Factors associated with use of herbs and dietary supplements in women with uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are among the most common benign gynecological diseases and are characterized by diverse clinical symptoms and a significant impact on quality of life. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the use of herbs and nutritional supplements as a complementary therapeutic approach for this disease. The aim of the present study was to analyze the use of herbs and nutritional supplements among women with uterine fibroids and to assess its relationship with the clinical characteristics of the disease. The study included 65 women hospitalized at the Second Gynecological Clinic of the University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital “Mother’s Home” in 2024 with a diagnosis of uterine fibroids and indications for surgical treatment. A survey method comprising a questionnaire and a face-to-face interview was applied. The data were subjected to descriptive and analytical statistical analyses. The results showed that 61.5% of the patients used dietary supplements, with vitamins and minerals being the predominant supplements. The use of herbs was more limited but included plants with potential hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effects. Anemia was identified in 44.6% of the participants, some of whom used iron-containing medications, including combined products containing herbal components. A statistically significant relationship was found between heavy menstrual bleeding and the use of nutritional supplements. The use of herbs and nutritional supplements was widespread among women with uterine fibroids and correlated with the severity of clinical symptoms. More active clinical oversight of their rational use is needed.