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A Hard Lump Felt in the Lower Abdomen: Could It Be Uterine Fibroids? How to Recognize Body Signals

When a hard lump that wasn't there before suddenly appears in your lower abdomen, many women feel bewildered and anxious. You might worry, "Could this be something serious?" or "Why did this happen?", often struggling to decide whether to visit a hospital or not. Especially when there is no pain or only occasional mild symptoms, an unfamiliar sensation in the lower abdomen is bound to bother you throughout daily life. While these bodily signals can arise from various causes, women of childbearing age, in particular, need to consider the possibility of "uterine fibroids."

💡 [Key Answer] The 3 most common causes of "A hard lump is felt in my lower abdomen": ① Uterine fibroids (the most common benign tumor found in 25-40% of women of childbearing age) ② Adenomyosis (uterus walls thicken and feel like a lump) ③ Ovarian cysts (fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries) Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic helps make the uterine environment healthy through fundamental constitutional improvement, inhibiting the growth of uterine fibroids and relieving symptoms.

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterine muscle layer, found in approximately 25-40% of women of childbearing age. Most women live without special symptoms until fibroids are discovered during health checkups or when a lump is accidentally felt in the lower abdomen. The problem is that fibroids can cause various symptoms depending on their size and location. In addition to a hard lower abdominal mass, patients may complain of excessive menstrual bleeding, severe menstrual cramps, anemia, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, and chronic fatigue. In particular, excessive menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids can lead to anemia, resulting in lethargy and decreased concentration. When uterine fibroids are suspected, accurate diagnosis is important, but focusing on fundamental improvement of the uterine environment beyond simple tumor removal is key to preventing recurrence and leading a healthy life.

Although the exact cause of uterine fibroids has not yet been identified, they are known to grow under the influence of the female hormone estrogen. The more continuous the exposure or the more severe the imbalance of estrogen, the higher the likelihood that fibroids will grow or become multiple. Modern women are prone to hormonal imbalance and autonomic nervous system disturbance due to excessive stress, irregular lifestyles, and poor diets. These factors can hinder blood circulation in the uterus and accelerate the accumulation of waste products such as "stasis blood (Eohyeol)," increasing the risk of uterine fibroids. Furthermore, a cold and damp lower abdominal environment lowers uterine function, adversely affecting fibroid growth. The more you ignore and neglect the body's signals, the worse symptoms can become, so it is necessary to check your daily habits and actively strive to improve them.

Even when Western medical tests diagnose "normal," many patients still suffer from lower abdominal discomfort, menstrual cramps, or residual stool sensations similar to uterine fibroid symptoms. This is because Western medical standards may judge these as minor changes or functional problems. In Oriental medicine, the balance and circulation of the entire body are emphasized. Uterine fibroids are interpreted not merely as a single "lump," but as a problem of systemic health, including the pelvic cavity environment surrounding the uterus, blood circulation, hormonal balance, and further, stress and immunity. In particular, waste products such as "stasis blood (Eohyeol)" and "phlegm-dampness (Dam-eum)" around the uterus hinder blood circulation and degrade uterine function. This is why the focus goes beyond simply removing the lump to creating an environment where the uterus can restore its own health. Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic in Incheon identifies these complex causes to provide personalized treatment.

Since uterine fibroids are known to have a significant recurrence rate even after surgery, fundamental improvement of the uterine environment is crucial. Oriental medicine treatment aims to inhibit the growth of uterine fibroids, alleviate symptoms, and focus on restoring the uterus's self-healing ability.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis study by Li Q et al. published in the 2021 Annals of Palliative Medicine journal, the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine prescriptions containing donkey-hide gelatin (Ejiao) or deer antler (Nonguk) on uterine fibroids were evaluated. The study results in patients with uterine fibroids showed that combination therapy of mifepristone and herbal medicine (containing Ejiao or deer antler) reduced uterine fibroid size significantly more than mifepristone monotherapy alone. In addition, the herbal medicine intake group showed greater advantages in improving uterine fibroid-related symptoms compared to the control group, contributed to lowering estrogen (E2) and progesterone levels, and had a lower incidence of adverse reactions. The researchers concluded that herbal medicine prescriptions containing Ejiao or deer antler are effective in reducing uterine and fibroid size, improving symptoms, regulating hormone levels, and have fewer side effects.

Additionally, a 2000-2013 Taiwan cohort study of over 50,000 women cited in International News in 2022 reported that women who took herbal medicine had about half the risk of developing uterine fibroids compared to those who did not take herbal medicine. Papers by Japanese obstetricians and gynecologists revealed that herbal medicines such as Keishibukuryogan normalize menstrual volume and cramps caused by fibroids, induce tumor cell apoptosis, and reduce estrogen and progesterone levels, exhibiting fibroid shrinkage effects.

