Questions about fibroids - Women's Health Message Board

suncats · 09-09-2004, 08:12 AM

I've had fibroids for several years. My last exam my doctor felt that my uterus was the size comparable to a 16 week fetus. I haven't had major problems from the fibroid. I do get some bad cramps, which naproxen takes care of but I have to exceed the normal dose. I feel bloated and pressure from it and that's it. I've been turned down for health insurance several times because of this.

My Dr. says after menopause, fibroids usually shrink. The only thing that helps control their growth is the Pill, which I have been on for several years. I'm 42. Menopause could be 10 years away.

Can I avoid a hysterectomy? I asked my Dr. about dietary or lifestyle changes and she said there are none. Has anyone had any success in decreasing fibroid size through homeopathic or dietary methods? I'd like to avoid a hysterectomy for cost reasons, as well as loss of income from taking off of work. (I'm self-employed.) Thanks.

SpeisFamily · 09-09-2004, 09:09 AM

I had several fibroids in my uterous and it was the size of a 3 month gestation. I had a hysteroscopy (camera through the vagina to view inside of uterous), laperoscopy (camera through cut in belly button to view outside of uterous), and a D&C to remove the tumors. I was having extreme cramps that made me leave work crying and very heavy bleeding. After the D&C I have had absolutely no pain. It is wonderful. My Dr says now, 6 years later, that he can feel some irregularities in my uterous from new fibroi growth, but I have no pain so I don't need to do anything about them. If you are not in too much pain and are not bleeding too much then there is no reason you should need a hysterectomy or any treatment for that matter.

stacydl · 09-09-2004, 10:50 AM

If they aren't causing any problems I wouldn't worry about doing anything about them like the first reply said. But I am curious as to why the pill would keep them from getting bigger. My understanding is that they grow from estrogen which is why after menopause when estrogen levels decrease they shrink. Estrogen is in most birth control pills so I would think the pill would make them bigger. It wouldn't hurt to get a second opinion. I also had one inside my uterus which was causing lots of problems, had it removed with hysteroscopy and now feel a million times better. Mine was about the size of a plum but since it was inside it was causing horrible cramping and extreme bleeding. I also have another one in the wall which isn't causing problems so it will stay put for now.
Good luck!
Stacy