Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPrescription DrugsOTC DrugsSurgeries and ProceduresAlternative RemediesPregnancyFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Prescription Drugs
OTC Drugs
Surgeries and Procedures
Alternative Remedies
Pregnancy
Frequently Asked Questions
Fibroids, also calledmyomas, are benign (noncancerous) tumors of theuterus. The exact cause of fibroids is unknown; however, certain hormones can contribute to their formation.
Although many people with uterine fibroids do not have symptoms, others can experienceheavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding,anemia, pelvic pain, reproductive problems, andpainful sex.
Treatmentfor fibroids depends on several factors, including age, the severity of symptoms, desire for pregnancy, and size and location of the tumors. Medications, surgical procedures, and lifestyle changes can help eliminate or alleviate fibroids.
This article will discuss current treatment options for uterine fibroids.
Geber86/Getty Images
Fibroids are more common inBlack peoplethan White people and people between 30 and 50 years old. Fibroids typically resolve after menopause.
Prescription Medications
Up to 80% of people with a uterus will develop fibroids.Medicationscan reduce the symptoms of fibroids, preservefertility, and decrease the need for surgery.
Oral Contraceptives
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills or “the pill”) do not reduce the size of fibroids, but they can help decrease menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. Since estrogen can make fibroids grow, initially scientists were concerned about using the pill to control bleeding for this condition.
However, one study showed that oral contraceptives are safe for managing fibroid symptoms. The low cost and few side effects of the pill make it a popular choice for treating fibroids.
Progestins
Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS)
Originally approved to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, the LNG-IUS (Mirena and Liletta) is also effective for symptomatic fibroids.The T-shaped device isinsertedin the uterus and releases small amounts of levonorgestrel, a progestin hormone, throughout the day. Minimal side effects have been noted with LNG-IUS, and it can remain in the uterus for up to eight years.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists (GnRHa)
GnRHasuppressesfollicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are responsible for menstruation. GnRHa also decreases the size of fibroids. Lupron is a GnRHa given for several months to shrink fibroids before surgery, which helps reduce surgical times, decreases bleeding during surgery, and improves the difficulty of the surgery. GnRHa is a short-term solution for fibroid reduction as side effects includehot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators (SPRM)
Although mifepristone was the first SPRM, a recent study showed that another SPRM, asoprisnil, is also effective at decreasing bleeding, reducing fibroid size, and is generally well-tolerated.However, mifepristone and asoprisnil are not currently FDA-approved for treating fibroids. SPRMs can cause changes to the uterus lining, but these alterations do not increase the risk foruterine cancer.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Painful menstrual cramps, pelvic fullness, anemia, and fatigue are symptoms that affect the quality of life of many people with uterine fibroids. Some OTC medications that can reduce these symptoms include:
When the symptoms from fibroids become severe, or the fibroids become too bulky,surgerymay be warranted. In addition, there are several medical procedures available to reduce the number and size of fibroids.
Myomectomy
Surgically removing the fibroids while saving the healthy uterine tissue is called amyomectomy. This surgery is a beneficial option for people who wish to become pregnant later. It can be donelaparoscopically(minimally invasive surgery) or as open surgery. Unfortunately, new fibroids can form after a myomectomy.
Hysterectomy
Complete removal of the uterus, called ahysterectomy, is the only cure for fibroids. Depending on the size and number of fibroids, a hysterectomy can be done vaginally,laparoscopically, or as an open abdominal procedure. Theovariesandfallopian tubesmay or may not be removed, and recovery can take several weeks.
Myolysis
Endometrial Ablation
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
During aUFE, a thin tube is inserted into the vessels feeding the fibroids. In this minimally evasive procedure, tiny particles are then injected, which stop the blood flow to the tumors. Over weeks to months, the fibroids shrink. New fibroids may grow after the procedure. Pregnancy is not advisable after this procedure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)–Guided Focused Ultrasound
Alternative Remedies and Lifestyle
Hormones play an important role in the development of myomas, therefore, influencing hormone-related factors is one way to keep them from forming. Here are somealternativeways to improve the risk of developing uterine fibroids:
Diet:Research shows that eating fruits, vegetables, and foods with a lowerglycemic indexcan reduce the risk of developing fibroids. Although controversial, some studies found thatsoy, red meat, and alcohol intake can increase the risk of fibroids.
Exercise:Fibroids are more common inoverweightpeople, so maintaining a healthy weight reduces fibroid formation.
