Healing Fibroids

August 12, 2002
Also called myomas, fibromyomas, or leiomyomas, fibroids develop from a single smooth muscle cell in the uterus and vary in size and shape. They affect as many as 80 percent of women, of whom one in four will have symptoms serious enough to cause her to seek medical advice and treatment. These two practical, easy-to-read guides offer information on the different types of fibroids and the options for treating them. In Healing Fibroids, Warshowsky, a practicing obstetrician/ gynecologist and director of the Women's Program at Beth Israel Hospital's Center for Health and Healing in New York, and Oumano, a certified yoga teacher and bodywork practitioner, combine Western medicine and holistic methods to point the way to optimal health and the avoidance of surgery. After a brief look at surgical procedures and the relationship of hormones and the menstrual cycle to fibroids, they devote chapters to diet, supplements, herbal remedies, exercise, emotional healing, and the effects of environmental toxins, especially xenoestrogens. Skilling, a marketing executive and writer in New York, wrote her first book, Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional and Sexual Well-Being, when she was first diagnosed with fibroids and could find little information on the subject. She also explores the role of diet, exercise, and emotional well-being in managing fibroids. Arranged by day for the first week after diagnosis, by week for the first month, and by month for the remaining 11 months, the chapters are each divided into two sections, called "Living" and "Learning." The "Living" sections deal with issues and problems, while the "Learning" sections explain the more technical aspects of fibroids. Skilling provides practical tips, such as how to chart the growth of the fibroid and what to wear when you leave the hospital should you need surgery. Readers will find information on current research and medication, the pros and cons of various types of surgery, and hints on diet and lifestyle changes, including exercise and stress management. While both guides are useful, Skilling's arrangement is superior. Her table of contents provides good access points, and the glossary, selected resources, and list of bibliographic references are a definite plus. If you have the budget, get both; but if you have to choose, buy Skilling's. Jodith Janes, Cleveland Clinic Fdn. Lib.

Copyright 2002 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.