"How Exercise Ignited My Weight Loss to Overcome Type 2 Diabetes?"

 

There I was again, sitting in my car in the parking lot of a local gym. It was a struggle to get out of the car. Not because of my excess weight at the time or some physical limitation. I simply didn’t feel like stepping foot in the gym that day, just like I didn’t feel up to working out a couple of days prior. 

A half-hour or so later, I finally walked into the gym. Hearing the clanking sounds of weights and seeing a gym full of ordinary people like me working on their health goals, was just enough inspiration to get me going. I was overweight, struggling to understand how to manage life with type 2 diabetes, and didn’t know where to begin when it came to exercise.

That was June 2021, the month I decided to get back in the gym, sweat it out, and do my best to lose weight, but for real this time.

I’m proud to say that I was able to drop over 80 pounds and come off all medications in less than a year. Today, I’m enjoying a healthier lifestyle all because I decided to continue showing up, getting out of my car, and putting in the work whether it’s in the gym, hiking, or running.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN

When you’re routinely sedentary, overweight, and struggling with type 2 diabetes and a slew of other metabolic health issues, physical activity feels very uncomfortable. Exercise is not supposed to leave you in constant pain and fatigue.

Make no mistake, when I started exercising more regularly, I would often feel pain everywhere: knees, back, neck, feet, and elbows. The joint pain was unreal. Walking flights of stairs was a challenge sometimes to the point where it felt like my knees were going to buckle at any moment. I assumed that the pain was a result of my body simply not being used to daily exercise. But it turns out that there was more to my situation: inflammation.

When inflammation occurs, it often leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected areas, making movement uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. That explains why my joints, muscles, and surrounding tissues were less flexible and hindered my ability to engage in a full range of motion during exercise. 

Regardless of what I was experiencing health-wise, I made up my mind to press past the pain and discomfort of exercising. What helped was learning that there is a correlation between inflammation and diet, which can impact exercise. 

Therefore, if you suspect that inflammation may be an issue for you as well, gain more knowledge about inflammation and its effects on physical exercise to determine the best course of action. 

YOU CAN'T OUT-EXERCISE A POOR DIET

Oftentimes, when some people think of losing weight, they either focus on what they eat or on their exercise. Healthy eating and regular exercise go hand-in-hand when it comes to developing a healthy lifestyle. I’ve found that achieving the proper balance between the two approaches is very important.

Maintaining a healthy diet is great, but by itself, may not be enough for you to lose weight and keep it off, let alone overcome type 2 diabetes. 

The same is true for exercise. You can spend hours in the gym, burning calories, but then load up on junk food and eventually destroy your progress with every meal. 

Food impacts your health, period.   

I eventually gave up the foods and drinks that were making my weight loss too difficult to achieve and maintain. From fried foods to highly processed carbs, candy, and even sugary soft drinks, I made the necessary changes to get results. Developing better eating habits made it a lot easier for me to enjoy exercising. Sticking to a daily regimen of healthy eating gave me the energy to exercise.

OVERALL BENEFITS OF EXERCISING, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE DIABETES

Remember, don’t neglect or minimize physical exercise. Why? Exercise:   

• Helps lower blood sugar
• Boosts insulin sensitivity
• Burns fat
• Shaves pounds
• Boosts energy
• Protects your heart
• Can help improve your mood
• Makes you look better 
• Builds strength, conditioning, and endurance

So here are a few tips that I learned about exercise that made a difference in my life. 

TIP NO. 1: FIND YOUR EXERCISE RHYTHM

The first step to a healthier, more active lifestyle is finding your rhythm. You don't have to follow my exact routine. Instead, discover your groove by engaging in physical activities that you genuinely enjoy. The key is long-term consistency, not a short-term plan for rapid weight loss. Having fun is crucial. If you're enjoying your workouts, you're more likely to stick with them. 

TIP NO. 2: MIX IT UP

While it may seem easy to stick to one type of exercise, such as daily treadmill walks, diversifying your routine is essential. Mixing cardio, conditioning exercises, strength training, and flexibility or mobility exercises adds excitement and engages different muscle groups. Challenge yourself to move more, move better, and move consistently. Incorporating various activities keeps your workouts interesting and ensures a well-rounded fitness regimen.

