What To Know About Uterine Fibroids After Menopause?
If you’re one of the many women who experience relief from the symptoms of uterine fibroids after menopause, you may be reassured to know that, in some cases, these growths may not pose an issue after this stage in life.
However, for some women, fibroids can persist or even cause symptoms, such as bleeding and pain.
In this blog, we’ll explore how uterine fibroids after menopause can impact your health, symptoms to watch for, and available fibroid treatment options to manage them effectively.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign growths composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or on the uterus. These fibroids can vary greatly in size, ranging from as small as a seed to large masses, and they can continue to grow over time.
Fibroids can form in different parts of the uterus, including:
- Submucosal: Located just beneath the uterine lining.
- Intramural: Within the uterine muscle itself.
- Subserosal: Found on the outer surface of the uterus.
- Pedunculated: Fibroids connected to the uterus by a stalk, which can be found either inside or outside the uterus.
Connection Between Uterine Fibroids and Hormones
Fibroid growth is influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which are most prominent during premenopause — the period between the onset of menstruation and the beginning of perimenopause. These hormones encourage fibroid growth by stimulating their development.
Perimenopause is the transitional period leading up to menopause, typically starting in a woman’s early 40s and lasting up to 10 years. During this period, the ovaries produce fewer hormones, and menstrual cycles become irregular. Despite the decrease in hormone production, fibroids can still grow due to the ongoing presence of estrogen.
After menopause, when a woman has gone without periods for 12 consecutive months, estrogen levels drop, and most fibroids shrink. However, not all women experience this, and in some cases, fibroids may persist or continue to cause symptoms even after menopause.
Anyone with concerns about fibroids or symptoms affecting their lower abdomen after menopause should seek medical advice. It is important to rule out other potential conditions, such as uterine cancer.
Uterine Fibroids Symptoms to Look For
Regardless of age or whether you are in menopause, the symptoms of fibroids typically remain consistent. Common symptoms include:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
- Pain during sex
- A feeling of pain or pressure in the pelvis
- Low back pain
- Pressure on the bladder or bowels leading more frequent trips to the bathroom
In some cases, women with fibroids may experience no symptoms at all and may only discover the fibroids during another medical procedure.
Treatment Options for Fibroids After Menopause
While most fibroids shrink after menopause due to the decline in estrogen levels, some women may continue to experience symptoms or have persistent fibroids.
If fibroids are causing problems after menopause, there are several treatment options available:
Watchful Waiting
If the fibroids are not causing any significant issues, your doctor may recommend monitoring them over time, especially since many fibroids naturally shrink after menopause.
Hormonal Therapy
In certain cases, low-dose estrogen therapy may be prescribed to manage menopause symptoms, although it can sometimes contribute to the growth of fibroids. This approach is used cautiously for women with existing fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
This minimally invasive procedure blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. It’s a good option for women who wish to avoid surgery but still want to preserve their uterus.
Myomectomy
If fibroids are causing significant symptoms, a myomectomy may be considered to remove them while preserving the uterus. However, this is less common after menopause, as fibroids generally shrink during this phase.
Hysterectomy
For persistent, painful fibroids that do not respond to other treatments, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be the most effective solution, eliminating the possibility of fibroid recurrence.
Contact Dr. Sandeep Burathoki for Fibroid Treatment in Dubai
If you’re dealing with fibroids, Dr. Sandeep Burathoki offers advanced, non-surgical treatment options tailored to your needs.
With over 17 years of experience and extensive training in Interventional Neuroradiology, Dr. Sandeep is dedicated to helping women achieve optimal outcomes. His expertise in Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) ensures a personalized and effective approach for fibroid relief.
For expert care, contact Dr. Sandeep Burathoki today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more comfortable life.
