Characteristics and Prescription Patterns of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Endometriosis Patients

Objective: Endometriosis was a common and chronic illness in women of reproductive age. Complementary and alternative therapies such as traditional Chinese medicine had become popular and acceptable. However,substantial scientific evidence and consensus on treating endometriosis was lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine among women with endometriosis in a medical center. Methods: We retrospectively collected endometriosis patients at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 2002 and 2011. Patients' demographic data and traditional Chinese medicine treatment prescriptions were analyzed. Results: Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan( Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)( 20. 67%) and Xiang-Fu( Cyperi Rhizoma)( 5. 28%) were the most frequently prescribed herbal formula and single herb,respectively. Conclusion: According to the result of our research,tonification,regulating blood,and clearing heat are major therapeutic principles of endometriosis. Our data represents the consensus of experts' knowledge and experience in regards to herbal selection for the treatment of endometriosis.