Understanding Uterine Fibroids: Symptoms, Treatment, and the Role of Chinese Medicine

The uterus is a vital reproductive organ for women, but it can be affected by various negative factors such as lifestyle habits, stress, diet, and insufficient recovery after childbirth. These influences can lead to a range of conditions — among them, uterine fibroids are one of the most common. In fact, one in five women will develop fibroids at some point in their lives.

Thanks to growing awareness around women’s health, more women are now attending regular health check-ups, allowing for early detection and management. However, uterine fibroids often remain unnoticed in some cases, especially when symptoms are mild or absent altogether.

1. What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

One of the earliest signs of uterine fibroids is a change in menstrual patterns. This can include longer periods, heavier menstrual flow, or periods arriving earlier than expected.

Some women may dismiss these changes as normal or simply put up with them, which unfortunately can lead to delayed diagnosis. Fibroids may also cause symptoms related to the vagina, bladder, and reproductive system. These include increased vaginal discharge, watery vaginal flow, and — in severe cases — fibroids pressing on surrounding organs may lead to urinary frequency, urgency, retention, constipation, or even infertility.

Recognising these signs early is the first step in prompt diagnosis and treatment — which is key to protecting long-term health.

2. Fibroid surgery does not always mean removing the uterus

Although fibroids are tumours, they are benign (non-cancerous). Their effect on fertility can vary from person to person.

In general, fibroids smaller than 4cm and without symptoms are not a cause for immediate concern. For women hoping to conceive, it’s often recommended to try for pregnancy sooner rather than later.

If a fibroid is located inside the uterine cavity, and it interferes with embryo implantation, surgical removal is usually advised. With proper care, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies after the procedure.

Q: Many women worry that fibroid surgery may affect fertility. Is this true?

A: It depends on a few factors: the patient’s age, the size and position of the fibroid, and their fertility goals.

For example, submucosal fibroids (those growing just beneath the uterine lining) can often be removed via hysteroscopic surgery, which preserves the uterus. For younger women or those who’ve already had children, surgeons will still aim to retain the uterus if possible.

However, in women who are nearing or past menopause — especially those who no longer plan to have children — a full hysterectomy may be recommended. This is because the risks of surgery can increase with age, and fibroids may return even after removal.

3. How does Chinese Medicine treat uterine fibroids?

The first step in Chinese Medicine is to identify the patient’s individual body constitution. TCM focuses on treating the root cause of disease, and in the case of fibroids, this often involves blood stasis as a key pattern of imbalance.

Chinese Medicine offers a distinctive approach to treatment. For example, patients with signs of kidney deficiency and blood stagnation may benefit from cupping therapy and moxibustion, both of which help to warm the meridians, promote circulation, and resolve stagnation.

Other commonly used therapies include acupressure, acupuncture, herbal foot baths, and medicinal diets tailored to the patient’s constitution.

Additionally, Chinese herbal medicine can play a valuable role in supporting post-operative recovery. As surgery may weaken the body’s vital energy, TCM can help replenish this “upright qi” and restore internal balance. Once the body has recovered, treatment can then be personalised to prevent recurrence.

Of course, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and attending regular ultrasound scans remain essential for recovery and long-term prevention.

If you’re experiencing any gynaecological symptoms or would like to explore holistic support for uterine fibroids, feel free to get in touch with our experienced TCM practitioners. We’re here to support your health — naturally and safely.