I hope my weight loss journey to overcome type 2 diabetes inspires you to reach your health goals and beat diabetes as well. Your health is your most important asset. So, let's kick diabetes in the backside and move forward on the path towards better health! 

Oscar Camejo is passionate about helping people reverse and prevent type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes. His own health journey has been truly transformative. At his heaviest, he weighed 268 pounds. He embraced clean eating and committed to daily exercise, shedding over 80 pounds. He no longer relies on diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol medications. Camejo hopes his journey inspires others facing similar challenges, emphasizing perseverance, discipline, and self-care. Camejo lives in Atlanta and has three adult children. You can reach him at his website, “Beating Diabetes Lifestyle,”  podcast, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Learn, share, and connect with others on WebMD’s Type 2 Diabetes Facebook Support Group.

The contents of the WebMD Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD Magazine and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD Magazine, WebMD Magazine employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD Magazine, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk. 

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 

"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

“Natural Cold and Flu Remedies”

 

NATURAL COLD AND FLU REMEDIES: It's no wonder these kinds of treatments are popular -- we still have no cure for colds or the flu. While the flu vaccine may prevent the flu, and some prescription medications may shorten its symptoms, most conventional medications just ease symptoms. Many natural remedies can give you short-term relief as well, and a few may help you get better. See which ones show the most promise.

ECHINACEA: This herbal supplement may boost your immune system and help fight infections. But it’s unclear whether that helps you fight off colds. Most evidence shows echinacea doesn’t help prevent a cold, but some research found it shortens symptoms by a day or two. Other studies say it has no effect. To try it, take it when you start to feel bad and continue for 7 to 10 days.

ZINC: Some studies show it may help prevent and fight viruses, like the cold. For treatment, it may help shorten their length and lessen the severity if you take it within 24 hours of the first symptoms. You should continue to take zinc for five days. For cold prevention, some studies have used zinc for up to 4 months. The FDA says not to use zinc nasal products for colds – they carry the risk of permanent loss of smell.  

VITAMIN C: Its cold-fighting powers remain uncertain. Some research suggests it can cut cold symptoms short by about a day, but an analysis of multiple studies showed that only people on daily vitamin C at minimum doses of 200 mg each day who were under extreme physical stress were significantly less likely to get a cold. Taking vitamin C only after the start of symptoms has not been shown to be helpful. 

CHICKEN SOUP: Grandma was onto something. Chicken soup may help cold symptoms in more than one way. Inhaling the steam can ease a stuffy nose. Sipping spoonful’s of it can help replace the fluids you lose. The warm, salty broth can alleviate sore throats. 

HOT TEA: It offers some of the same perks as chicken soup. Breathing in the steam relieves congestion, while swallowing the fluid soothes your throat and keeps you hydrated. Black and green teas have the added bonus of being loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants, which may help stave off colds, as well.

HOT TODDY: This adult drink is an age-old nighttime cold remedy. Since you won't want to drink black tea and all that caffeine before bed, make a cup of hot herbal tea. Add a teaspoon of honey, a small shot of whiskey or bourbon, and a squeeze of lemon. This mixture may ease congestion, soothe your throat, alleviate your cough, and help you sleep. Don’t drink alcohol if you take any medications without clearing it with your doctor first.  And limit yourself to one -- too much alcohol can interfere with your sleep.

GARLIC: It's long been known as a germ fighter. And one study showed garlic supplements may help prevent colds when taken daily. But more research needs to be done to figure out its real effects. It does have nutrients, and in food form it can also help spice up your meals when a stuffy nose makes everything taste bland.

STEAM/HUMIDIFIER: Breathing in steam can break up congestion in your nose, offering relief when it’s stuffy or runny. You can get a heavy dose from a room humidifier, fill a bowl with hot water and lean over it with a towel over your head, or simply sit in the bathroom with the door shut and a hot shower running.