Herbs:In combination with Western medicine,herbssuch as radix paeoniae, peach kernel, cassia twig, and poria cocos can help shrink and improve symptoms from fibroids.In addition, there is evidence thatgreen teacan reduce fibroid volume.
Environmental contaminants:Any environmental pollutant that affects estrogen and progesterone has the potential to increase fibroid formation.
Home remedies for fibroid treatment that are not evidence based such asessential oilsandapple cider vinegarshould be used with caution, especially during pregnancy. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting alternative methods to treat uterine fibroids.
Fibroids During Pregnancy
It’s essential to eliminate or reduce fibroids before pregnancy. Although most pregnant people with fibroids will have an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery, fibroids can cause the following conditions:
Treatment of fibroids during pregnancy focuses on relieving pain for the pregnant person. Bed rest is not recommended. Other medications can be prescribed during pregnancy to help with the discomfort or pain from fibroids. Your healthcare provider will evaluate the size and number of fibroids often during pregnancy.
Summary
Several surgeries and medical procedures are available to reduce the number and volume of fibroids should symptoms become severe. In addition, alternative therapies such as diet, exercise, and herbal remedies can decrease the risk factors for developing fibroids.
A Word From Verywell
Fibroids are very common, and although they are benign (not cancerous), they may still cause discomfort. It’s essential to choose a healthcare provider that understands the complications unique to you and advocates for the most appropriate treatment options resulting in the best health outcomes.
Calcified fibroidsare treated based on the symptoms they are causing. There are minimally invasive surgeries available to remove calcified fibroids.
See your healthcare provider for foul-smelling, bloody discharge. This is a sign of infection.
There is a lack of scientific evidence showing that essential oils effectively reduce or eliminate fibroids. Since essential oils can potentially affect estrogen receptors, you should check with your healthcare provider before using them to treat fibroids.
Although popular, apple cider vinegar has not been proven to effectively treat fibroids.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.WomensHealth.gov.Uterine Fibroids.Sohn GS, Cho S, Kim YM, Cho CH, Kim MR, Lee SR.Current medical treatment of uterine fibroids.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2018;61(2):192-201. doi: https://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2018.61.2.192Qin J, Yang T, Kong F, Zhou Q.Oral contraceptive use and uterine leiomyoma risk: a meta-analysis based on cohort and case–control studies.Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013;288(1):139-148. doi: 10.1007/s00404-013-2797-9Wrona W, Stępniak A, Czuczwar P.The role of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids.pm. 2017;16(4):129-132. doi: DOI: 10.5114/pm.2017.72758National Institute of Health.Medication-Related Treatments for Fibroids.Stewart EA, Diamond MP, Williams ARW, et al.Safety and efficacy of the selective progesterone receptor modulator asoprisnil for heavy menstrual bleeding with uterine fibroids: pooled analysis of two 12-month, placebo-controlled, randomized trials.Human Reproduction. 2019;34(4):623-634. doi: DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez007Murji A, Whitaker L, Chow TL, Sobel ML.Selective progesterone receptor modulators (Sprms) for uterine fibroids.Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(4). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010770.pub2Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031066Fu Y, Fan Y, Fan W, Lv Y, Ai S, Yu C.Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal formula combined with western medicine for uterine fibroid: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine. 2020;99(36):e22039. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022039Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah ASA, Al-Hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-486. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021Liu T, Yu J, Kuang W, et al.Acupuncture for uterine fibroids: Protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Medicine. 2019;98(8):e14631. doi: doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014631Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.WomensHealth.gov.Uterine Fibroids.Sohn GS, Cho S, Kim YM, Cho CH, Kim MR, Lee SR.Current medical treatment of uterine fibroids.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2018;61(2):192-201. doi: https://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2018.61.2.192Qin J, Yang T, Kong F, Zhou Q.Oral contraceptive use and uterine leiomyoma risk: a meta-analysis based on cohort and case–control studies.Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013;288(1):139-148. doi: 10.1007/s00404-013-2797-9Wrona W, Stępniak A, Czuczwar P.The role of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids.pm. 2017;16(4):129-132. doi: DOI: 10.5114/pm.2017.72758National Institute of Health.Medication-Related Treatments for Fibroids.Stewart EA, Diamond MP, Williams ARW, et al.Safety and efficacy of the selective progesterone receptor modulator asoprisnil for heavy menstrual bleeding with uterine fibroids: pooled analysis of two 12-month, placebo-controlled, randomized trials.Human Reproduction. 2019;34(4):623-634. doi: DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez007Murji A, Whitaker L, Chow TL, Sobel ML.Selective progesterone receptor modulators (Sprms) for uterine fibroids.Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(4). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010770.pub2Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031066Fu Y, Fan Y, Fan W, Lv Y, Ai S, Yu C.Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal formula combined with western medicine for uterine fibroid: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine. 2020;99(36):e22039. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022039Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah ASA, Al-Hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-486. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021Liu T, Yu J, Kuang W, et al.Acupuncture for uterine fibroids: Protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Medicine. 2019;98(8):e14631. doi: doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014631Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
WomensHealth.gov.Uterine Fibroids.Sohn GS, Cho S, Kim YM, Cho CH, Kim MR, Lee SR.Current medical treatment of uterine fibroids.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2018;61(2):192-201. doi: https://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2018.61.2.192Qin J, Yang T, Kong F, Zhou Q.Oral contraceptive use and uterine leiomyoma risk: a meta-analysis based on cohort and case–control studies.Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013;288(1):139-148. doi: 10.1007/s00404-013-2797-9Wrona W, Stępniak A, Czuczwar P.The role of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids.pm. 2017;16(4):129-132. doi: DOI: 10.5114/pm.2017.72758National Institute of Health.Medication-Related Treatments for Fibroids.Stewart EA, Diamond MP, Williams ARW, et al.Safety and efficacy of the selective progesterone receptor modulator asoprisnil for heavy menstrual bleeding with uterine fibroids: pooled analysis of two 12-month, placebo-controlled, randomized trials.Human Reproduction. 2019;34(4):623-634. doi: DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez007Murji A, Whitaker L, Chow TL, Sobel ML.Selective progesterone receptor modulators (Sprms) for uterine fibroids.Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(4). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010770.pub2Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031066Fu Y, Fan Y, Fan W, Lv Y, Ai S, Yu C.Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal formula combined with western medicine for uterine fibroid: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine. 2020;99(36):e22039. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022039Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah ASA, Al-Hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-486. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021Liu T, Yu J, Kuang W, et al.Acupuncture for uterine fibroids: Protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Medicine. 2019;98(8):e14631. doi: doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014631Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
WomensHealth.gov.Uterine Fibroids.
Sohn GS, Cho S, Kim YM, Cho CH, Kim MR, Lee SR.Current medical treatment of uterine fibroids.Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2018;61(2):192-201. doi: https://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2018.61.2.192
Qin J, Yang T, Kong F, Zhou Q.Oral contraceptive use and uterine leiomyoma risk: a meta-analysis based on cohort and case–control studies.Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2013;288(1):139-148. doi: 10.1007/s00404-013-2797-9
Wrona W, Stępniak A, Czuczwar P.The role of levonorgestrel intrauterine systems in the treatment of symptomatic fibroids.pm. 2017;16(4):129-132. doi: DOI: 10.5114/pm.2017.72758
National Institute of Health.Medication-Related Treatments for Fibroids.
Stewart EA, Diamond MP, Williams ARW, et al.Safety and efficacy of the selective progesterone receptor modulator asoprisnil for heavy menstrual bleeding with uterine fibroids: pooled analysis of two 12-month, placebo-controlled, randomized trials.Human Reproduction. 2019;34(4):623-634. doi: DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez007
Murji A, Whitaker L, Chow TL, Sobel ML.Selective progesterone receptor modulators (Sprms) for uterine fibroids.Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group, ed.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;2017(4). doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010770.pub2
Tinelli A, Vinciguerra M, Malvasi A, Andjić M, Babović I, Sparić R.Uterine fibroids and diet.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(3):1066. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031066
Fu Y, Fan Y, Fan W, Lv Y, Ai S, Yu C.Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese herbal formula combined with western medicine for uterine fibroid: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.Medicine. 2020;99(36):e22039. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022039
Roshdy E, Rajaratnam V, Maitra S, Sabry M, Allah ASA, Al-Hendy A.Treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with green tea extract: a pilot randomized controlled clinical study.Int J Womens Health. 2013;5:477-486. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S41021
Liu T, Yu J, Kuang W, et al.Acupuncture for uterine fibroids: Protocol for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.Medicine. 2019;98(8):e14631. doi: doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014631
Lee HJ, Norwitz ER, Shaw J.Contemporary management of fibroids in pregnancy.Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010;3(1):20-27.
Ramsey JT, Shropshire BC, Nagy TR, Chambers KD, Li Y, Korach KS.Essential oils and health.Yale J Biol Med. 2020;93(2):291-305.
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