Uterine fibroids (UF) are benign growths in the uterine muscle, and are common in approximately 30% of women in their reproductive years. The most common signs and symptoms include heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), pelvic pressure or pain, backache, leg pains, urinary difficulty and constipation. Fibroid location, size and number will influence symptoms. UFs are vascularized through the uterine arteries. Recent studies show that electro-acupuncture (EA) is effective at reducing uterine artery blood flow, thereby reducing blood loss during menstruation. Acupuncture is also indicated to treat pain in general, as well as dysmenorrhea related pain.

 

Witt, C. M., Reinhold, T., Brinkhaus, B., Roll, S., Jena, S., & Willich, S. N. (2008). Acupuncture in patients with dysmenorrhea: a randomized study on clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in usual care. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 198(2), 166-e1.

Çakmak, Y. Ö., Akpınar, I. N., Yoldemir, T., & Cavdar, S. (2011). Decreasing bleeding due to uterine fibroid with electroacupuncture. Fertility and sterility, 96(1), e13-e15.

 

Author: Erica Rosen, LAc, EAMP, Dipl. O.M.