These research data suggest that Oriental medicine treatment can play a positive role in alleviating symptoms of uterine fibroids, inhibiting growth, and lowering the possibility of recurrence. Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic focuses on improving the uterine environment and solving the root cause of uterine fibroids through customized Oriental medicine treatment tailored to individual constitution and symptoms based on these scientific grounds.

At Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic, we apply "constitutional improvement" treatment principles to diseases that recur chronically or stem from systemic imbalances, such as uterine fibroids. Constitutional improvement aims not merely to quiet immediate symptoms, but to create a body where symptoms do not recur.

The uterus in our body is not an independent organ, but is connected to the internal organs and holistic changes. In particular, it is greatly affected by physical circulation and hormone balance. Stress, poor dietary habits, and lack of sleep can hinder blood circulation and make the body cold, worsening the uterine environment. This is closely related to the generation of "stasis blood (Eohyeol)" in Oriental medicine. Stasis blood refers to bad blood that fails to function properly and coagulates. When stasis blood accumulates in the uterus, blood circulation stagnates and inflammatory reactions occur, leading to conditions like uterine fibroids or adenomyosis.

Constitutional improvement treatment at Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic removes this stasis blood, smooths uterine blood circulation, and helps the uterus maintain a healthy state on its own. Through warm medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and moxibustion treatments, we drive away bodily coldness and promote Qi and blood circulation around the uterus, transforming the uterine environment into a healthy one. In this process, hormone balance is naturally adjusted, and systemic immunity is reinforced, contributing to inhibiting the growth of uterine fibroids and preventing recurrence. Going beyond simply eliminating lumps, Dalimchae's constitutional improvement treatment philosophy nurtures the power of the uterus to recover its original functions and heal itself.

In addition to feeling a hard object in your lower abdomen, if you experience the following symptoms, it is recommended to suspect uterine fibroids and consult with Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic Incheon Branch.

• Lower Abdomen Hard Lump Checklist:
  • Menstrual volume suddenly increased and menstrual period became longer.
  • Severe menstrual cramps occurred or are gradually worsening.
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding outside of menstrual period.
  • Easily fatigued and frequent dizziness (anemia symptoms).
  • Frequent urination (pollakiuria) or worsening constipation.
  • Lower abdomen always heavy and uncomfortable.
  • Pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Frequent back or pelvic pain and sometimes leg numbness.

Criteria:

• 3 or more items checked: Suspected uterine fibroid stage. Accurate diagnosis and review of Oriental medicine combination therapy are recommended.
• 5 or more items checked: Active treatment required stage. Immediate visit to Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic Incheon Branch to establish a precise diagnosis and treatment plan is advised.

Q. I feel something hard in my lower abdomen, could it be something other than uterine fibroids? A. Yes, besides uterine fibroids, lump sensations in the lower abdomen can be felt due to various causes such as adenomyosis, ovarian cysts, impacted stool from severe constipation, or abdominal muscle tension. Visiting a Korean medicine clinic for accurate diagnosis is important.

Q. How long does Oriental medicine treatment for uterine fibroids take? A. Treatment duration varies depending on the size, number, and location of fibroids, as well as the patient's constitution and symptom severity. Generally, 3 to 6 months or more of consistent treatment is required, and Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic in Incheon establishes personalized treatment plans.

Q. Can having uterine fibroids make pregnancy difficult? A. The impact of uterine fibroids on pregnancy depends on their size and location. In particular, fibroids located close to the endometrium can hinder implantation or increase the risk of miscarriage. If you are struggling with fertility issues, combining uterine fibroid treatment with fertility treatment is recommended.

Q. Is it true that taking herbal medicine makes fibroids grow larger? A. This is a misconception. Rather, many studies report that herbal medicine helps reduce the size of uterine fibroids, alleviate symptoms, and improve the uterine environment. Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic treats safely using medicinal herbs that inhibit fibroid growth.

Uterine fibroids felt as a hard lump in the lower abdomen are not problems solved by enduring. You no longer need to turn away from the body signals sent for a long time. Approaching in the right direction makes the body react faster than you think. Bring the symptoms you are experiencing right now as they are. Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic will find the cause together.

Where life blooms. Herbal medicine is definitely Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic. Check symptoms similar to yours first through Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic website AI consultation!

This health information was compiled together by Dalimchae medical staff based on questions frequently received in the clinic room. Medical Supervision | Women & Pregnancy Treatment Standards: Yang Yu-chan, Korean Medicine Doctor at Dalimchae Korean Medicine Clinic Incheon Branch (Uterine Fibroids Column)

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