Zogwale
JF-Expert Member
- Jul 10, 2008
- 15,287
- 10,842
Before deciding on a treatment, it is important totalk with your health care provider to get more information. Ask your healthcare provider:
There are many options for treatment of uterinefibroids including:
Medications
For occasional mild to moderate pain or discomfort, anover-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken.Over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such asibuprofen, if used during early pregnancy, may cause miscarriage.
For symptoms of heavy bleeding, which can causeanemia, taking an iron supplement and an iron-rich diet can help to preventanemia or treat anemia. More serious symptoms may require stronger drugsavailable by prescription from your health care provider.
HormoneTherapy
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) can be usedto treat the bleeding symptoms of fibroids. Low-dose birth control pills orprogesterone-like injections (such as Depo-Provera) do not make fibroids growand can help control heavy bleeding. An intrauterine device (IUD) whichcontains a small amount of progesterone-like medication (such as Mirena IUD)can also control fibroid symptoms and provide birth control.
Gonadotropin-releasinghormone agonists (GnRHa)
Some fibroids are treated with GnRHa, a hormone thatreduces the amount of estrogen to shrink the fibroids and control symptoms.Sometimes GnRHa is used before surgery to make fibroids easier to remove. Mostwomen can take GnRHa without any problems, but using GnRHa causes menopause-likeside effects such as:
- How many fibroids do I have and will they grow bigger?
- Where are they located and will they cause problems?
- Do I need treatment if I am not having any problems?
- What are my choices for treatment?
- Can I try other options such as medications or hormone therapy before I try surgery?
- What are the treatment options other than hysterectomy?
- What are the risks and benefits of these treatment options?
There are many options for treatment of uterinefibroids including:
Medications
For occasional mild to moderate pain or discomfort, anover-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken.Over the counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such asibuprofen, if used during early pregnancy, may cause miscarriage.
For symptoms of heavy bleeding, which can causeanemia, taking an iron supplement and an iron-rich diet can help to preventanemia or treat anemia. More serious symptoms may require stronger drugsavailable by prescription from your health care provider.
HormoneTherapy
Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) can be usedto treat the bleeding symptoms of fibroids. Low-dose birth control pills orprogesterone-like injections (such as Depo-Provera) do not make fibroids growand can help control heavy bleeding. An intrauterine device (IUD) whichcontains a small amount of progesterone-like medication (such as Mirena IUD)can also control fibroid symptoms and provide birth control.
Gonadotropin-releasinghormone agonists (GnRHa)
Some fibroids are treated with GnRHa, a hormone thatreduces the amount of estrogen to shrink the fibroids and control symptoms.Sometimes GnRHa is used before surgery to make fibroids easier to remove. Mostwomen can take GnRHa without any problems, but using GnRHa causes menopause-likeside effects such as:
- Hot flashes
- Depression or mood swings
- Decreased sexual interest