bleeding. I asked and was told the the pill would not effect the size of my fibriods. I was on the pill for about six months and not only did the bleeding not stop it got worse. Also I could feel and see (as my abdomen area started to expand, like I was pregnant) my fibriods getting bigger! I have been off the pill for about 3 months now, doing my regimen, and I've seen marked improvement. I am not advocating any particular method. By not using hormonal birth control I am doing what I think is best for my body right now.

Here is another article on Birth Control Pills and Uterine Fibroids. It has a better list of hormanal birth control side effects however in regards to the pill promoting the growth of existing uterine fibriods it says this:

Birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives, control the body's estrogen and progesterone levels (progestin is a synthetic form of the body's progesterone). Even though estrogen and progestin have a role in uterine fibroid growth, birth control pills do not affect the size of fibroids. However, birth control pill use improves heavy menstrual bleeding, which can be caused by uterine fibroids.

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Feeling Good & Not So Crazy!!

It’s been about 35 days since I first wondered into the Herb Shoppe and met JJ. Since beginning my regimen, the almost constant bleeding (menorrhagia) has stopped. I’ve lost about 10 pounds. My color came back. My abdomen is no longer tight, bloated and distended. When I press on my abdomen area I can no longer feel the hard spots which I assumed were my fibroids. My face, hands and feet are no longer bloated. My teenage acne that turned in to adult acne just went away. I have treated my acne with everything from retinal, to tetracycline, to Acutane. None of which worked as well and with out negative side effects. I have more energy and can now exercise. My insatiable hunger has gone away and I eat much less and much more healthier. My cravings are manageable so it is easier for me to make healthy food choices. I am not depressed, I feel happier and more like myself. I sleep well. I am no longer constipated and I don’t have to pee every ten minutes.

When I first went into the Herb Shoppe I was on day 4 of my menstrual cycle, which means I was on the placebo/sugar pills of my birth control pack. I did not start the pill again so effectively I stopped taking the pill without any problems. My period started exactly on the 28th day of my menstrual cycle. My period was totally manageable with no large blood clots. The bleeding was nowhere close to what it was. The cramps were milder and were manageable with my cramp relief tincture. The Castor Oil Packs feel great anytime but were especially comforting when I was cramping. I take that as a good indication that my hormones are balancing out.

I feel great so far. I still want to incorporate systemic enzyme therapy into my regimen. I am doing research now and will post what I find out. I also still want to try acupuncture and message. I was thinking about Reflexology by the Mayan Message sounds interesting. One of the things that I should be doing but have not yet is Alternating Sitz Baths. According to Herbal Healing Secrets:

"Sitz bathes help to move blood into the pelvic area, which improves circulation and relives the stagnation that contributes to the development of uterine fibroids."

I haven’t because of time and space to do it. Well see maybe down the road, after my next ultra sound in a few months.

I don't feel crazy anymore for taking this holistic approach.

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The Herb Shoppe

On Thursday January 10, 2008, I went to The Herb Shoppe to get the herbs to make the uterine fibroid tea suggested in Herbal Healing Secrets For Women (page 57). While there I met J.J. the owner and a naturopath. Wow, I was impressed! JJ had all the herbs I needed and then some. As a naturopath JJ was well versed on what I need to address the other symptoms associated with uterine fibroids like Menorrhagia (excessive uterine bleeding). JJ had her own fibroid tea recipe and she combined the two recipes to make my tea. The aforementioned book also had recipes for tinctures to help with cramps and sleep, and JJ mixed these up for me too! JJ had a few recommendations. She suggested Shepherds Purse for the Menorrhagia, and Source Natural’s Natural Progesterone Cream. When I left JJ's herb shop, for the first time in months I felt in control of my life. Like maybe I had options. I can’t be certain but I may have had a small smile on my face.

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