Common symptoms may include:
When managing fibroids, the key concern is not simply whether fibroids are present, but their size, location, number, and whether they are affecting menstruation, causing pressure symptoms, or impacting fertility.
Uterine fibroids are one of the most common benign tumours in women. They develop from the overgrowth of smooth muscle and connective tissue within the uterus and are also known as leiomyomas. Most fibroids are non-cancerous, but depending on their size and location, they may cause different symptoms and complications.
According to NHS Inform, fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within or around the muscular wall of the uterus, and they can vary greatly in size.
Clinical focus: Not all fibroids require immediate treatment. However, further assessment is recommended if fibroids are causing symptoms, growing rapidly, affecting daily life, or impacting fertility plans.
Management depends on symptoms, fibroid size and location, age, and whether pregnancy is desired.
Suitable for smaller fibroids with minimal or no symptoms.
Used to help control heavy bleeding, period pain, or temporarily reduce fibroid size. Hormonal treatment is commonly used.
Recommended when fibroids affect the uterine cavity, cause significant bleeding, or interfere with fertility.
Such as uterine artery embolisation, myomectomy, or hysterectomy, depending on symptoms, age, and fertility goals.
Clinical focus: Treatment decisions should not be based on fibroid size alone. Location, symptoms, anaemia, and reproductive plans all need to be considered together.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uterine fibroids are commonly associated with patterns involving blood stasis, phlegm accumulation, disrupted circulation of Qi, and imbalance within the reproductive system.
From a TCM perspective, fibroids may develop through several interconnected mechanisms:
Long-term stress, emotional tension, or poor circulation of Qi may impair blood flow. Over time, stagnant blood may accumulate within the uterus and contribute to the formation of masses.
When digestion and fluid metabolism are weakened, dampness and phlegm may build up internally. Combined with blood stasis, this can contribute to persistent masses and pelvic congestion.
These pathways are closely related to menstruation and reproductive health. Imbalance may contribute to heavy periods, irregular cycles, or prolonged bleeding.
Chronic heavy bleeding may gradually weaken the body’s ability to restore and regulate circulation, resulting in a pattern of deficiency combined with ongoing stagnation.
Core TCM understanding: Qi stagnation and blood stasis are often central factors, while phlegm accumulation, dampness, and reproductive imbalance may further contribute to fibroid development and menstrual disturbances.
Clinical assessment focuses on identifying:
Common patterns include:
Common signs: menstrual clots, pelvic distension, painful periods
Clinical features: symptoms often worsen with stress or before menstruation
Key issue: impaired circulation of Qi and Blood
Common signs: abdominal heaviness, bloating, persistent fibroids
Clinical features: tendency towards dampness and pelvic pressure
Key issue: accumulation of phlegm and blood stasis forming palpable masses
Common signs: heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion
Clinical features: long-term blood loss with ongoing stagnation
Key issue: weakened Qi fails to regulate bleeding effectively
Common signs: stress, breast or chest tension, digestive irregularities, premenstrual discomfort
Clinical features: emotional stress and digestive weakness affecting menstrual health
Key issue: impaired Qi regulation and fluid metabolism contributing to dampness and stagnation
Pattern differentiation helps guide whether treatment should focus more on improving circulation, resolving phlegm and dampness, regulating menstruation, or rebuilding Qi and Blood.
The aim of treatment is not simply to “remove fibroids”, but to improve menstrual health, reduce pelvic pressure, support the uterine environment, and monitor changes over time alongside medical imaging.
For pelvic pain, clots, or difficult menstrual flow, herbal medicine and acupuncture may be used to improve circulation and relieve stagnation-related discomfort.
For patients with bloating, heaviness, or dampness-related patterns, treatment may focus on supporting digestion, reducing dampness, and easing internal congestion.
For heavy bleeding, prolonged periods, or irregular cycles, treatment aims to support a more stable menstrual rhythm and reproductive environment.
For fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion, or anaemia tendencies, treatment may combine circulation support with nourishing and restorative strategies.
Different stages of the cycle may require different support — improving circulation during menstruation, rebuilding Qi and Blood afterwards, and easing stress or tension before the next cycle.
For larger fibroids, rapid growth, significant bleeding, or fertility-related concerns, ultrasound monitoring and medical assessment remain important alongside TCM care.
Clinical focus: Treatment should address both symptoms and the underlying internal pattern, while continuing to monitor fibroid size, menstrual bleeding, and anaemia risk over time.
After appropriate gynaecological assessment and confirmation of fibroid status, TCM may be considered in the following situations:
May indicate that fibroids are already affecting menstrual regulation and contributing to Qi and Blood depletion.
Often associated with impaired circulation and menstrual imbalance.
Both bleeding management and recovery support may be needed.
May suggest fibroid enlargement or positional pressure effects requiring further monitoring.
Assessment may be needed to determine whether fibroid location is affecting implantation or the uterine environment.
Further medical assessment should be prioritised, with TCM support used alongside ongoing care where appropriate.
If there is heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, rapid abdominal enlargement, or worsening anaemia, urgent medical assessment is recommended.
Managing uterine fibroids is not only about the fibroids themselves, but also about how they may be affecting menstruation, pelvic comfort, energy levels, and fertility goals. Through appropriate assessment, ongoing monitoring, and individualised support, it is often possible to maintain a more stable reproductive environment and improve overall wellbeing.
HK Clinic 
UK Clinic 
