AN AYURVEDIC REVIEW OF UTERINE FIBROIDS

Abstract

Uterine fibroidsare the most common solid benign tumours in women of reproductive age. Histologically this tumour is composed of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue, called as uterine leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma. Uterine fibroid related symptoms negatively impact physical and social activities, womens health related quality of life and work productivity.The postmenopausal incidence, although postmenopausal leiomyomas are smaller and fewer. Though uterine fibroids are non-cancerous in character they exhibit a wide range of symptoms like dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, lower backache. Ayurveda classics mention various pathological conditions that have features similar to fibroids. Owing to its muscular origin, with slow growth may be better compared to Granthi/Arbud in Garbhashaya. In the modern era of busy lifestyle, intake of junk food, lack of exercise etc had led to Agnivaishamya and Aama formation. This in turn vitiates Doshas like Kapha and Vata and Dushyas like Rasa, Raktha, Mamsa, MedasandArthava resulting in Dhatwagnimandya leading to formation of GarbhashayaGranthi.