3 TCM Causes of Uterine Fibroids Every Woman Should Know”

Many women in Singapore face this question at some point:
“I have uterine fibroids. Should I go for surgery or seek Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?”
Before deciding, it’s important to understand the root cause of fibroids — because unless the root is addressed, fibroids tend to come back.

Not long ago, my mum told me that one of our cousins went to the hospital for irregular menstruation and was shocked to discover she had fibroids.

The doctor said they were small and didn’t need treatment yet — just regular monitoring.
But she was still worried:

“I heard fibroids grow fast, get bigger, and can even turn cancerous!”
“Even after surgery, many women get them again… Some even end up removing their uterus!”

Uterine Fibroids: Common, But Not Always Dangerous

Uterine fibroids are one of the most common gynecological issues among women aged 30 to 50, especially in the 40s.
The good news? Most fibroids are benign, and the chance of them turning cancerous is very low — about 0.4% to 0.8%.

But why do fibroids often grow back, like weeds after cutting?

Because the internal imbalance remains. Until the root causes are cleared, the body will keep creating new fibroids.

So how does TCM in Singapore view and treat uterine fibroids?

3 Major Root Causes of Uterine Fibroids

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, uterine fibroids are seen as a form of physical stagnation — the buildup of unexpressed or “blocked” energy (qi), blood, and dampness. This stagnation accumulates in the uterus, forming masses.

1. Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis

Emotional stress, overthinking, or frustration damages liver qi, making it hard for qi and blood to flow smoothly. This blockage forms fibroids over time.

Common symptoms:

Palpable lumps in the lower abdomen
Heavy periods with clots, dark menstrual blood
Thin body frame, emotional sensitivity, frequent sighing or irritability
Breast tenderness, chest tightness
Dull complexion, dark eye circles

2. Phlegm and Blood Stagnation

Modern diets that are high in oil, sugar, and dairy can lead to internal dampness and phlegm accumulation. This “phlegm” combines with stagnant blood and causes fibroids.

Common symptoms:

Abdominal lump that feels soft or spongy
Menstrual delay or sticky discharge with clots
Tendency to gain weight, water retention, drowsiness
Poor appetite, fatigue, brain fog
Tongue: thick, greasy coating with dark purple spots

3. Cold-Induced Blood Stasis

Too much air-con, iced drinks, exposed midriff or ankles — all these habits weaken the body’s yang qi, especially around the uterus.
Cold causes contraction and stagnation, leading to fibroids.

Common symptoms:

Hard, painful lower abdominal lumps that ease with warmth
Cold hands and feet, especially the lower limbs
Scanty periods or even amenorrhea (no periods), pale blood, watery discharge
Dark-purple tongue, white and greasy coating, slow/deep pulse

Should You Remove Fibroids? Consider These 2 Factors

1. Fibroid Growth Direction

In TCM, fibroids are seen as accumulations caused by qi and blood stagnation. Regardless of their location, treatment aims to move qi, break stasis, and soften masses.

However, if a fibroid is growing toward the uterus lining (submucosal fibroid), it may:

Cause heavy periods, irregular bleeding, anemia
Affect ovulation and fertility
Compress the fetus during pregnancy

➡️ In such cases, doctors may recommend surgery based on size and location. After that, TCM Singapore clinics can help with post-surgery recovery and hormonal balance. Typically, pregnancy is not recommended for at least 2 years after surgery.

2. Your Current “Life Priority”

Women at different life stages have different needs. For those actively planning to conceive, fibroids need to be handled differently than for those managing menstrual symptoms.

If fertility is not a concern, but fibroids cause discomfort or pressure on other organs, treatment may involve:
- Herbal medicine if the fibroid is under 5cm
- Surgery followed by TCM support if over 5cm
If you’re trying to conceive, and the fibroid is small and growing outward (away from the womb lining), TCM, acupuncture, and herbal therapy can be used to control its growth and support a healthy pregnancy.