SALINE IRRIGATION: Dripping or spraying saltwater into your nose can thin out the gunk and help you get rid of it. That makes you less stuffy. You can try over-the-counter nasal saline washes or make your own. If you make your own, use water that's contaminant-free. It could be distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled.  Mix 3 teaspoons of iodide-free salt with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and store in a zip lock bag or other small airtight container. Add 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 8 ounces (1 cup) of lukewarm distilled or boiled water.  Use a bulb syringe to squirt the liquid into one nostril while you hold the other one closed. Repeat 2-3 times and then do the other side. After you're done, be sure to rinse the irrigation device after each use with contaminant-free water, and let it air-dry.

NETI POT: You can use the same DIY saline solution in this gadget. It lets you flush out your nasal passages with a saltwater solution. The result is thinner mucus that drains more easily. Research suggests Neti pots can ease symptoms like congestion, pressure, and facial pain, particularly in people with ongoing (chronic) sinus troubles. The Neti solution also comes in a bottle with a nozzle that goes in your nose and generates a gentle force to flush your sinuses.

MENTHOL OINTMENT: Days of stuffy nose and congestion can leave you feeling miserable.  A simple remedy may be to dab a menthol-infused ointment under (but not in) your nose, or on your chest or throat. The menthol vapors may help relieve a cough and open clogged passages, which may help with congestion. But don’t use it on raw skin and don’t give it to children under age 2.

SALTWATER GARGLE: This may help your sore throat by decreasing throat swelling and rinsing out irritants and germs. Gargle 8 ounces of warm water with about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt four times daily to keep a scratchy throat moist.

NASAL STRIPS: You wear these strips of tape on the bridge of your nose to open the nasal passages. While they can't get rid of the stuffiness, they do create more space for airflow. That can help relieve nighttime congestion.

LET YOUR FEVER WORK: It's the original natural remedy. The rise in temperature fights colds and the flu by making your body too hot for germs to live. But if it makes you uncomfortable, it’s fine to take something to treat it. Drink plenty of liquids, too. Call your doctor right away if your temp is over 104 F or one accompanied by worrisome symptoms. For an infant who’s 3 months or younger, call your doctor for any fever of 100.4 or higher. Children with a fever of less than 102 usually don’t require treatment unless they're uncomfortable or it persists.

BED REST: Who has time to spend a day or two under the covers? But when you get plenty of rest, your body can direct more energy to fighting off germs. Staying warm is also important, so tuck yourself in and give your immune system a leg up.

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY: Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on February 18, 2021

SOURCES:

American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: "Saline Sinus Rinse Recipe."
Eccles, R. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, September 1990.
Fruits & Veggies More Matters: "Vegetable of the Month: Garlic."
Joslin, P. Advances in Therapy, July/August 2001.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "Echinacea" and "In the News: Zinc and the Common Cold."
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.
Oregon State University, The Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: "Vitamin C."
Rennard, B. Chest, October 2000.

UpToDate.com.

Shopneilmed.com.

Mayoclinic.org.

Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University: Micronutrient Information Center. 

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“Checklist for Staying Healthy”

 

KEYS TO GOOD HEALTH: You hear lots of advice from many sources about what it takes to live well and keep your body in good working order. Sorting out what that means for you could seem like an overwhelming task. Let's break it down into a few simple, easy-to-remember ways for adults to stay on a healthy path.

BECOME A FLEXITARIAN: Numerous studies have shown that a plant-based diet is healthiest, but you can still get many of the benefits even if you don't go full-on vegetarian. Following a semi-vegetarian diet that includes fewer animal products but doesn't completely cut them out may help you keep your weight in check as well as lower your chances of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease.

EXPAND YOUR PALATE'S PALETTE: Dietary guidelines recommend that half of what's on your plate at any meal be vegetables or fruits. But it's also important to mix things up. While all fruits and veggies are healthy, they don't all have the same nutrients. Give yourself the widest range of benefits by eating different-colored produce throughout the day.

LESS SUGAR, MORE WATER: It's a good idea to avoid added sugar in whatever you eat, yet soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks may be a bigger source than you realize. Some studies show that just a soft drink or two a day makes you 26% more likely to get type 2 diabetes. Sugary drinks have also been tied to heart attacks, gout, and obesity. Stay hydrated with water or, if you miss the fizz and taste, naturally flavored seltzer.

