Fibroids Cure

Fibroids are abnormal growths that sometimes develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. They most commonly occur between age 30 and menopause, and they are present in as many as 75 percent of women in this group. Fortunately, fibroids are rarely if ever cancerous. Still, they may cause symptoms that degrade a woman's quality of life. The need for a treatment or cure for fibroids varies with the degree of discomfort associated with their presence.

Understanding Fibroids

Fibroids may develop on either the interior or exterior surfaces of the uterus. In some cases, they are completely contained inside the uterine tissue, while in other cases they intrude substantially into their surrounding environment. If you have uterine fibroids, there is a good chance they will cause you no problems at all. In fact, they may go completely undetected unless they are revealed during a procedure such as a prenatal screening or pelvic exam. It is possible, however, that your fibroids will trigger symptoms that may include painful periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, constipation, pain or pressure in your pelvis, lower back pain, frequent urination or pain during sex. If you experience any of these signs, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Watchful Waiting

Your treatment for fibroids will vary according to a number of factors. If you don't have any obvious symptoms, your gynecologist may decide that the best option is simply regular examination to keep track of your condition. This "watchful waiting" may continue until you reach menopause, when fibroids generally shrink in size. If your fibroids cause you pain or discomfort, or are in a position to cause problems during a future pregnancy, you may receive a more active form of treatment.

Adapted Treatments

If your symptoms are relatively minor, your gynecologist may suggest you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as naproxen or aspirin to address your pain. If heavy menstruation triggers anemia, she also may recommend you take an iron supplement.

Your gynecologist also may treat your symptoms through use of a number of medications normally used for birth control. While these compounds will not reduce the size of your fibroids, they can help curb menstruation. Also, progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs) may be used to control pain and heavy bleeding if your fibroids do not significantly alter the interior of your uterus.

Specific Treatments

Certain drugs more specifically address the presence of uterine fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists such as Synarel and Lupron work by blocking your body's production of progesterone and estrogen. Without the normal amount of these substances in your body, you will experience much lighter periods; it is also possible your periods will stop altogether. In either case, the overall effect is a decrease in the size of your fibroids.
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Your gynecologist may treat you with Danazol, a synthetic androgen (male hormone) that has a similar influence on menstruation and fibroid size. If so, be aware that use of Danazol can result in symptoms that include hair growth, weight gain and a deepening voice.

Surgery

If necessary, your fibroids may be surgically removed or diminished. Ask your gynecologist about the details of surgical options.