British researchers have concluded that Chinese herbs may provide more relief than drugs following laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis.

In a review of Chinese research studies, some of which had to be discarded because of poor methodology, women had comparable benefits fewer adverse effects if they treated by Chinese herbal medicine.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder affecting as many as one in six women of reproductive age. It can cause pelvic pain, irregular and painful periods, and infertility. Surgical treatments do not always lead to long-term improvement in symptoms and drug treatments can have unpleasant side effects such as hot flushes, acne and weight gain so being able to turn to herbal medicines is an improvement for women.

A good deal of my practice is with women who have gynecological and fertility problems. Therefore, I can confirm the effectiveness of both acupuncture and herbs for many issues that afflict women.

More details about this study can be found in ScienceDaily (July 11, 2009)