If uterine fibroids are giving you a hard time, it is essential for you to know what to do to avoid the problem from escalating. If you are suffering from fibroids in Napa, you might be concerned about new growths developing. You may also be concerned about having to suffer from excruciating pain due to your symptoms. At Adventist Health, John H. Kirk, MD, and his team can help. While these benign tumors can best be addressed by seeking treatment, you can reduce the risk of future growth by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Working Out With Fibroids
Exercise has various benefits if you have fibroids, including improving heart and lung function, improving emotional health, and lowering the likelihood of developing deadly diseases. Remaining physically active when you have fibroids help:
- Manage hormone levels: Even though the cause of fibroids is unknown, it is known that hormone levels play a vital role in their growth. These growths tend to develop during periods when there is an increased estrogen and progesterone level, including during pregnancy. Fibroids are also known to shrink during menopause.
- Maintain a healthy BMI: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing fibroids. Your doctor recommends having a BMI of between18.5-25. Weight loss also helps reduce pelvic and back pain.
- Boost endorphins: Being physically active enhances your body’s ability to release natural painkillers (endorphins). This helps reduce menstrual cramps, synonymous with fibroids.
- Gain more energy: Heavy menstrual bleeding can make your energy levels drop significantly. In extreme cases, this can lead to anemia. Exercising can help deliver the required boost of energy.
- Improve your mood: Exercise is a natural way to enhance your moods. It is easier to manage fibroid pain when your moods are elevated.
- Potentially reduce fibroid growth: It is a fact that exercise will not help shrink or eliminate fibroids. However, this can help reduce their chances of growth and related future symptoms.
You may need to exercise caution when lifting and bending.
Best Exercise for Fibroids
It is vital for you to first discuss with your doctor what the recommended exercise regimines are. Among the exercises to be considered include:
Strength Training: Even though weight lifting can help strengthen your bones, avoid stretching your limits if you have fibroids. Weight lifting can increase blood flow in the abdomen, thus causing the fibroids to be well-fed, leading to rapid growth. Try low-impact activities that only rely on lifting your body weight.
Cardio Exercise: Your doctor recommends that the bulk of your exercises be cardiovascular activities including biking, walking, swimming, or running. This range of exercises helps in weight management, better sleep, and elevating your energy levels.
Stretching: Fibroids can enlarge your abdomen, making it hard for you to stretch or bend. You may also find it hard to do abdominal workouts, such as sit-ups. If this is your feeling, avoid positions that hurt. It is time to look for treatment to help reduce abdominal swelling and regain your flexibility.
Consult your doctor to learn how exercise can help you overcome fibroid pain.