Uterine Fibroids

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• Definition
• Introduction
• Signs & Symptoms
• Research Summary

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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Uterine Fibroids" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Uterine Fibroids" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Uterine Fibroids" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2025 in the journal Phytomedicine found that Combining Chinese herbal medicines with high-intensity focused ultrasound improves the clinical effectiveness in treating uterine fibroids. Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials, in English and Chinese databases until May 2024, to assess the combined effects of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) on uterine fibroids. The quality of these studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool, and the results were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. The primary outcomes considered were changes in fibroid volume and clinical effectiveness, while secondary outcomes included changes in uterus volume, Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome scores, recurrence rates, and adverse reactions. The study found that the combination of CHMs and HIFU had a greater impact on reducing uterine fibroid volumes and had a higher clinical efficacy rate than HIFU therapy alone. A total of 26 single herbs and 93 commonly used herbal combinations were identified. The most frequently used herbs were: Curcumae Rhizoma, Sparganii Rhizoma, Astragalus membranaceus, Poria cocos, Paeonia suffruticosa, and Trionyx sinensis. Furthermore, the study proposed a dual-phase mechanism through which core CHMs might enhance the effectiveness of HIFU. This mechanic involves promoting apoptosis during thermal ablation and modulating fibrotic and proliferation signaling pathways in the post-ablation phase.

A Systematic Review published in 2025 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Combining Shugan Sanjie Decoction with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate appears to be a compelling treatment option for uterine fibroids, improving clinical effectiveness and hormone regulation. The research employed a systematic search of eight digital medical databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trials evaluated the use of Shugan Sanjie Decoction in combination with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate for treating uterine fibroids. The selected RCTs made direct comparisons between Shugan Sanjie Decoction combined with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate and the use of Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate on their own with primary outcome being the Clinical Effective Rate. Secondary outcomes considered were uterine fibroid volume, uterine volume, serum sex hormone levels, and Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Scores. Analysis of data from twelve RCTs with a total of 952 participants was carried out. The meta-analysis revealed that the combined use of Shugan Sanjie Decoction with either Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate markedly improved the total effective rate of treatment for uterine fibroids compared with using Mifepristone or Leuprolide acetate singly. This combined treatment option was observed to be more effective and was associated with improved sex hormone modulation. Despite some limitations regarding study quality and heterogeneity of the trials, these findings illuminate a potentially beneficial treatment option for uterine fibroids.

A Clinical Study published in 2024 in the journal Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare found that The application of traditional Chinese medicine nursing plans improves early gastrointestinal function recovery and alleviates negative emotions in uterine fibroid patients post-high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment. A non-synchronous control study was conducted on 110 uterine fibroid patients who underwent high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment from January to December 2023 at a Grade-III obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Shanghai. The patients, conveniently sampled, were divided into two groups; the control group received conventional nursing care, while the experimental group was treated with a traditional Chinese medicine nursing plan aimed specifically at gastrointestinal function recovery following their ultrasound treatment. The experiment found out that the experimental group had a better gastrointestinal function recovery time, comfort status scale, anxiety self-rating scale, depression self-rating scale, and nursing service satisfaction scale when compared to the control group. It was concluded that traditional Chinese medicine nursing programs not only assist in early gastrointestinal function recovery in such patients but also alleviate their negative emotions, hence improving their overall clinical nursing satisfaction.

A Systematic Review published in 2024 in the journal Frontiers in Oncology found that Acupuncture, in conjunction with Chinese herbs, enhances the treatment of uterine fibroids over the use of Chinese herbs alone. Methodology: A comprehensive literature search across eight databases was undertaken to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated the combined clinical efficacy of acupuncture and Chinese herbs, versus Chinese herbs alone, in treating uterine fibroids. These trials were then subjected to data extraction and analysis to evaluate their methodological quality and potential biases. Discussion of results: A total of nine trials, involving 640 women, were included in this study. The combined analysis of these trials suggested that using acupuncture alongside Chinese herbs had a significantly punctuated effect on uterine fibroids treatment. This enhanced efficacy included a reduction in uterine size, lower hormone levels, and an improvement in the quality of life of patients, demonstrating a more pronounced therapeutic outcome than treatment with Chinese herbs alone.

