MYOMA UTERI

myomauteri-1-0-25kapak

Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine for Uterine Leiomyomas

Raziye Toksöz

Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetric, Ankara, Türkiye

Toksöz R. Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine for Uterine Leiomyomas. Yavuz AF, ed. Myoma Uteri. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.175-185.

ABSTRACT

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas or fibroids, Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumor of gynecologic organs in women of reproductive age. They cause bleeding, pain, compression symptoms and impair quality of life. Symptoms related to fibroids, such as prolonged menstrual periods, heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, irregular bowel function, frequent urination, and pain during intercourse, are common, and often lead to fibroid-related surgeries like myomectomy or hysterectomy. Various Western medications can help manage the symptoms of uterine fibroids, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, mifepristone, progesterone, and ulipristal acetate. The short-term effects of these medications are clear, but they come with drawbacks, including unpleasant side effects like estrogen deficiency and temporary postmenopausal symptoms. Additionally, in many cases, fibroids may regrow once the medications are discontinued. To mitigate the side effects of Western medications, patients with uterine fibroids in China often seek relief through traditional Chinese medicine or a combination of traditional Chinese herbs and Western treatments. There is no a single treatment for uterine fibroids, as a range of options is available. While conventional treatments like hormonal therapies and surgery are widely used, there is growing interest in Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) as an alternative or complementary approach. TCM includes a variety of practices such as herbal remedies, acupuncture, and dietary changes, all of which have been employed for centuries to treat various health issues. This exploration of TCM for managing uterine fibroids seeks to shed light on its potential benefits, mechanisms of action, and the challenges of integrating these traditional practices into modern healthcare. By examining both historical perspectives and contemporary research, we can gain a deeper understanding of TCM’s role in the holistic management of uterine fibroids.

Keywords: Traditional medicine; Complementary medicine; Leiomyoma

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