Are there any medicines for fibroids?
It is quite common that the doctor recommends surgery for the management of fibroids. Many women would want to avoid surgery and consider medical therapies. In some situations, fibroids can be managed with medication. But it is important to understand the limitations of the medications.
Can Fibroids be treated with medicines?
Medications for fibroids do not provide a cure. They only help in managing the pain, pressure, and bleeding associated with these tumors. Medical treatments may give only temporary relief from the symptoms of fibroids. Once you stop the treatment, fibroids can grow back and symptoms can return.
They are particularly useful when the surgery is planned but the patient is low in hemoglobin or in poor health. These medicines can help in managing the symptoms till the general health improves and the surgery can be done.
What are the difference medicines that are used for the treatment of fibroids?
Analgesics
Various over-the-counter or prescription medications are commonly used for pain from fibroids. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonest and widely used for pain management.
Tranexamic acid (TXA)
TXA helps in controlling the blood loss to a certain extent as it helps in clotting of the blood. It does not influence the pain or the volume of the fibroid.
Hormone therapy for fibroids
Hormone therapy for uterine fibroids helps in managing heavy bleeding and painful periods. In certain situations, they can cause fibroids to grow larger.
Combined oral contraceptive pills
They are useful for women who have heavy painful periods, small fibroids, and want contraception.
Progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUD)
They are devices that release a fixed quantity of hormone Levonorgestrel in the uterine cavity daily over a period. The IUD reduces heavy and painful bleeding but does not shrink or cure the fibroids themselves.
It has the added advantage that it provides reversible contraception. It is a good choice for those who have fibroids that are not distorting the uterine cavity and have heavy painful periods and want contraception. They can easily be inserted inside the uterus in an outpatient department.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa)
- These medicines are given in the form of injections once in a month.
- They block the entire hormone cycle and therefore prevent ovulation and formation of the lining of the uterus.
- They help to control the bleeding and shrink the size of the fibroids over a period.
- This is not a long-term treatment as it causes menopause-like symptoms and bone loss.
- When the treatment is stopped the fibroids will increase in size again.
- Therefore, they are commonly used for a short time to reduce the size of fibroids before surgery or to treat anemia.
- They are sometimes used prior to surgery to shrink large fibroids so that the surgery is easier.
Antihormonal agents or hormone modulators (Selective progesterone receptor modulator)
- Two drugs namely Ulipristal acetate and Mifepristone have been used for the management of fibroids.
- They slow or stop the growth of fibroids, reduce bleeding, and improve symptoms and hence improve the quality of life.
- Are used for short periods of time for patients who have symptoms and are waiting for surgery or for those who cannot undergo surgery.
- They are not meant for long term treatment.
- Fibroids will grow once the treatment is stopped.a
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