Women now have the option of a drug to treat their uterine fibroids, instead of surgery. — Filepic
A newer, more effective treatment for uterine fibroids is available that doesn’t require surgery.
That’s good news for the millions women who have fibroids.
Mayo Clinic gynaecologist and researcher Dr Elizabeth Stewart recently published a review on these approved fibroid medications.
They are called oral gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist combinations.
“There are two new FDA-approved drugs for the medical treatment of uterine fibroids,” she says.
She explains that the drugs are effective in treating heavy menstrual bleeding, relieving pain and reducing the need for a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus).
“Because many women are pushed in the direction of surgical therapy, and we know there are big limitations to surgical therapies, this is a great treatment option for many women,” she says.
Fibroids are benign growths in the uterus.
While common, they can be disruptive.
“To be able to take a medication and get terrific relief of their symptoms, I think will be a game-changer for many women,” she says.
GnRH agonists block the body from making the hormones that cause women to ovulate and have their periods.
The medicines don’t eliminate your fibroids, but they do reduce their size.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of these oral therapies for up to two years.
Not everyone who has fibroids will experience symptoms.
Fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and early 50s.
And having a family member with fibroids increases your risk.
Common symptoms include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Menstrual periods lasting more than a week.
- Pelvic pressure or pain.
- Pain during sex.
- Frequent urination.
Along with these medications, there are other options for treating fibroids, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment for you. – By Deb Balzer/Mayo Clinic News Network/Tribune News Service
