Licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist
Asheville's Comprehensive Acupuncture Care & Specialist in Fertility, Women's Health and Rejuvenation

Fertility & Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Can Shrink Fibroids

One in 5 women will be diagnosed with uterine fibroids (myomas).  Onset is in the woman’s 30’s-40’s with 25-50% of women of childbearing age.  Some types of fibroids can adversely affect fertility.

Fibroids are benign tumors composed of smooth uterine muscle and connective tissue, and consist of hard fibrous white tissue with limited blood supply.  Sometimes the central mass stops growing only for a series of network fibers to develop in order to bring nutrition to the mass.  This creates an increased density and hardening of surrounding tissues, complicating the possibility for surgical intervention other than hysterectomy.

An interesting side note about hysterectomy without ovary removal:  women tend to go into menopause on average, five years early.  Many suggest the diminished blood flow from the ovary from the uterine artery is the explanation.  Urinary incontinence is the second most common side effect from hysterectomy.

Although uterine fibroids are common, only about 3% of infertility is caused by fibroids.  In such cases the fibroids are usually submucosal or intramural.  There are several explanations for why uterine fibroids may reduce fertility.  Changes in the endometrium may make it difficult for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterine wall.  In addition, one or both fallopian tubes may be compressed and blocked, preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.  Fibroids may increase miscarriage rates by impairing successful implantation of an embryo. Changes in the endometrium or in the blood supply to the uterus may also cause early miscarriage.  Fibroids can cause early labor and premature delivery.

There are several types of fibroids:

• Subserous fibroids which grow towards the outside of the uterus pose little problem unless they become so large they press on abdominal structures.

• Submucus fibroids on the other hand are much more troublesome because they affect the endometrium itself. They may cause a considerable increase in the surface area of the endometrium which means periods become much heavier because there is more lining to be shed. Fibroids which stick out into the uterine cavity also interfere with fertility because they may prevent the walls of the uterus from being able to press together to hold an embryo as it attempts to implant.

• Intramural fibroids only cause problems when they are large or there are several of them. If they interfere with a large proportion of the surface area of the endometrium then the chances of a placenta developing and functioning properly throughout pregnancy are reduced and there is an increased risk of miscarriage. Intramural fibroids which are large enough to protrude into the endometrial cavity can also interfere with implantation in the same way submucus ones do. Intramural and submucus fibroids can cause heavy or painful periods.

Causes of Uterine Fibrosis

Uterine fibroids may be caused by any one or a number of the following reasons:

• Hormonal imbalances.

Estrogen excess.  Fibroids grow in times of high estrogen production for example after
the menses and during pregnancy. Exogenous estrogens can be found in the environment
such as processed food, pesticides, cosmetics, and plastics.  Other contributing factors to
increased estrogen levels include poor digestion and constipation.

Low progesterone levels.  This can create an underactive thyroid and anovulatory cycles.  Low progesterone levels may be caused by excess stress.

• Long term use of oral contraceptive pills.
• Chronic constipation.
• Dietary factors. Diets high in dairy, eggs, meat, greasy foods, and caffeine.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Standard Western Medical Treatment for Fibroids

Standard Western medical treatment for fibroids include laparoscopy, myomectomy, hysteroscopy, hysterectomy and hormonal drugs such as Lupron to shrink the fibroids.

Treatment of Fibroids by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Many women with uterine fibroids choose not to use any of the above methods for treatment but prefer an alternative without side effects. Chinese medicine offers a good alternative if applied correctly over a period of 3-9 months. While a Chinese medicine diagnosis can be made without western medical investigative techniques (such as ultrasound, sohohysterography, hysterosalpingography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic hysteroscopy), it is useful to have such findings as a starting reference point to compare to six months down the line when a second evaluation may be done.

Treatments need to be applied regularly for 3-9 months. Treatments include acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Dietary and lifestyle changes can also be very helpful.  Progress should be monitored by close attention to all details pertaining to the period especially the type of flow.

Your path to radiant health...
from motherhood to menopause.

Lorraine Harris's Asheville acupuncture clinic is conveniently located in South Asheville.  Ms. Harris is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist and Nationally Board Certified Practitioner of Chinese Medicine. She is the only fertility specialist in Western North Carolina (WNC) offering The Fertile Soul Method™ and Mei Zen™ facial rejuvenation program.

Oriental Medicine | Acupuncture | Chinese Herbal Medicine
Conditions Treated by Chinese Medicine | Fertility
Cosmetic Acupuncture & Facial Rejuvenation | Pain Management
Women's Health | Healthy Eating
About Lorraine H. Harris