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Can Birth Control Treat Fibroids?

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birth control and fibroids

Often birth control pills are prescribed to help women cope with heavy and painful periods. But what about using birth control as a treatment for the pain, pressure, and bleeding caused by uterine fibroids?

Birth Control Help Ease Symptoms of Fibroids

Birth control pills can decrease the heaviness of the flow and help with symptoms. Because fibroids are very hormone-responsive, physicians will recommend a low dose pill that will not induce fibroid growth. Birth control pills can be used to treat the bleeding symptoms and menstrual cramps caused by uterine fibroids because they decrease the production of female hormones and prevent ovulation. This responsiveness to higher levels of estrogen is why fibroids tend to grow during pregnancy, and why growth tends to stop in women who have gone through menopause.

birth control pillsMany women wonder if taking a pill up until menopause will stop fibroid symptoms until the body naturally stops producing higher amount of hormones. Unfortunately, no such pill exists, and menopause does not guarantee that fibroids will shrink and discomfort will cease. Birth control pills do not reduce the size of uterine fibroids but often help to regulate the length of menses as well as the amount of bleeding and cramping. However, taking birth control for fibroid bleeding is not a sure-fire treatment for the often debilitating symptoms of fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment Options

There are many fibroid treatment options available today. Some physicians will recommend hysterectomy for women suffering from severe bleeding and pain from fibroids. These women often experience anxiety and lower quality of life due to heavy bleeding that cannot be controlled using maxi pads or tampons. Myomectomy may also be recommended to those suffering from uterine fibroids. While hysterectomy involves removal of the uterus, myomectomy simply removes fibroids from the uterus.

If you are one of these women, consider other non-invasive treatment options before selecting surgical options such as hysterectomy and myomectomy. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a non-surgical method for treating fibroids symptoms and has been shown to be particularly successful in stopping heavy bleeding almost immediately. Almost all patients who chose this out-patient procedure returned to work in under a week. This treatment works by decreasing the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink

For more information on fibroids and birth control please visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/uterine-fibroids.html#k

The Fibroid Treatment Collective (FTC) based in Beverly Hills offers women a minimally noninvasive alternative to a hysterectomy to treat uterine fibroids. Founder of the FTC, Dr. Bruce McLucas, was one of the pioneers of the procedure called the Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) that helps women maintain their fertility and removing symptoms caused by fibroids. For additional information, please visit www.fibroids.com or call our toll free 866.362.6463 to learn more and schedule a consultation.

Health Concerns Associated with Diet Drinks

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Diet Drink Health Concerns

There are many of us who opt for the “diet” version of all our favorite soft drinks. We might even think these diet drinks are healthier compared to its sugary counterpart. However, new studies are showing that these diet drinks are associated to heart problems especially for older women.

A study was conducted on women who drank two or more diet drinks on a regular basis. According to the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, women who were postmenopausal and had a 30% increased likelihood of suffering from a heart attack or stroke. In addition, these women had a 50% chance of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to women who never or rarely drank diet drinks.

Cardiovascular diseases are just one of the possible health problems associated with diet drinks. Other studies have shown that soft drinks, especially cola (both diet and regular), have been linked with lower bone density that can lead to osteoporosis. Older women are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, which is a degenerative one disease that causes the bones to become weak and brittle.

Don’t let the words “diet” on a drink mislead you to think that it means it is a healthier option than the regular drink. Instead of using real sugar, these diet drinks contain artificial sweeteners that can cause heart disease and other health problems.

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Please leave a comment and share your comments on diet drinks.

Premature Menopause After UFE

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Menopause after UFE, although uncommon, can sometimes occur. There are a number of factors that play a role in premature menopause, which occurs in women before the age of 40. At times, premature menopause may be caused by premature ovarian failure (abnormal functioning of the ovaries). This may be a result of non-target embolization of blood vessels leading to the ovaries. In this case, blockage of the blood supply to the ovaries can cause premature failure.

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Uterine Polyps vs. Fibroids

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Polyps and fibroids can share many of the same symptoms and can be confused for one another. Read inside to learn more about what factors distinguish the two growths.

Fibroids and polyps are benign (non-cancerous) uterine growths —tissue enlargement in a woman’s uterus. While they may be benign, they can also cause problems such as infertility or recurrent miscarriage.

Fibroids, on the one hand, are masses of tissue that start in the uterine muscle and then grow into the cavity, within the wall, and push outward toward the uterus.

There are four kinds of fibroids:

  1. Intramural fibroids are the most common and grow inside the wall of the uterus.
  2. Subserol fibroids grow outside the uterine cavity.
  3. Submucous (submucosal or intracavitary) fibroids grow inside the uterine cavity.
  4. Pedunculated fibroids grow on a stalk and develop either in the uterus or outside the uterus

Although it is not known what causes uterine fibroids, they tend to require the hormone estrogen to grow. A fibroid will likely continue to slowly grow as long as the female is menstruating. At the onset of menopause, when hormone levels drop, fibroids are likely to shrink or disappear.

Uterine polyps, on the other hand, are small, fingerlike growths, similar to a wart or skin tag, that are found on the cervix. They are common and are most often found in women over age 20 who have had children.

A woman can have one or several polyps. Although they are usually not cancerous, all polyps should be evaluated by a an OB/GYN or fertility doctor. Polyps are easy to remove and do not usually grow back.

