Question: Are There Any Pharmaceutical Treatments for Uterine Fibroid Tumors?
Answer: Sometimes, medications can help prepare a woman for surgery or reduce the symptoms caused by uterine fibroid tumors. Medications used to treat uterine fibroid tumors include:
GnRH agonists such as Lupron (leuprolide) decrease the production of estrogen which causes tumor shrinkage, as well as a reduction in symptoms. GnRH agonists cause a 30% to 50% reduction in tumor size. Sadly, any decrease in size quickly reverts upon cessation of the medication. GnRH agonists primarily help decrease bleeding prior to surgical intervention.
Oral contraceptives can help decrease excessive bleeding. However, birth control pills may not be a good choice for women who have increased risk factors that prevent her from taking the drugs. Birth control pills are useful for reducing symptoms caused by uterine fibroid tumors.
NSAIDS, an over-the-counter type of medications, can help reduce pain caused by uterine fibroid tumors and sometimes help lessen the excessive menstrual bleeding that is common in women who have the tumors.
See also:
Non Surgical Treatments for Uterine Fibroid Tumors
Surgical Treatments for Fibroids
Source:
Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia; National Library of Medicine; Uterine Fibroid Tumors Treatment; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002090.htm; accessed 03/19/08.
