Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in or around the uterus. If you, like many women, have fibroids, you are probably familiar with some of the symptoms, such as abdominal pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Physicians often prescribe medications with estrogen to help control symptoms. Many women prefer to avoid prescription medications and turn, instead, to herbal supplements. Dong quai contains an estrogen-like chemical that may help treat uterine fibroids. Discuss the risks and benefits of dong quai or any supplement with your physician before use.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is most often found in the damp, cold mountains of Japan, Korea and China. This fragrant perennial is a member of the celery family and has umbrella-shaped clusters of purple flowers. Herbalists often use the yellow-brown root of the plant for medicinal purposes, such as the treatment of infrequent periods, premenstrual syndrome and painful menstrual cramps. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that dong quai purportedly contains estrogen-like chemicals that reduce pain, dilate blood vessels and stimulate and relax uterine muscle. It comes in a variety of forms, including a tea, capsules, tinctures, glycerites and extracts.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are common, occurring in about one of every five women, according to the National Institutes of Health. While the exact cause of uterine fibroids remains unknown, researchers believe that the hormone estrogen plays a role in the growth of fibroids. Some women experience little if any symptoms while others experience heaviness in the pelvis, excessive menstrual bleeding, longer than usual menstruation, frequent urination, painful intercourse, abdominal bloating, constipation and painful cramping.
Scientific Evidence
Physicians commonly treat uterine fibroids with estrogen-based medications such as an intrauterine device or birth control pills. Because dong quai does contain estrogen-like chemicals, it may possibly help alleviate the heavy menstrual flow and pain associated with fibroids. However, like any product containing estrogen, it may also cause uterine fibroids to grow. As of 2010, there is little scientific research evaluating the use of dong quai for the treatment of uterine fibroids, according to Drugs.com. Always discuss the risks and the benefits with your physician before using this or any other herbal supplement.
Warnings
In high doses, dong quai may cause an increase in sensitivity to sunlight and skin inflammation. Dong quai may also negatively affect hormone-related conditions, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and endometriosis, due to its estrogen-like effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that dong quai may interact with anticoagulant medications such as heparin, warfarin and lovenox, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding. Many herbs also have anticoagulant properties, and taking dong quai with one or more of them also may increase bleeding risk. Avoid feverfew, ginger, licorice, Chinese skullcap, turmeric, ginseng and garlic when taking dong quai. Women taking birth control pills, estrogen, progesterone or tamoxifen should talk to their physicians before using dong quai as these medications contain estrogen.
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