For many, the question of how to find lasting relief from uterine fibroids is an age-old one.
Particularly for those who develop uterine fibroids earlier than usual in their 20s, the constant companions of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, fatigue, and more may become increasingly overwhelming with time.
But, speaking of time you may be wondering how age will affect your fibroids.
More specifically, how, exactly, will menopause affect your fibroids?
Looking Backward
Should you already be diagnosed with uterine fibroids, you’re likely aware that it is women in their childbearing years — approximately from ages 35 to 54 — who are most at risk for developing fibroids.
In fact, estimates show that up to 80% of women may develop uterine fibroids in their lifetime. Of those individuals, “1 in 4 end up with symptoms severe enough to require treatment,” according to the National Uterine Fibroids Foundation (NUFF).
The good news? Just as uterine fibroids do not develop prior to the onset of puberty, they will also be less likely to regularly affect women after menopause.
“The presence of estrogen and possibly progesterone seems to be important in some way,” as explained by Harvard Health, “fibroids seldom occur before the first menstrual period, pregnancy can spur their growth, and they usually shrink after menopause.”
Growing Into The Present
Fibroids typically shrink after menopause because the aforementioned hormones are produced in lower quantities within the body during this life stage. Thus, a woman is more likely to experience reduced symptoms as the fibroids themselves become smaller.
That being said, fibroid relief during and after menopause is not guaranteed.
“In the past, it was thought that UFs would resolve with menopause, however, today, we know that they may still be present and manifest [abnormal uterine bleeding],” research shows. “It is still not clear why some UFs regress and others do not during this stage of life, however, hormonal regulations are thought to be involved.”
Similarly, women who are being treated with hormone therapy replacement are less likely to experience relief from their symptoms, as such treatments usually involve the administration of estrogen and/or progesterone, thereby allowing the fibroids to potentially keep growing.
Finding Future Solutions
No matter your age or where you are on your fibroid journey, there is absolutely one thing we are certain of: Duval Vascular & Fibroid Center is here to help you find lasting relief from uterine fibroids.
Not only do we strive to educate and empower women, but we also have a veritable history of helping to relieve women of their symptoms through uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which is an FDA-approved and minimally-invasive treatment option.
If you’re ready to learn more about how uterine fibroids impact your stage of life — or if you are ready to discover lasting comfort — contact our office today by calling 904-423-6017!
