Uterine Fibroids | Klinisk neuro akupunktur

Acupuncture as a Treatment for Uterine Fibroids: A Research-Based Approach

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are benign tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus in women of childbearing age. These fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on pelvic organs. While traditional treatments such as medication and surgery are commonly used, acupuncture has emerged as an intriguing alternative approach. This article explores the research behind acupuncture as a treatment for uterine fibroids.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. These fibroids can vary in size and number and can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure on pelvic organs, and difficulties in becoming pregnant or maintaining a pregnancy. The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood, but hormonal factors and genetic predispositions play a role.

Acupuncture as a Treatment Method:

In the context of uterine fibroids, it is believed that acupuncture can help reduce the size of fibroids, alleviate pain, and regulate hormonal imbalances, thereby reducing symptoms.

Research on Acupuncture and Uterine Fibroids:

Although there are not as many studies on acupuncture and uterine fibroids, there are some promising results. A study published in the "Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies" examined the effect of acupuncture on women with uterine fibroids and found that acupuncture treatment significantly reduced the size of fibroids and alleviated symptoms.

Another study, conducted by "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine," showed similar results and concluded that acupuncture could be an effective treatment method for uterine fibroids, especially when combined with other approaches such as herbal medicine or dietary changes.

Perspectives:

These research findings suggest that acupuncture is a promising treatment method for uterine fibroids, but further research is needed to understand the precise mechanisms and optimize treatment protocols.

References:

Zhang J, Wu W, Zhang H, Xie S, Chen Z, Xu J. "Effect of acupuncture on uterine fibroids: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. 2021 Feb;14(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2020.12.004. Epub 2020 Dec 21. PMID: 33373681.

El-Sayed MM, Shabana A, Elkomy A, Hamouda AH, Elsayed AS. "Acupuncture Versus Mifepristone in Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019 Dec 2;2019:4725039. doi: 10.1155/2019/4725039. PMID: 31885576; PMCID: PMC6916185.

Borahay MA, Asoglu MR, Mas A, Adam S, Kilic GS, Al-Hendy A. "Estrogen Receptor-β (ER-β): A Promising Therapeutic Target for Uterine Fibroids and Other Gynecologic Pathologies." American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2017 Jan;216(1):15-21. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.018. Epub 2016 Aug 24. PMID: 27566396; PMCID: PMC5350899.