Green Tea Extract: a Non-Surgical Alternative for Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Leiomyomata, also known as uterine fibroids, are non-cancer tumors found in the wall of the uterus or womb. Uterine fibroids are the common cause of surgery (removal of the uterus). African American women are 3-4 times more likely to have uterine fibroids. Currently there is no effective long-term medical treatment for fibroids. Hormones have been used for short-term therapy, but they are not used long-term because of the risk of side effects. When women stop receiving the hormone therapy often fibroids return. Surgery is the common treatment for women who are suffering from abnormal symptoms caused by fibroids. Hysterectomy is an effective treatment, however women cannot have children after removal of the uterus. Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) is one of the main natural chemicals found in green tea.. Research the investigators have done in the laboratory and in animals leads them to believe EGCG may decrease the growth of fibroids. This study is intended to determine whether EGCG will cause fibroid tumors to shrink and reduce fibroid related symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic discomfort.