Combination of complementary approaches. In 2002, an American researcher evaluated the effectiveness of a combination of alternative care for treating fibroids compared to traditional medical treatment. First, 37 women with palpable fibroids were selected for a replacement care program. Second, based on a hospital database, 37 women with a similar profile who received traditional medical treatment were selected to constitute the control group.⁹. This treatment program used Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese pharmacopoeia), nutritherapy, pelvic area massages, visualization, self-hypnosis and meditation. After six months of treatment, the comprehensive approach has been shown to be as effective as the traditional approach in relieving symptoms and especially in reducing the size of fibroids. These promising results, however, have not been supported by other studies. It should be noted that for this study, the women who followed this replacement treatment paid for it themselves and spent an average of US $ 3 (= € 800), that is to say an amount greater than that paid by women in the control group for their traditional medical treatment.

 Food. The D^r Andrew Weil believes that diet can play a role in fibroids because food influences the amount of estrogen circulating in the body. He recommends that women with fibroids¹⁰ :

• avoid whole meats and dairy products, unless these foods are hormone-free or certified organic;
• adopt a low fat diet.

 Chinese Pharmacopoeia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is commonly used Kuei-chih-fu-ling-wan, a herbal remedy, to treat heavy periods, period pain and fertility problems. In a study without a placebo group conducted in Japan in 1992, this product was administered to 110 premenopausal women with fibroids. Menstrual pain and flow decreased in 90% of patients, and 60% of participants saw their fibroids decrease in size¹¹. Based on our research, this Chinese pharmacopoeia preparation has not been studied in other studies in women with fibroids. According to an analysis carried out in 2009¹², there are not enough quality clinical studies to conclude on the effectiveness or uselessness of Chinese herbs.

 Visualization and cardiovascular exercises. To shrink fibroids, the D^r Andrew Weil also recommends visualization and regular cardiovascular exercise.¹⁰.

 Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). Women with hormone-dependent disease (ovarian, breast, uterine cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids) should refrain from consuming wild yam because of its possible, albeit low, production. estrogenic¹³.

Traditionally, herbs have been used to relieve symptoms and stop the growth of fibroids (reducing their size, however, seems unlikely, according to our source¹⁴). Le gattilier (Vitex agnus-castus) is one of them and may be able to correct progesterone deficiency¹⁴. This plant was also indicated to regulate the menstrual cycle. In addition, plants that are used to support the liver could help break down excess estrogen. Some are said to have an anti-haemorrhagic effect. Based on our research, no studies in women with fibroids have validated these uses.

Consult a herbalist before using any herbal medicine product.