A Systematic Review published in 2024 in the journal Health Care for Women International found that Traditional medicines, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Yoga, Cupping Therapy, and Acupuncture, show potential in managing uterine fibroids effectively without significant side effects. This review was conducted using data from various credible sources, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, as well as a bibliometric analysis using Dimension AI. It involved an in-depth examination of 21 case studies across a wide range of traditional medicine branches, namely Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Yoga, Cupping Therapy, and Acupuncture. The discussion of results revealed promising outcomes. Traditional medicine interventions reportedly not only reduced the size of uterine fibroids but also provided relief from associated symptoms. And all of this was achieved without incurring any significant side effects. The review strongly suggests the potential of integrating traditional medicine into healthcare for managing uterine fibroids, which could thereby enhance patient outcomes and reduce costs.

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal Frontiers in Medicine found that Acupuncture proves to be a safe and effective method to treat Uterine Fibroids, reducing their volume and improving symptoms, without affecting estrogen levels. The methodology of this paper entailed a review and meta-analysis of 1,035 trials, 11 of which were included in this discussion, using the PRISMA 2020 checklist. The trials were extracted from six databases until May 2023 and their quality was assessed utilizing a risk of bias 2.0 scale. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software, with data synthesized using the random-effects model due to high heterogeneity among study results. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were utilized as necessary. The discussion of results indicates a high degree of heterogeneity in acupuncture scheme design and fibroid-related symptoms among the trials. All 11 trials reported types of acupuncture, with traditional acupuncture and electroacupuncture being the most common. A qualitative review of the evidence showed that acupuncture has no serious adverse reaction on uterine fibroids. The overall meta-analysis demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing uterine fibroid volume and symptom score, enhancing treatment efficiency and not affecting estrogen levels.

A Network Pharmacology published in 2023 in the journal F&S Science found that Combining Crila with green tea extract (EGCG) has been found to synergistically hinder the growth of human uterine fibroid cells. In the methodological process, human uterine leiomyoma (HuLM) cells were treated with varying concentrations of Crila, either alone or combined with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), employing various tests. Prominently, assays were performed to examine cell proliferation, with additional analyses conducted to measure protein and gene expressions of proliferation markers. The interaction of Crila and EGCG resulted in a notable reduction in HuLM cell viability, showing an increased inhibitory effect over singular treatments. This decrease in cell proliferation is attributed to a synergistic efficacy derived from using Crila and EGCG in combination. It was notably characterised by the reduced presence of the proliferation marker, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, both at the messenger RNA and protein levels. It was observed that the process does not induce cell apoptosis, implying that the cell viability reduction is primarily due to decreased cell proliferation.

A Review Article published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that Green tea helps alleviate symptoms in multiple benign gynecological disorders, primarily due to a compound called Epigallocatechin-3-gallate. The paper reviews the role of the compound Epigallocatechin-3-gallate found in green tea, and its effects on various benign gynecological conditions. The compound is noted for its antioxidant and prooxidant qualities, allowing it to interact with multiple cellular pathways that are crucial for disease pathogenesis. The studied conditions include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, dysmenorrhea, adenomyosis, menopause, and polycystic ovary syndrome. The research accounts for the specific mechanisms through which the compound might affect each condition, such as anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. The results suggest that green tea consumption can lead to improved symptom management in these disorders. It was found to lessen the intensity of symptoms associated with uterine fibroids and endometriosis, by invoking anti-fibrotic, anti-angiogenic, and pro-apoptotic mechanisms. It also helped manage pain linked with dysmenorrhea and adenomyosis through reducing uterine contractility and widely felt pain. Additionally, it showed efficacy in weight and osteoporosis control during menopause, and showed potential benefits in managing polycystic ovary syndrome. However, claims regarding its influence on fertility were deemed controversial.

