The treatment for uterine fibroids with medication often comes with unpleasant side effects such as nausea, headache, diarrhea, and even weight gain, and can also decrease a woman’s sex drive. However, the new treatment options according to experts is the use of  a chemical in the marijuana plant called cannabidiol (CBD). This has been found to help ease fibroids by reducing the size of the uterine tumors. This article will explore how CBD oil is used to treat fibroids. 

What are fibroid ?

Fibroids in the uterus are tumors that develop in or on the walls of the uterus. They are common and not typically cancerous.

Fibroids in the uterus, or uterine fibroids, are the most common noncancerous, or benign, tumors in people of childbearing age.

According to the Office on Women’s Health, up to 80 percent of women have them by the age of 50. However, many people have fibroids with no symptoms, whereas others experience pain, bleeding, or both

Fibroids are also known by the following names:

• leiomyomas
• myomas
• uterine myomas
• fibromas

What are the different types of fibroids?

The type of fibroid a woman develops depends on its location in or on the uterus

• Intramural fibroids

Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid. These types appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow larger and can stretch your womb.

• Subserosal fibroids

Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called the serosa. They may grow large enough to make your womb appear bigger on one side.

• Pedunculated fibroids

Subserosal tumors can develop a stem, a slender base that supports the tumor. When they do, they’re known as pedunculated fibroids.

• Submucosal fibroids

These types of tumors develop in the middle muscle layer, or myometrium, of your uterus. Submucosal tumors aren’t as common as the other types.

What causes fibroids?

It’s unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation.

• Hormones : Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroids.
• Family history : Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.
• Pregnancy : Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you’re pregnant.

Symptoms of fibroids

Most fibroids do not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some can cause significant discomfort.The symptoms of uterine fibroids can include:

• heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, which can lead to anemia
• painful periods
• lower backache or leg pain
• constipation
• discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, especially in the case of large fibroids
• frequent urination
• pain during sexual activity, also known as dyspareunia.
• Some people may have fertility problems associated with fibroids.
• Fibroids may cause problems during pregnancy and labor, and they increase the chance of needing a cesarean delivery.

Some sources suggest that removing fibroids can improve the rates of conception and live births, though there has been some controversy around this. More research is necessary.

If fibroids are large, there may also be weight gain and swelling in the lower abdomen.

What is CBD?

CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It’s one of more than 120 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. The second most abundant of the cannabinoids, CBD is responsible for pot’s healing properties.

Most CBD comes from hemp plants that contain high concentrations of CBD and very little THC.

THC and CBD are both cannabinoids, but they have very different effects on the human body. THC is psychoactive and causes the “high” associated with marijuana use. CBD does not have any psychoactive effects and is not addictive.

CBD has been shown to help with a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, seizures, and more.

How to use CBD oil for fibroid treatment

It is possible to utilize CBD oil topically, orally, or inhaled form to treat a variety of illnesses. Some of the ways you can use CBD oil for fibroids include:

1. Use CBD suppositories:

If you can deal with a little mess, try using CBD suppositories. They are designed to deliver the full medical benefits of CBD oil to your body in a very targeted way. Since they go directly where the pain is, you’ll get fast relief that lasts for hours. They’re also great if you have a cold or allergies and want to avoid taking pills or eating something that may not agree with you.

2. Try a topical rub: 

If you don’t want to take anything orally or if you’re experiencing pain in a specific area, try using a topical CBD rub. It will be absorbed through your skin and provide localized relief.

3. Vape CBD oil:

If you need quick pain relief, vaping CBD oil is a great option. The effects are almost immediate, and it can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain.

4. Choose an oil:

CBD oils come in different strengths and consist of CBD in a carrier oil – normally hemp seed or coconut oil (MCT). The effects last 6-8 hours so this is the best method for 24 hour relief.

5. Take edibles:

Edibles can take a little longer to work than other methods, but they are an excellent option if you’re looking for relief that lasts.

Side Effects of using CBD oil for fibroids

In general, using CBD oil to treat fibroid discomfort is a highly safe option. The most often reported side effects are listed below:

• Mouth dry
• Diarrhea
• Diminished appetite
• Drowsiness

Additionally, CBD oil may interact with other medicines you’re taking. If you are on any other prescription or OTC drugs, be sure to consult your doctor before using CBD oil.

Benefits CBD oil use for fibroids pain alleviation

With no damage or negative effects, CBD oil treats areas afflicted by fibroids by reducing pain, reducing inflammation, and relaxing muscles.

Contrary to prescription medicines, which can be hazardous if used repeatedly, CBD is not addictive. For individuals trying to find relief from the pain and discomfort that accompany fibroids, it is a fantastic alternative. If you presently use opioids for pain treatment, it can also be a fantastic strategy to cut back on or completely eliminate them from your regimen.

Therefore, CBD might be the best choice for you if you’re searching for a more natural way to assist ease your fibroid-related pain.

Uterine Fibroid Prevention

Fibroids can’t be prevented, but there is some research that suggests certain lifestyle habits can reduce your chances.

One study found that high-sugar diets may be linked to a higher risk in some women. Another study found that eating fresh fruits and cruciferous vegetables like arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, and turnip greens could lower your odds. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, folate, vitamins C, E, and K, and other minerals. They’re also full of fiber.

Regular exercise also can lower your chances of uterine fibroids

Other medications fibroid

• Oriahnn, a combination of elagolix (a GnRH antagonist), estrogen and progestin, this is the first FDA-approved non-surgical, oral medication option for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding. Taking the medication can reduce the bleeding by an average of 50 percent..
• Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists that put you in a temporary menopause state by blocking estrogen and progesterone. This may shrink your fibroids. Your doctor may choose this option before you have surgery.
• A progestin-releasing intrauterine device (IUD) inserted into your uterus can help control heavy bleeding. It also prevents pregnancy.
• Tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron, Lysteda) is a medication that doesn’t involve hormones. You take it on days you’re bleeding heavily to slow your flow.

Surgery. If you have moderate or severe symptoms, you may need surgery for relief. Options include:

• Myomectomy. This surgery takes out fibroids while trying to leave healthy tissue alone. This might be your best option if you hope to become pregnant in the future. There are multiple ways to do a myomectomy, from major abdominal surgery to laparoscopy.
• Endometrial ablation. A surgeon uses either laser, wire loops, boiling water, electric current, microwaves, or freezing to remove or destroy the lining of your uterus. You may be able to have this minor surgery as an outpatient. Typically, you’ll stop having periods after it, and you will no longer be able to get pregnant.
• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), or uterine artery embolization (UAE). In this procedure, a doctor blocks the flow of blood to your fibroids by inserting gel or plastic particles into the nearby blood vessels. This makes the fibroids shrink.
• Hysterectomy. This surgery removes your uterus completely. This is the only way to cure fibroids entirely. It’s a major surgery, but your doctor has options for how to do it, including cutting through the abdomen or even laparoscopy.