MOVE MORE, SIT LESS: That's the physical activity guidelines in a nutshell. While at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise is ideal, experts say that any movement is better than nothing. So, make it a point to stand up more often and stretch, park a bit farther from your destination for extra steps, and explore new pastimes that will help put you in motion.

GET ENOUGH REST: Sleep is often low on the list in our nonstop society, but it's a must for good health. Chronic sleep deprivation raises the odds for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and many other sicknesses. Getting your ZZZs also helps keep you safe: Driving while sleepy is just as bad as driving drunk. If you don't usually wake up feeling refreshed, try slipping into bed 15 minutes earlier every week until you do.

TAME YOUR STRESS: Everyone has stress; it's how you react to it that matters. When you often explode in anger, get stomachaches because you're nervous, or have trouble sleeping because you're anxious, it's time to make a change. Find a way to blow off steam, whether that's through exercise, meditation, or laughing with good friends. Still feeling overwhelmed? Make an appointment with a counselor or other mental health professional.

WASH YOUR HANDS: It's one of the easiest and most effective ways to avoid catching whatever contagious bugs are going around. The key is to be thorough: After you lather up with soap, scrub your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails for at least 20 seconds. That's about how long it should take you to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.

LIMIT YOUR DRINKING: It's true that moderate amounts of alcohol have been tied to some health benefits, like a lower risk of heart disease, but there are also serious downsides to drinking, such as a higher risk of cancer and liver disease. So, you shouldn't start drinking for the sake of good health. When you do have alcohol, keep it to one drink per day if you're a woman or two if you're a man.

STEER CLEAR OF SMOKE: Smoking doesn't just hurt your lungs. It harms almost every organ in your body, making you a more likely target for cancer, heart disease, and other serious illnesses. Secondhand smoke is dangerous, too, and there's no amount that's "safe." If you live with a smoker, support them in quitting or at least ask them to take it outside.

MAP YOUR FAMILY TREE OF HEALTH: A history with a disease doesn't guarantee your fate, but your genes do offer a clue about the health issues you might face. You may need to be screened more often or earlier for conditions that run in the family, especially when close relatives developed them at unusually young ages, or several family members had them. Let your doctor know about any serious ailments your parents, siblings, and children have been diagnosed with.

CHECK IN WITH YOUR DOCTOR: While there's no one-size-fits-all time frame for seeing your primary care doctor (anywhere from annually to every 3 years might be OK), don't go AWOL. Regular visits can help you catch problems early when they're easier to treat and often cure. Stay on top of tests like cholesterol checks, mammograms, and prostate cancer screenings.

USE PRESCRIPTIONS CORRECTLY: Missing doses or taking your medication at the wrong time can have serious consequences. According to the CDC, so-called "non-adherence" leads to 125,000 deaths every year. If you aren't taking your prescribed medicine because of side effects or other issues, talk to your doctor. Having trouble remembering? Put notes on your calendar or set alarm reminders on your phone or watch.

STAY UP TO DATE ON VACCINES: Grownups need shots, too. You should get a flu shot every year, but you may also be due for a tetanus booster, a shingles vaccine, or a shot to protect against pneumonia. Ask your doctor what you might be missing and when you should get it.

TAKE BABY STEPS: It's tempting to overhaul your entire lifestyle at once. But tackling too many health goals at once often backfires because change can be hard. To better your odds of getting -- and staying -- healthier, make a series of small changes and work your way up to a bigger end game. For instance, if you'd like to eat a more nutritious diet, focus on breakfast. Once you get used to that, think about how to improve your lunch menu.

REVIEWED BY: Carol DerSarkissian, MD, WebMD, on August 02, 2021

SOURCES:

Frontiers in Nutrition: "Flexitarian Diets and Health: A Review of the Evidence-Based Literature."

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020, 8th edition, US Department of Health and Human Services and US Department of Agriculture, December 2015.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: "Added Sugar in the Diet," "Soft Drinks and Disease."

