Acupuncture for Uterine Fibroids: A Natural Supportive Option
Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological condition, affecting up to 70–80% of women before the age of 50. While many fibroids are small and symptom-free, others can significantly interfere with quality of life, causing heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain or pressure, urinary urgency, and fertility challenges.
Conventional treatments like hormonal medications or surgery can be effective, but they’re not always ideal for every woman, especially those seeking non-invasive or hormone-free options. As a result, many women are turning to acupuncture as a supportive therapy to help manage symptoms and restore balance.
Emerging research suggests that acupuncture may influence hormone regulation, improve pelvic circulation, reduce inflammation, and help ease fibroid-related discomfort. For those looking to explore a more holistic approach, acupuncture offers a safe and thoughtful way to support overall reproductive health.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop within or around the uterus. They can vary widely in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a melon, and may appear as a single growth or multiple nodules. Fibroids are extremely common, affecting approximately 25% of women of reproductive age and up to 80% of women by age 50. African American women are disproportionately affected by uterine fibroids and experience higher rates of diagnosis, earlier onset, and more severe symptoms, and are 2-3 times more likely to undergo surgery.
For many women, fibroids cause no noticeable symptoms at all. However, for others, fibroids can lead to a range of disruptive issues, including:
Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (and anemia as a result)
Pelvic pain or pressure
Lower back pain
Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
Frequent urination or urinary urgency
Constipation
Pain during intercourse
Difficulty with getting pregnant and/or pregnancy complications
The exact cause of fibroids isn’t fully understood, but factors such as genetics, hormonal imbalances, and early onset of menstruation may all play a role. Fibroids tend to thrive in the presence of higher estrogen levels, explaining their prevalence during a woman's reproductive years and their tendency to shrink after menopause. Some studies suggest that a diet high in red meat and sugary foods may be associated with a higher risk of fibroids, as well as low levels of Vitamin D3. Recent research suggests that stressful life events may contribute to fibroid development due to high stress levels disrupting hormonal balance. Exposure to certain chemicals like phthalates, found in plastics and cosmetics, has also been linked to increased fibroid risk and may accelerate their growth. Air pollution and other environmental factors may also play a role.
“Fibroids are extremely common, affecting approximately 25% of women of reproductive age and up to 80% of women by age 50.”
Each woman’s experience with fibroids is different—some may not need treatment at all, while others may need support for symptom relief or fertility concerns. That’s why personalized care is key when exploring both conventional and integrative options, including acupuncture.
How are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Uterine fibroids are often discovered during routine pelvic exams or when patients seek care for symptoms such as heavy periods, pelvic pain, or fertility challenges. Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic ultrasound, which can reveal the size, number, and location of the fibroids. In some cases, additional imaging such as an MRI may be used for more detailed evaluation, especially if surgical treatment is being considered.
Fibroids can develop in different parts of the uterus, and their location often influences the type and severity of symptoms:
Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They are common and can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility problems depending on their size and proximity to the uterine lining.
Submucosal fibroids protrude into the uterine cavity and are most strongly associated with heavy menstrual bleeding and fertility challenges.
Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus. These are less likely to affect menstrual flow or fertility but may cause pressure symptoms (like urinary urgency or constipation) if they become large.
Pedunculated fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk and can grow either inside or outside the uterus. Their symptoms depend on their location and size.
Understanding the size, number, and type of fibroids helps guide treatment planning—whether conventional, complementary, or both—and gives patients a clearer picture of what to expect.
Conventional Treatment Options
Treatment for fibroids varies depending on symptom severity, fibroid size, and individual health goals. Some women with small, asymptomatic fibroids may simply be monitored over time without intervention. For those experiencing symptoms, common medical options include:
Hormonal therapies to reduce bleeding or temporarily shrink fibroids (birth control pills, progestins, or GnRH agonists)
Non-hormonal medications, such as NSAIDs, to help with pain
Surgical treatments, like myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
Minimally invasive procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink
While these approaches can be effective, they come with side effects or risks, and not every woman is a candidate. Acupuncture offers a supportive, non-invasive option that can work alongside or independent of conventional treatments to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
How Acupuncture Supports Women with Fibroids
Acupuncture offers a gentle, individualized approach to managing fibroid-related symptoms and can be successful in shrinking smaller fibroids. While it is not a replacement for conventional treatment in all cases, research suggests that acupuncture may help reduce pain, improve menstrual regularity, and support hormone balance, all factors that can contribute to symptom relief in women with fibroids.
Some of the ways acupuncture can help include:
Reducing pelvic pain, low back pain, and menstrual cramping
Regulating heavy, prolonged, and irregular menstrual bleeding
Improving blood circulation in the pelvic area
Modulating inflammation and the immune response
Promoting hormonal balance
Reducing bloating
Reducing urinary issues
Improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes
Supporting emotional well-being and stress reduction
Several studies show insight into how acupuncture offers benefits to women with fibroids:
A 2010 clinical trial published in Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion found that women with uterine fibroids who received acupuncture treatments experienced a reduction in both fibroid size and menstrual symptoms compared to the control group.
A 2017 review in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine concluded that acupuncture may positively influence levels of reproductive hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, both of which play a role in fibroid growth and symptom expression.
Other research has shown acupuncture to be effective in reducing dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and improving uterine blood flow, both of which are relevant for people experiencing discomfort from fibroids.
While more large-scale, fibroid-specific studies are needed, these findings support acupuncture as a useful complementary therapy, especially for those looking to manage symptoms without hormonal medication or surgery.
Acupuncture is often most effective when combined with supportive lifestyle changes, such as stress management, regular exercise, and individualized dietary guidance. This integrative approach allows treatment to be tailored to each person’s unique health needs, helping to ease symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Start Feeling Better Naturally
If you're looking for a more holistic approach to managing fibroids, acupuncture may offer the gentle, personalized support you've been missing. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Cindi Ignatovsky provides thoughtful, evidence-informed care to help women feel more comfortable in their bodies and more in control of their health.
Located in Campbell, CA and serving patients throughout Silicon Valley and the South Bay, Dr. Cindi takes the time to understand each patient's unique needs and symptoms. Whether you're dealing with heavy periods, pelvic pain, or fertility concerns, you’ll receive compassionate, individualized treatment, not a one-size-fits-all plan.
Ready to take the next step?
Click here or email to schedule a consultation. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or looking for a supportive next step in your fibroid care, you're welcome here, and you're not alone in the process. •
