What are the Different Ways to Shrink Fibroids?

There are a few different ways to shrink fibroids. These include watchful waiting, medication and a procedure used to block blood flow to the fibroid. The best treatment method may depend on the type of fibroid, where it is located, the age and health status of the patient, and her preferences. Since most fibroids occur in the uterus, whether or not a woman hopes to have children often plays a role in how they are treated.

One way to shrink a fibroid is with watchful waiting, which is also called expectant management. In most cases, fibroids are slow to grow, and they often shrink on their own, though this usually happens after menopause has occurred. Since they’re not cancerous and may not cause symptoms, waiting and monitoring their growth is a viable treatment option for some women. If they cause pain, bleeding, clotting, or infertility, however, it may be necessary to choose another course.

A doctor may prescribe medications for shrinking fibroids. For example, a doctor may prescribe Gn-RH agonists, which are medications that target estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that help regulate a woman’s menstrual periods. These medications cause a decrease in estrogen and progesterone. The effect is often a temporary stop to menstruation and shrinkage of fibroids.

Some women may take a drug called Danazol to help shrink fibroids. This drug is synthetic and acts similarly to testosterone, a male sex hormone. It stops a woman’s menstrual periods and may help to shrink fibroids, but it may also cause side effects women find uncomfortable and unpleasant. For example, some women may develop acne, experience increased headaches, or gain weight while taking this medication. Sometimes this drug also causes depression and facial hair growth. It may even cause a woman’s voice to deepen.

Another option for shrinking uterine fibroids is called uterine artery embolization. For this procedure, a doctor inserts a very thin tube, called a catheter, into arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. Next, he uses it to inject small substances into the arteries, creating a blockage that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids. Without an adequate blood supply, the fibroids shrink and die. This procedure shouldn't prove dangerous for a woman’s uterus, as it will still get adequate blood from other arteries that aren’t involved in the procedure.

Uterine artery embolization is a way to shrink fibroids without using medications, which don’t always work, or invasive surgery. It can be performed in a hospital, with the patient only staying in the hospital for about a day. There are some risks involved, though. The procedure could cause an infection of the uterus, create scar tissue or damage other pelvic organs. Additionally, doctors are unsure of whether or not this procedure can adversely affect future pregnancies.