Fibroids

Why it works: What omega-3s can plausibly do. • EPA/DHA shift eicosanoid production toward less inflammatory mediators and generate “pro-resolving” lipid mediators (resolvins/protectins) that da...

Instructions: Since omega-3s aren’t a proven fibroid-shrinking therapy, think of use in two ways: (A) dietary pattern supportive of general gynecologic health and (B) supplemental dosing targete...

Warnings: Bleeding risk: Omega-3s can modestly increase bleeding time; use caution if you have heavy menstrual...

Studies: Fibroids risk & diet/biomarkersProspective cohort (Ferti...

Why it works: Direct anti-fibroid activity in cells: EGCG inhibits proliferation and triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) in human uterine leiomyoma (fibroid) cells, acting on multiple sig...

Instructions: Dose & composition used in the RCT: 800 mg/day of green tea extract standardised to ~45% EGCG, taken orally for 4 months. This is the regimen associated with reduced fibroid volume...

Warnings: Liver safety (most important): Concentrated green-tea catechin supplements (not ordinary brewed tea)...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (pilot):Roshdy et al., 2013 — Do...

Why it works: Anti-proliferative & pro-apoptotic effects on leiomyoma cells. In cell studies, curcumin reduced fibroid (leiomyoma) cell growth and promoted apoptosis, while also lowering fibrone...

Instructions: Forms that improve absorption. Plain curcumin is poorly absorbed. Studies/reviews describe improved bioavailability with phytosome complexes, micelles, liposomes, nanoparticles, or...

Warnings: Medication interactions (bleeding & drug levels). • Anticoagulants/antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, DO...

Studies: Human data (limited/low quality)Prospective Thai study (2015...

Why it works: Traditional (TCM) rationale. GZFLW is a five-herb formula (Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Moutan Cortex, Persicae Semen) used to invigorate blood and resolve blood...

Instructions: Common regimens in studies & product monographs. • Regimen length used in a randomized trial: daily administration for 16 weeks of a modified GZFLW in women with symptomatic fibroi...

Warnings: Pregnancy & trying to conceive. Do not use in pregnancy (blood-activating formulas are traditionally...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, dose-controlled trial (Hong Kong;...

Why it works: Pattern fit in TCM. Fibroids are commonly mapped to patterns like Liver-Qi stagnation with Spleen/Blood deficiency. XYS (and Jia-Wei XYS when “heat” is present) is classically used...

Instructions: Choose the right version. • Xiao Yao San (XYS) for classic Liver-Qi stagnation with Spleen/Blood deficiency (stress, mood lability, PMS-type symptoms, fatigue, poor appetite). Ingr...

Warnings: Because XYS is a compound formula, consider the safety profile of its constituents and your personal...

Studies: For fibroids specifically (size/shrinkage):No robust RCTs sh...

Why it works: Pattern-based fit in TCM: The formula “harmonizes Liver and Spleen,” nourishes Blood, moves Qi, and clears heat (due to the “jia wei/dan-zhi” additions Mu Dan Pi and Zhi Zi). These...

Instructions: Standard dose (Kampo extract, TJ-24): 7.5 g/day of extract granules, divided 2–3 times daily before or between meals. The official Japanese package insert also lists the exact crud...

Warnings: Authoritative labelling for Kamishoyosan (TJ-24)—the standardized Japanese version of JWXYS—lists th...

Studies: Symptom trials (adjacent indications):PMS RCT: Multicentre,...

Why it works: Mechanistic rationale (indirect): Standardized Vitex extracts show dopamine-D2 agonist activity that lowers prolactin in vitro/in vivo; several diterpenes (clerodane-type) appear r...

Instructions: There is no established, evidence-based dosing for fibroids. If someone elects to try Vitex adjunctively for cycle symptoms while pursuing standard fibroid care, clinicians typical...

Warnings: Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid use—safety is unclear; monographs caution against use in pregnancy/...

Studies: Supportive—but not fibroid-specific—evidence:Randomized, pla...

Why it works: Mechanistic data (preclinical): In human uterine leiomyoma cells and xenograft models, the formula triggers apoptosis (↑ p53, ↑ Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, ↑ cleaved caspase-3/-9), reducing c...

Instructions: Regimen used in a blinded clinical trial protocol: The Korean GBH (same formula) three times daily for 8 weeks (two menstrual cycles) for women with dysmenorrhea associated with ut...

Warnings: Pregnancy: Traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy due to blood-moving herbs (risk of stimulating...

Studies: Systematic review & meta-analysis (2014, BMC): Across RC...