Uterine Fibroids After Menopause: What You Need to Know

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate within the muscular walls of the uterus. They are a prevalent condition, affecting up to 80% of women by the age of 50.

Although fibroids can manifest in symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination, a significant number of women may remain asymptomatic.

One common concern women have is how fibroids will behave after menopause, the natural decline in hormone production that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. This blog post explores what you can expect regarding uterine fibroids after menopause.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids consist of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size. The hormones progesterone and estrogen impact fibroid size and growth rate.

Fibroids may arise in various regions of the uterus, such as the lining, muscle tissue, and outer layer.

They can also be found attached to the uterus by a stalk-like stem. Fibroids are benign tumors, and it is rare for them to become cancerous.

Understanding Fibroid during Perimenopause and after Menopause

Fibroid tumors after menopause requires careful consideration of their potential growth patterns and associated symptoms in the absence of hormonal fluctuations. Let’s understand the connection deeper with perimenopause also.

Perimenopause and Fibroids

Menopause signifies the natural end of a woman’s reproductive years, occurring after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.

Perimenopause is the transitional stage preceding menopause, typically beginning in the early 40s and lasting up to a decade.

During this period, hormone production declines, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. Despite reduced hormone levels, ovulation can still occur, increasing the possibility of pregnancy and potential fibroid growth triggered by estrogen.

Perimenopause precedes menopause and involves the onset of menopausal changes and symptoms.

Key changes during menopause include the cessation of estrogen and progesterone production by the ovaries, halting of egg release into the fallopian tubes, and complete cessation of the menstrual cycle.

Menopause and Fibroids

Menopause is confirmed when a woman has not had a period for 12 consecutive months, excluding pregnancy and certain medical conditions.

The hormonal changes that occur during menopause can affect fibroids.

Fibroids may shrink or stop growing after menopause due to the decrease in estrogen levels.

Women who are experiencing bothersome symptoms from fibroids during menopause may discuss treatment options with their healthcare provider to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment Options for Fibroids

Treatment options for fibroids vary in invasiveness and include:

1- Hormonal Therapies:

Hormonal birth control methods like pills and IUDs containing progestin can help reduce heavy bleeding associated with fibroids.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) can shrink fibroids by suppressing ovulation and menstruation.

Antihormonal agents or hormone modulators, such as ulipristal acetate and mifepristone, can slow fibroid growth and improve symptoms.

2- Medications:

Additional medications like Lupron Depot (leuprolide acetate) may be prescribed to shrink fibroids if needed.

3- Non-Surgical Procedures:

Myolysis: Shrinks fibroids using laser, extreme cold, electric current, or high-frequency ultrasound, but not recommended for pregnant women.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UAE or UFE): Blocks blood flow to fibroids by injecting tiny particles into uterine arteries, causing them to shrink.

4- Surgical Treatments:

Myomectomy: Fibroids can form in different uterus areas, including the lining, muscle layer, and outer surface. It can be performed laparoscopically, via laparotomy, or hysteroscopically.

Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus, sometimes along with the ovaries, providing a permanent solution for fibroids in women not planning pregnancy. Types include vaginal, abdominal, and laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures.

Consult Dr. Sandesh Kade for Uterine Fibroids treatment in Abu Dhabi

Dr. Sandesh Kade is a renowned gynecologist and laparoscopic surgeon specializing in scarless procedures and endometriosis excision in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

With over 22 years of experience, he has conducted over 10,000 surgeries and trained 200 gynecologists.

Dr. Sandesh Kade specializes in a wide range of procedures to enhance fertility and treat gynecological conditions.

His expertise includes minimally invasive surgeries for pelvic floor repair and laparoscopic interventions for fibroids, hysterectomy, and endometriosis.

Additionally, he is skilled in performing hysteroscopy procedures for various uterine issues such as the septum, polyps, fibroids, and adhesions.

Book your appointment today.

FAQs About Uterine Fibroids

Can fibroids stop your period?

Fibroids can indeed alter menstrual patterns, occasionally leading to periods stopping altogether. During perimenopause or postmenopause, fibroids might cause irregular or heavier bleeding.

However, as fibroids grow and pressure the uterine lining, they can also induce changes, resulting in lighter or ceased periods.

Can fibroids burst?

Fibroids are extremely unlikely to burst. They are solid growths and have a blood supply, but rupturing is exceptionally rare.

Fibroids themselves don’t typically burst. They can cause complications such as degeneration, where the fibroid tissue breaks down due to inadequate blood supply.

Can fibroids go away on their own?

In some cases, fibroids may shrink or disappear independently, particularly after menopause when hormone levels decline.

However, this isn’t guaranteed for all women, and the likelihood of fibroids resolving naturally varies.