Understanding Fibroids: How We Can Better Support Women

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common health conditions affecting women — yet they remain widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. For the millions of women living with fibroids, the journey from symptom to support can be long, frustrating, and isolating. Here’s what fibroids are, how they affect women’s lives, and — most importantly — what we can do to help.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They range in size from a tiny seedling to a mass large enough to distort the shape of the uterus. Someone may have a single fibroid or many.

They are remarkably common: estimates suggest that up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50, with Black women disproportionately affected — experiencing fibroids earlier, more severely, and at higher rates than women of other ethnic backgrounds.

The Real Impact on Women’s Lives

One of the biggest barriers to supporting women with fibroids is the tendency to minimize or dismiss their symptoms. Fibroids are not “just heavy periods.” Depending on their size and location, they can cause:

• Heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding that leads to iron-deficiency anemia
• Pelvic pain and pressure, sometimes severe enough to interfere with daily activity
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Pain during sex
• Lower back pain
• Fertility challenges and pregnancy complications
• Bloating and a visibly enlarged abdomen

Beyond the physical, fibroids carry a significant emotional and social toll. Many women report missing work, canceling plans, and feeling embarrassed or anxious about their symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.

Natural Support for Fibroids: How Acupuncture, Cupping, and Herbal Medicine Can Help

While conventional medicine offers important tools — from medication to surgery — more and more women are turning to East Asian Medicine to help manage their symptoms, support their overall health, and restore balance to their bodies.

At our practice, we take a whole-person approach to fibroid care. Acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine work together to address the root causes of fibroid growth, while also providing meaningful relief from the symptoms that so often disrupt daily life.

How Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine Can Help

Acupuncture and East Asian Medicine focus on reinstating the proper circulations in the body to help you heal naturally. Acupuncture, cupping and herbs can:

Improve pelvic circulation.

Poor blood flow to and from the uterus is closely linked to both fibroid development and painful symptoms. These techniques help move stagnant Blood and fluids, supporting healthy circulation in the pelvic region.

Reduce pain and cramping.

Many women with fibroids experience debilitating menstrual cramps, pelvic pressure, and lower back pain. Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins and modulate pain signaling, offering natural, drug-free relief.

Regulate hormones.

Fibroids are estrogen-sensitive — they tend to grow when estrogen is dominant and shrink after menopause. East Asian Medicine supports the body’s hormonal regulation through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, helping to bring estrogen and progesterone into better balance.

Manage heavy menstrual bleeding.

Excessive bleeding is one of the most common and disruptive fibroid symptoms, often leading to iron-deficiency anemia. Acupuncture points that move the blood and support the body in building and holding blood can reduce the volume and duration of heavy periods over time. Herbal medicine can also help with this.

Reduce stress and support the nervous system.

Chronic stress can worsen symptoms. Regular acupuncture treatments calm the nervous system, lower cortisol, and create the conditions in which the body can heal.

Most women benefit from a series of weekly or biweekly treatments, especially in the lead-up to and during menstruation. Over time, many report lighter periods, less pain, and an improved sense of wellbeing.

What to Expect When You Come to Us

Every new client begins with a thorough intake appointment. We take time to understand your full health history, your menstrual cycle patterns, your stress levels, your digestion, your sleep — all of the factors that give us a complete picture of your health.
From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Regular acupuncture sessions, with timing tailored to your cycle
• Cupping therapy as appropriate
• A custom herbal formula
• Dietary and lifestyle recommendations to support your treatment

Fibroids respond to treatment gradually. Most women begin to notice improvements in their symptoms — particularly pain and bleeding — within two menstrual cycles. Longer-term treatment supports deeper hormonal rebalancing and sustained relief.

A Collaborative Approach to Your Care

We believe that the best outcomes come from integrative care — where TCM and conventional medicine work side by side. We are not here to replace your gynecologist, and we will never discourage you from pursuing medical evaluations or treatments that are right for you.

What we offer is a compassionate, evidence-informed, whole-body approach that honors both the ancient wisdom of East Asian medicine and the reality of your lived experience with fibroids.

If you are ready to explore how acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine might support your fibroid journey, we would love to hear from you. Reach out to schedule your initial consultation — your body deserves to be heard, and your healing is possible.

The information in this blog post is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.