A Systematic Review published in 2023 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that The combination of Guizhi Fuling Capsule with low-dose mifepristone is more effective and safe in the treatment of uterine fibroids. This study summarises the findings from twenty-eight randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 2813 patients, focusing on the efficacy and safety of Guizhi Fuling Capsule combined with low-dose mifepristone in treating uterine fibroids. The trials were identified through a comprehensive search of eight literature databases and two clinical trial registries, followed by a data analysis using several software tools. The results indicate that this combination yielded a significant reduction in follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, uterine fibroids' volume, uterine volume, and menstrual flow. Furthermore, it increased the clinical efficiency rate. Compared to low-dose mifepristone alone, the combination did not significantly increase the incidence of adverse drug reactions, indicating its relative safety.

A Cohort Study published in 2023 in the journal Nutrients found that Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a green tea component, showed potential in treating uterine fibroids and associated infertility without causing liver toxicity or folate deficiency. The study involved the pre-testing of a green tea substance known as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on a cohort of premenopausal women, aged 18 to 40, with and without uterine fibroids, in order to evaluate its safety. The subjects were randomized into three groups, each receiving different treatments. One group took just a daily dose of 800 mg of EGCG, one group combined this EGCG dose with 100 mg of Clomiphene citrate for five days, and the third group combined it with 5 mg of Letrozole for the same period. The results showed that none of the subjects displayed signs of drug-induced liver injury, and all had normal serum folate levels. Hence, the findings suggest that the daily intake of 800mg of EGCG, whether consumed alone or in combination with Clomiphene citrate or Letrozole for five days, is well-tolerated and not related to any liver toxicity or folate deficiency in women of reproductive age.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal International Journal of Health Sciences found that Green tea extract, specifically epigallocatechin gallate, can inhibit tumor growth and enhance the quality of life in women suffering from uterine fibroids. A total of 75 reproductive-age women with symptomatic uterine fibroids were included in a prospective, randomized control trial. The selection of participants for either group, those receiving 900 mg of green tea extract or those receiving symptomatic treatment, was done via a random, blind method using sealed envelopes. This trial took place over a span of 4 months and the overall study lasted around 3 years. The results of the study showcased the potency of green tea extract, particularly EGCG, with special regard to its anticancer properties. These manifested as anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antioxidant effects. It was found that the administration of EGCG managed to influence tumor growth pathways, indicating its efficacy in dealing with uterine fibroids. Moreover, another significant progression was observed in the quality of life for the women partaking in this trial. It was confirmed that the use of EGCG could bring about an overall improvement in the living conditions of these women, contributing towards a better, healthier life amidst the struggle with their condition.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2022 in the journal Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that The herbal formula Guizhi Fuling Wan safely reduces uterine fibroid-related symptoms and fibroid volume at both low and conventional doses. This double-blind, dosage-controlled trial performed in an outpatient clinic of traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong centered on women who had been diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids according to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, with each group prescribed either a low or conventional daily dose of a modified version of the herbal formula Guizhi Fuling Wan for a span of 16 weeks. A comparison of the two groups revealed no significant differences in perceived symptom severity, quality of life, menstrual bleeding, pain severity, changes in fibroid volume, hemoglobin levels, or hormone levels by the end of the trial period. However, significant improvements were noted within both groups in relation to their baseline measurements in these areas. It was of particular note that the group receiving the lower dose of the herbal supplement reported a greater improvement in their traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score. There were no severe side effects reported in association with the blend.

