Can Medications Treat Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are incredibly common, and if you’re living with them, you’ve probably wondered if medication can shrink or eliminate them. Uterine fibroids medication treatment may provide temporary relief from symptoms like heavy periods or cramping, but it doesn’t get rid of fibroids permanently. The goal of uterine fibroids medication treatment is usually symptom control.
Let’s explore the most common options used for medical management.
Hormonal Birth Control
Birth control pills, patches, or vaginal rings may help control heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids. These methods work by regulating your menstrual cycle and reducing the amount of bleeding. However, they do not shrink the fibroids themselves. Once you stop taking the medication, the symptoms usually return.
GnRH Agonists
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are a short-term option that puts your body into a temporary menopausal state. This reduces estrogen levels and may shrink fibroids by up to 50%. But the effect is not permanent. Once the medication is stopped, fibroids often return to their original size. Long-term use can also cause bone density loss.
Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid is a non-hormonal pill that reduces heavy menstrual bleeding by helping your blood clot more effectively. It’s taken only during your period and doesn’t affect the uterine fibroids themselves. While helpful for symptom relief, it does not directly treat the fibroids, and many women still experience discomfort or bloating.
Progestin-Releasing IUDs
Hormonal IUDs like the Mirena can reduce heavy bleeding and cramping, especially in women with small fibroids. However, this is a local solution; the IUD won’t shrink fibroids or affect ones that are not near the uterine lining. It’s also not a suitable option for women with large or multiple fibroids that distort the uterus.
Herbal and Holistic Approaches
Some women seek a holistic treatment for fibroids through diet changes, supplements, or acupuncture. While these methods can support overall wellness, there is no scientific evidence that they shrink fibroids or offer long-term relief. They may help with general symptoms, but they are not an alternative to proven interventional therapies.
Drawbacks of Medications for Fibroids
While medication can be helpful for short-term symptom management, it rarely provides lasting relief. These limitations make medication a less-than-ideal solution for many women.
So, what are the biggest downsides?
- Temporary Effect: Most medications only work while you’re actively taking them. Once stopped, fibroids typically return to their original size, and symptoms come back, sometimes worse than before.
- Significant Side Effects: Hormonal treatments, especially GnRH agonists, can cause unpleasant side effects like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone loss. These effects may outweigh the temporary symptom relief.
- No Impact on Fibroid Size (In Most Cases): With the exception of GnRH agonists, most medications do not shrink fibroids. You’re managing symptoms, not solving the problem.
- Not a Long-Term Solution: If you want to avoid surgery and preserve your uterus, medications won’t help you achieve that goal permanently. Many women eventually need another procedure when symptoms escalate.
Why UFE Is the Best Fibroids Treatment
Unlike medications, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that cuts off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink over time. It’s done without surgery, without removing the uterus, and with faster recovery than traditional surgical methods.
At Fibroid Pain Center, we believe UFE is the best treatment for fibroids. Here’s why:
It Shrinks Fibroids Permanently
UFE doesn’t just control symptoms; it treats the root cause. By blocking the arteries that supply blood to your fibroids, UFE causes them to shrink and die. This leads to lasting symptom relief in over 90% of patients. Most women experience a significant improvement in pain, bloating, and bleeding within a few months.
It’s Non-Surgical With Minimal Downtime
Unlike hysterectomy or myomectomy, UFE is performed without cutting into the uterus. It’s done through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin, and you can return home the same day. Recovery typically takes 5 to 7 days, making it one of the most convenient and safe fibroids treatments available today.
It Preserves the Uterus
If you’re not ready for a hysterectomy or want to preserve your fertility, UFE gives you a chance to treat fibroids without removing your uterus. This makes it a smart choice for women who want control over their reproductive future while still getting long-term relief.
It Avoids the Side Effects of Hormonal Drugs
UFE doesn’t mess with your hormones. There’s no increased risk of bone loss, no hot flashes, and no long-term use of medication. That’s why more women are choosing this new treatment for fibroids without surgery: it’s hormone-free and surgery-free.
Learn about our fibroid treatments to explore how UFE can transform your quality of life without the risks of surgery or the limitations of medication.
Get Relief Without Surgery
If you’re tired of taking pills that only mask the symptoms or you’re looking for a fibroids treatment that works long-term, uterine fibroid embolization may be the answer.
At Fibroid Pain Center, our board-certified interventional radiologist, Dr. Andrew Cortes, performs same-day outpatient UFE procedures in a comfortable setting. We’ll take the time to evaluate your condition and help you make an informed decision about the best way forward. Contact us to schedule a consultation and determine if UFE is the right option for you.
FAQs
What Is the Most Effective Medication for Fibroids?
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are often considered the most effective uterine fibroids medication treatment because they can shrink fibroids by lowering estrogen. However, they come with serious side effects and are not suitable for long-term use. Once the medication is stopped, fibroids typically return to their original size.
Can You Permanently Treat Fibroids Without Surgery?
Yes, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a new treatment for fibroids without surgery that offers long-lasting relief. It works by cutting off the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Unlike medication or hormone therapy, UFE addresses the root cause and provides permanent results for many women.
Do Natural or Holistic Treatments Shrink Fibroids?
While some women seek holistic treatment for fibroids, such as dietary changes or herbal supplements, there is little scientific evidence supporting their ability to shrink fibroids. These options may improve general wellness, but they do not replace effective procedures like UFE for long-term symptom relief.
How Do I Know If UFE Is Right for Me?
If you’re experiencing heavy periods, pelvic pressure, or fibroid-related bloating and want to avoid surgery, UFE may be the best treatment for fibroids in your case. The best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with a fibroid specialist who offers UFE.
