Fibroids Treatment and Menopause
Menopause is a time in a woman’s life, usually around the age of 50 years, when she stops menstruating completely as her body stops producing oestrogen ( a female hormone). It is associated with a number of troublesome symptoms like hot flashes and memory loss.
How Menopause Affects Fibroids
Many people, including doctors, say that fibroids “go away” after menopause. This is only partially correct.
Yes, if the fibroids were causing you heavy periods, this will likely stop in menopause. But, if the fibroids are large and causing bloating and pressure symptoms, these are unlikely to resolve in time.
Once the fibroids are confirmed by your Doctor after doing an ultrasound scan you can start to think about fibroid treatment options.
Most importantly, if you have stopped menstruating, have you considered that you might have reached the menopause?
What is menopause – it is that time in a woman’s life when her hormones, especially oestrogen, start becoming less. This means that her menstrual period will stop, she might get ‘moody’, have hot flushes.
Managing Fibroids during Menopause
Surgical Treatment
This type of treatment is known as hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) or myomectomy which is the surgical removal of the fibroids and some uterine tissue.
Non-surgical Treatment
This type of fibroid treatment is known as fibroid embolistion, it is gentler and less invasive and retains the intact uterus. There is minimum hospital time(24hrs), no surgical scar and normal life can be returned to within days.
Menopause after Fibroids Treatment
Can I develop menopause after fibroid treatment?
The answer is yes, albeit a very low risk, and this might affect your choice of how to have your fibroids treated.
At the moment, the evidence is consistent that there is a <4% chance of developing some form of poor ovary function after surgery or embolisation.
Need Information on Fibroids Treatment?
At Fibroid Care, we specialise in uterine fibroid embolisation(UFE), a safe minimally invasive alternative to surgery.
We are available to guide you through the process, answer your questions and help you make an informed decision.
Reach out to today for expert advice, or book a consultation to discuss the symptoms and treatment in more detail.