A Clinical Study published in 2021 in the journal Gynecological Endocrinology found that Simultaneous administration of vitamin D and Epigallocatechin gallate significantly reduces the size of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women, and decreases menstrual flow duration. In this study, 16 premenopausal women with uterine fibroids of varying sizes aged over 40 years old were given doses of Epigallocatechin gallate, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin D daily for 90 days. The women were selected based on specific criteria including their fibroid size and lack of other causes for abnormal uterine bleeding. Each woman kept a detailed daily diary recording details about their bleeding and pelvic pain. The analysis of the data revealed that there was a noteworthy decrease in both the average size of fibroids for each woman and the size of individual fibroids. This effect was especially pronounced in women with predominantly intramural fibroids in comparison to subserosal fibroids. While menstrual cycle duration and intensity did not change, the length of menstrual flow was decreased. Uterine and ovarian volume as well as endometrial thickness did not exhibit any significant changes. The treatment was generally highly satisfactory to the participants, with no adverse effects reported.

A Experimental Study published in 2019 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan can potentially reduce and induce apoptosis in uterine leiomyomas cells. In the study, human uterine myoma cells (hUtMCs) were collected from patients who had undergone surgery for this condition. The viability of these cells was tested when exposed to various doses of Gyejibongnyeong-hwan (GBH). Determination of adequate concentration for the treatment was also performed, ensuring that it did not affect normal cells adversely. Western blotting was employed to identify the expression levels of certain proteins that indicate cellular apoptosis, while the levels of reactive oxygen species were evaluated through fluorescence microscopy. Finally, the researchers looked into the time-dependent anti-neoplastic effect of GBH in order to establish an appropriate treatment duration under a non-harmful concentration of the medication. The results showed that Gyejibongnyeong-hwan (GBH) drastically reduced the viability and number of hUtMCs within 48 hours in a dose-dependent manner. It was identified that the ratio of certain proteins and the expression of other apoptosis-related ones increased, suggesting that GBH induced cellular self-destruction in uterine leiomyomas. Moreover, it was shown that GBH noticeably increased the mitochondrial concentration of reactive oxygen species. Conversely, by using certain inhibitors along with GBH, the apoptotic effect mediated by GBH was mitigated. This evidence suggests that GBH could potentially trigger apoptosis of leiomyomas and hence, presents a promising therapeutic agent in managing uterine leiomyomas.

A Systematic Review published in 2014 in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that Guizhi Fuling formula shows potential in treating uterine fibroids. This comprehensive review analyzed 21 trials (including three meta-analyses and eight individual trials) regarding the effectiveness of Guizhi Fuling Formula combined with mifepristone in treating uterine fibroids. The results indicated potential benefits in reducing fibroid volume and uterine size compared to mifepristone alone. However, the overall methodological quality of the included trials was deemed poor, with issues such as unclear randomization procedures and lack of blinding. Further high-quality clinical trials with larger sample sizes are recommended to provide more conclusive evidence on the efficacy of this treatment approach for uterine fibroids.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2013 in the journal International Journal of Women's Health found that Green tea extract has shown promising results in reducing uterine fibroid volume, fibroid-related symptoms, and improving quality of life in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. The research examined the effect of green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG) on uterine fibroid (UF) management. In this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study, 39 women aged 18-50 presenting with symptomatic UF were enlisted. Participants were confirmed as eligible through transvaginal ultrasonography that showed at least one 2cm³ or larger fibroid lesion. They were split into two groups: the focus group took a daily oral intake of 800 mg of green tea extract, while the control group followed the same regimen with 800 mg of brown rice (placebo). The experiment period ran for four months. At the end, UF volume changes were also measured through transvaginal ultrasonography for comparison. The outcome revealed divergent changes in UF volume and health-related quality of life (HRQL) among participants. In the placebo group, an increase in fibroid volume was noticed. Contrarily, significant reductions in fibroid volume and symptom severity were recorded in women who took green tea extract. This group also witnessed an improvement in HRQL contrasted to the control group. Additionally, anemia improved in the EGCG treatment group, with no adverse effects or endometrial anomalies reported in either group.

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