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, US Department of Health and Human Services, 2018.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency."

American Psychological Association: "How stress affects your health."

CDC: "Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy," "Fact Sheets - Alcohol Use and Your Health," "Smoking and Tobacco Use: Health Effects," "Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke," "Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older, United States, 2018."

Understanding Genetics: A New York, Mid-Atlantic Guide for Patients and Health Professionals, Genetic Alliance, 2009.

Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Screening Tests for Common Diseases."

FDA: "Why You Need to Take Your Medications as Prescribed or Instructed."

Mayo Clinic: "3 Ways to Make Healthy Habits Stick," "Ask for support to achieve your health goals."

Much Love, Dr.Shermaine, #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2LiveWell #FeelFree2SignUpAndFollow

The Goal is to Always Make You Aware of What Concerns Your Body, Soul and Spirit, So You Can Have Open, Honest and Frequent Discussions With Your Physicians and Counselors. You Can’t Treat or Cure What You Don’t Know is Sick.
 
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)

"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)

The contents of the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites ("Content") are for informational purposes only. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine Sites!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.  

“What Women Need to Know About Uterine Fibroids”

WHAT ARE UTERINE FIBROIDS? Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus. Fibroids can range in number and size from a single growth to multiple growths, and from very small to large. As many as 70% to 80% of all women will have fibroids by age 50. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma or myoma.

SYMPTOMS OF FIBROIDS: PRESSURE - Fibroids may cause very mild symptoms, none at all or symptoms can be severe. In women who do feel symptoms, these uterine growths can cause:

• Pressure on the bladder or rectum
• Frequent urination
• Constipation and/or rectal pain
• Lower back and/or abdominal pain

If fibroids become very large, they can distend the stomach, making a woman look pregnant.

SYMPTOMS OF FIBROIDS: PERIOD CHANGES - Fibroids may also cause changes to a woman's period, including:

• Mild to severe cramping and pain
• Heavier bleeding, sometimes with blood clots
• Longer or more frequent menstruation
• Spotting or bleeding between periods

FIBROIDS OR ENDOMETRIOSIS? Fibroids are one cause of severe menstrual pain, but the pain also can be caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue from the inner lining of the uterus grows in other parts of the body. This tissue breaks down and bleeds during your period, causing painful scar tissue. The pain of fibroids or endometriosis also can occur between periods.

WHAT CAUSES FIBROIDS? The exact cause of fibroids is unknown. Their growth has been linked to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Studies have found that women who start their periods at a younger age are more likely to develop fibroids. Although taking female hormones is linked to fibroids, the use of birth control pills is not.

Types of Fibroids:

• Intramural fibroids, the most common, grow in the wall of the uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. As they grow larger, they can cause pain due to their size or pressure put on nearby organs.
• Submucosal fibroids grow just underneath the uterine lining and can crowd into the uterus cavity and lead to heavy bleeding and other more serious complications.
• Pedunculated fibroids grow on small stalks inside or outside the uterus. 

It's possible to have more than one type of fibroid.

WHO GETS FIBROIDS? While it's unclear why women develop fibroids, some patterns have been observed.

• They usually occur between the ages of 30 and 40.
• They are more common in black women.
• They grow more quickly and appear at a younger age in black women.
• Having a family member with fibroids increases a woman's risk.
• Being overweight or obese and having high blood pressure also may increase your risk.

COMPLICATIONS: FIBROIDS AND ANEMIA - Some women with fibroids who experience unusually heavy bleeding during their periods may become anemic. Many cases of anemia due to iron deficiency from periods are mild and can be treated with a change in diet and iron supplement pills. Untreated anemia can lead to fatigue and lethargy -- and, in severe cases, heart problems.

COMPLICATIONS: GETTING PREGNANT - Fibroids usually do not interfere with fertility and pregnancy. However, some women with fibroids experience more pregnancy complications and delivery risks. Fibroids may cause the baby to be in an abnormal position and can cause preterm labor. They may also cause pelvic pain and heavy bleeding after delivery, which may require surgery. In some instances, fibroids may block your fallopian tubes. Fibroids growing along the inner uterine wall may make it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach. 

