Ovarian Cysts/Polycystic Ovaries/uterine fibroids

---

Although they are three different diseases, they are all related to women's reproductive function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pattern differentiation, they are primarily associated with dysfunctions of the liver, spleen, and kidneys, as well as deficiencies and stagnation of qi and blood, invasion of cold pathogens, and obstruction of phlegm-dampness. 

Also, TCM treatments for them primarily focuses on herbal medicine regulation, while emphasizing lifestyle adjustments. That's why I have grouped them together. 

It is hard to fully explain the understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for these conditions within the limited space. In simple words, uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts can be classified under TCM's categories of "Zheng Jia" (syndromes of accumulation) and "Ji Ju" (masses). Some scholars consider uterine fibroids to be more related to disorders of blood, while ovarian cysts are more related to disorders of qi. However, it is essential to focus on the individual patient's actual condition, such as the nature, size, location, duration, accompanying symptoms, and menstrual patterns of the mass, for pattern differentiation.

TCM classical books do not specifically mention the corresponding disease name for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, with an increased understanding of PCOS, TCM pattern differentiation also considers some of the factors mentioned above, but it places more emphasis on hormonal imbalances and considers a closer relationship with kidney function.

It is important to point out that TCM has a different understanding of organ functions compared to modern medicine, even though similar terminology is used. The TCM perspective on organ function encompasses not only their anatomical and physiological aspects but also their energetic and regulatory roles within the holistic framework of the body.

In TCM, the concept of 'Tong Bing Yi Zhi'   (同病异治) (same disease, different treatments) means that even if two patients have the same disease, their treatments may differ based on their individual patterns of disharmony and constitution. TCM recognizes that each person is unique and requires a tailored approach to address their specific imbalances and underlying causes of illness.

On the other hand, the concept of 'Yi Bing Tong Zhi' (异病同治 ) (different diseases, same treatment) suggests that different diseases may share similar underlying imbalances or patterns in TCM diagnosis. In such cases, a similar or overlapping treatment approach may be applied to address the common root causes or disharmonies.