Fibroids After Menopause

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the wall of the uterus. They are also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas.

Symptoms of fibroids can include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and constipation, depending on the size and location of the fibroids.

Fibroids vary in size, ranging from small (under 6 cm) to large (6cm to 10 cm) to very large (over 10 cm), which can look like a pregnancy at first glance!

These growths are quite common. It’s believed that up to 80% of women will experience fibroids at some point in their lives. Although not everyone will experience symptoms.

They can occur as just one fibroid or there can be multiple.

While the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, factors such as hormonal imbalances and genetic predisposition play a role in their development.

Uterine fibroid embolization is a treatment that eliminates symptoms and shrinks the fibroid(s).

Will my fibroids still be a problem after menopause?

After menopause, fibroids generally do not pose significant issues. However, the situation changes if you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy as the estrogen can stimulate fibroid growth. Therefore, it is the hormonal supplements that contribute to the development of fibroids. In the absence of any such replacement treatments, it is uncommon for fibroids to cause problems following menopause.

Many gynecologists advise against interventions if you’re close to menopause. Once menopause is reached, hormone levels decrease, leading to the end of menstrual cycles. However, modern advancements offer various alternatives and treatments in this area.