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR? See your health care provider if you have the following fibroid symptoms:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Periods that became more painful
• Frequent urination or inability to control the flow of urine
• A change in the length of your period over three to six cycles
• New persistent pain or heaviness in lower abdomen or pelvis

DIAGNOSIS: EXAM AND IMAGING - Your doctor may feel moderate and large uterine fibroids during a routine pelvic exam. Tests, such as an ultrasound, can show information about size and location of other fibroids. For women with fibroids who are trying to get pregnant, a test called a hysterosalpingogram will show an outline of the uterus and fallopian tubes and may detect abnormalities. Other procedures to visualize the inside of the uterus or abdomen also may be needed.

TREATMENT: PAIN MEDICATION - Pain medications, such as acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve menstrual cramping.

TREATMENT: BIRTH CONTROL - Oral contraceptives manage levels of estrogen and progestin. This usually leads to lighter periods and can alleviate some of the pain associated with fibroids, such as heavy bleeding and cramping. Other hormonal birth control methods that may lessen fibroid symptoms include progestin injections or progestin-releasing IUDs.

OTHER HORMONE THEREAPIES: Drugs called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists may offer temporary symptom relief from fibroids by stopping periods and shrinking fibroids. GnRH agonists block the production of estrogen, so they can also cause bone loss, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness. Fibroids will return to their previous size once treatment ends. These may be used to shrink fibroids before fibroid removal surgery.

TREATMENT: EMBOLIZATION - For mild to moderate symptoms, uterine fibroid embolization may be a good option. A catheter is guided to the uterine artery. Tiny particles of plastic or gelatin are then released into the blood vessels that feed the fibroid, causing it to shrink over time. Embolization should not be an option for women wanting to get pregnant at some point after treatment.

TREATMENT: SURGERY - A myomectomy typically removes the largest fibroids. It is an option for women who want to still have children. A hysterectomy is when the uterus is removed. There is a small chance that what was thought to be a fibroid could instead be a cancer called uterine sarcoma. For this reason, the FDA recommends not cutting the fibroid into small sections before removing it, a process called laparoscopic morcellation. Endometrial ablation, which is good for treating smaller fibroids, destroys the lining of the uterus, so pregnancy is not possible.

TREATMENT: ULTRASOUND - Ultrasound is one way to destroy fibroids without risk of damaging the uterus. The treatment uses high-intensity ultrasound waves that kill the fibroid tissue. Most women recover quickly from this procedure and can return to regular activities within 24 hours. The long-term effects are still being studied, and it is not recommended for women who want to become pregnant.

FIBROID REMEDY: EXERCISE - Regular exercise may prevent fibroids. In one study, women who exercised seven or more hours a week had significantly fewer fibroids than women who exercised less than two hours a week. Obesity also is a risk factor for fibroids. So exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your fibroid risk.

CARE FOR ANEMIA - Women with fibroids who are not getting enough iron through diet alone may develop anemia, where the body has fewer red blood cells than normal. Symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Treatment may include eating more iron-rich foods, such as meats, poultry, fish, leafy greens, legumes, and iron-fortified breads and cereals. Your health care provider also may suggest iron supplements.

REVIEWED BY: Nivin Todd, MD on May 24, 2018

REFERENCES:

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
American Pregnancy Association.
Baird, D. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2007.
Center for Uterine Fibroids, Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Discovery Fit & Health.
Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation.
Gaskins, A.J. European Journal of Nutrition.
Merck Manual Home Health Handbook.
Myomectomy.net.
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development.
National Uterine Fibroids Foundation.
New York University Langone Medical Center, department of obstetrics and gynecology.
Skilling, J. Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional, and Sexual Well-Being.
Society of Interventional Radiology.
University of Maryland Medical Center.
University of North Carolina Fibroid Care Clinic.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
UptoDate: "Patient Information: Uterine Fibroids."
Uterine-Fibroids.org.
WomensHealth.gov: "Uterine fibroids fact sheet."
Yale School of Medicine, Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences.
FDA web site.

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