Uterine Fibroids After Menopause

Uterine fibroids are growths on or in the uterus that vary in size. They are almost always benign, meaning they don’t develop into cancer.

Uterine fibroids normally do not cause symptoms and are most often found during a routine pelvic exam. When they do cause symptoms, this can include heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic discomfort, lower back or leg pain, bladder issues, and pain with sexual intercourse, among others.

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, however, researchers contribute their occurrence to the reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone.

Uterine fibroids are most common in women in their 40s and 50s, right around the time they are passing through menopause. As such, the appearance of fibroids during perimenopause can be attributed to the drastic hormonal fluctuations taking place in women’s bodies as their ovaries wind down reproductive function. Furthermore, fibroids become more common as women age, and women who are overweight are at a greater risk for developing these uterine growths as well.

Because the development of fibroids is largely dependent upon hormones, they usually shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production. Nevertheless, if fibroids are causing symptoms or growing after menopause, women should consult their doctors immediately for appropriate treatment.

Women who are suffering from mild uterine fibroid symptoms may be recommended to take medications for the pain, including iron supplements for heavy bleeding. Other drugs used to treat symptoms of fibroids include birth control and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Surgical procedures may be recommended to women who have moderate or severe symptoms. These may include myomectomy, which removes the fibroids without damaging the uterus, hysterectomy to remove the uterus, or endometrial ablation, which is when the uterine lining is removed to control very heavy bleeding, among other symptoms.

Please discuss each treatment option with your GP and gynaecologist in depth before finalizing your decision.

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