The following steps give you a practical guide for self-manage your symptoms while waiting for a decision on a suitable treatment
Oestrogen containing medication If you take this type of medication, discuss with your doctor about stopping it because there are evidence suggesting that oestrogen can make fibroids to grow.
It is advisable to avoid hormone containing food such as processed foods, non-organic eggs, meat and dairy products.
Heavy periods
Wear both sanitary pad and a tampon or double up the pads - one further forward on the underwear and one further back so there is a double thickness in the centre.
You may consider using maternity pads.
You may want to discuss with your doctor the option to have a coil fitted or get prescribed Norethisterone tablet for controlling the heavy bleeding.
Period pain and cramp
You can buy ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain relief. Speak to your pharmacist, if you need something stronger like co-codamol, Feminax or Feminax Ultra (naproxen).
Also, use a hot water bottle or some heat pads.
Anaemia
When you loose a lot of blood due to heavy period, you may end up being anaemic. The symptoms of anaemia include dizziness, very tired and shortness of breath.
You can ask your doctor for a blood test to check you iron level (Hb - haemoglobin).
Consider eating iron-rich food such as liver, lean meat, dried beans, nuts and seeds, green-leaf vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, cabbages), peaches and mango.
Speak to your pharmacist about iron supplements.
Oral iron supplement is best taken after food with a glass of orange juice because vitamin C increases the absorption of iron into the blood.
Avoid drinking tea after a meal or after taking iron because tea reduces the absorption of iron from the gut.
When your haemoglobin level is too low, your doctor may refer you to the haematologist for a rapid program to correct it. This may involve
you receiving iron from a drip.
Urinary frequency
Consider using incontinent pads such as Tina Lady. Also, take note on when and how much you drink. Avoid drinking in the evening so that you don't have to get up in the middle of the night to go toilet.
Constipation
Best thing is to eat high fibre food. You may consider Fybogel or Regulan for long-term use but you must drink plenty of water with it.
Painful sex
The main reasons for painful sex are:
Your partner is pressing down on your abdomen.
Fibroid is in a position being pressed on during intercourse.
Try various sexual positions to find a more suitable comfortable position.
Author:Dr Nicki On, PhD, MRPharmS. The information on this page has been peer-reviewed by Dr Rajesh Varma, MA, PhD, MRCOG. Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 7EH, UK.
DISCLAIMER
This website provides primarily information which is intended for educational purpose only.
All contents within British Fibroid Trust should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or gynaecologist or any other health care professional.
Medical decisions must be made in consultation with a qualified gynaecologist or specialist based on a complete medical history, physical examination and diagnostic results.
British Fibroid Trust is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of our website.
The British Fibroid Trust is not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advertised on any of the external sites. Always consult your own doctor if you're in any way concerned about your health.
This page was last modified on Monday 1 February 2021 11:57 am.
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