Uterine Fibroid Medications
Medications used to treat uterine fibroids will not eliminate the fibroids, but they may be able to reduce the symptoms and size of the fibroid. These medications are usually hormone based, as they work to regulate your menstrual cycle.
Common medications used to treat uterine fibroids include:
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (Gn-RH) Agonists
As a woman experiences menopause, her uterine fibroids often shrink naturally due to a reduction in reproductive hormones. These medications work in a similar way by putting the patient in a temporary postmenopausal state to reduce the level of hormones that feed the fibroid and encourage its growth .
Progestin-Releasing Intrauterine Device (IUD)
This specific type of IUD can help to alleviate symptoms associated with uterine fibroids such as heavy menstrual bleeding. The IUD will not eliminate or even shrink the uterine fibroids present, but it does provide significant relief from painful symptoms.
Tranexamic Acid
This type of medication is similar to the IUD in the sense that it will not get rid of the fibroid or reduce its size, but it will ease the patient’s heavy menstrual cycle. Tranexamic acid is a non-hormonal medication that is only to be taken on heavy bleeding days.
Over-The-Counter Medications
Some patients are able to manage the painful symptoms associated with uterine fibroids with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
Vitamins and iron supplements may also be necessary if the patient’s heavy flow is causing them to lose too much blood since this sort of significant blood loss can cause anemia.
Side Effects
Side effects of these various types of medications are similar to the side effects of menopause, such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
- Changes in metabolism
- Mood swings
A Temporary Fix
Medication used to treat uterine fibroids are only a temporary solution. Once the patient ceases the use of these medications, their fibroids are likely to grow back to, and even beyond, their original size.
These medications are best used in combination with another, more absolute form of treatment such as a surgical procedure known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). To discuss a UFE procedure with our resident uterine fibroid removal specialist, Dr. Robert Handley, please call North Texas Fibroids today to schedule an appointment.