The cause of cervical polyps is not clearly understood. They might develop from an infection, chronic (long-term) inflammation, or an obstruction or any alteration in blood vessels in the cervical canal. Researchers believe polyps may also be an abnormal response to an increase in estrogen levels.

Many polyps do not interfere with the ability to get pregnant. However, large or multiple polyps can sometimes cause problems with fertility or result in recurrent miscarriage.

What is the main difference between the two?

The main difference between uterine polyps and uterine fibroids is that fibroids are composed of muscle tissue and polyps are made of endometrial tissue. Additionally, polyps are usually very small. They range in size from just a few millimeters to several centimeters. Fibroids, however, may range in size from just a few millimeters to the size of a watermelon.

Because many of the symptoms of these two conditions are similar– including irregular menstrual bleeding that varies in duration and heaviness, spotting and sometimes infertility. If think that you are experiencing any of these issues, visit your Gynecologist to be evaluated.

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Periods After UAE

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Click inside to learn more about what happens to your periods after the uterine fibroid embolization procedure.

Will I still have menstrual periods after I have the embolization procedure?

Generally speaking, approximately 95% of women will continue to have menstrual periods after Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Roughly 5% of women in one study did enter menopause after UFE, but the reason for this is unclear. It may have been coincidental, but there is also a small possibility that some of the injected particles caused a reduction of blood flow to the ovaries.

Additionally, if you are reaching the typical age range in which most women experience menopause, there is a possibility that you may enter menopause. Often times, this is not caused by the procedure itself, but rather a natural phenomenon that is unavoidable.

At any rate, most women continue to have their periods and are happy to find that they no longer experience the burdensome symptoms that they experienced prior to UFE. After UFE, periods are often much lighter, less painful, and quite manageable.

Embolization patients are often very satisfied with the less-invasive procedural outcomes and are able to experience normal menstrual cycles, while leaving fertility options open.

To learn more about fibroids and the embolization procedure, please feel free to contact the Fibroid Treatment Collective at 866-362-6463 or request a free phone consultation. We would love to help you answer any additional questions that you might have or help you find out if UFE is an option you would like to explore!

Learn more about fibroids and Uterine Fibroid Embolization online, or contact us directly by calling 866-362-6463 or by requesting a free phone consultation. Additionally, you can find us on Twitter @fibroiddoctor and on Facebook at facebook.com/fibroids.

 

Pregnancy Over the Age of 30

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Today’s career-oriented woman is waiting longer to get pregnant. This may serve as a benefit to her career life, but what about her biological time clock? Rest assured, although most women hit their fertility peak in their 20’s, most healthy women who get pregnant after the age of 35 and even into their 40s have healthy babies. That doesn’t mean, though, that you shouldn’t think about the smart steps you could take to maximize your health and your baby’s health during pregnancy.

How Can I Increase My Chances of Having a Healthy Baby?

Get early and regular prenatal care. The first eight weeks of your pregnancy are very important to your baby’s development. Early and regular prenatal care can increase your chances of having a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby. Prenatal care includes screenings, regular exams, pregnancy and childbirth education, and counselling and support.

Getting prenatal care also helps provide extra protection for women over 35. It allows your doctor to stay ahead of health conditions that are more common in women who are older when they get pregnant.

Consider optional prenatal tests for women over 35. Your doctor may offer you special prenatal tests that are particularly applicable older moms. These tests help determine the risk of having a baby with a birth defect. Ask your doctor about these tests so you can learn the risks and benefits and decide what’s right for you.

Take prenatal vitamins. All women of childbearing age should take a daily prenatal vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid. Getting enough folic acid every day before and during the first three months of pregnancy can help prevent birth defects involving a baby’s brain and spinal cord. Taking folic acid adds an important level of protection for older women, who have a higher risk of having a baby with birth defects.

How Can I Lower My Risk for Pregnancy Problems?

Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating a variety of foods will help you get all the nutrients you need. That way you’ll keep your teeth and bones healthy while your baby develops. Also be sure to include good food sources of folic acid, such as leafy green vegetables, dried beans, liver, and some citrus fruits.

Gain the recommended amount of weight. Talk with your doctor about how much weight you should gain. Women with a normal BMI should gain between 25 and 35 pounds during pregnancy. If you were overweight before getting pregnant, your doctor may recommend that you only gain 15 to 25 pounds. Gaining the appropriate amount of weight lessens the chance of your baby growing slowly and reduces the risk of preterm birth. You also lower your risk of developing pregnancy problems such as gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Exercise regularly. Regular exercise will help you stay at a healthy pregnancy weight, keep your strength up, and ease stress. Just be sure you review your exercise program with your doctor. You’ll most likely be able to continue your normal exercise routine throughout your pregnancy.

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Like all pregnant women, you should not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes during your pregnancy. Drinking alcohol increases your baby’s risk for a wide range of mental and physical defects. Smoking increases the chance of delivering a low birth weight baby, which is more common in older women.

Ask your doctor about medications. Talk with your doctor about what meds are safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and natural remedies.

You can learn more about fibroids and fibroid treatments online, or contact us directly by calling 866-362-64633 or by requesting a free phone consultation.

 

Abnormal Bleeding and Fibroids

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I think I may have abnormal menstrual bleeding, but what does it consist of and can fibroids be causing this problem for me?

You may be experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding if you change pads or tampons more often than every one or two hours, or having a period that lasts over seven days.

Uterine bleeding is abnormal when:

  • Bleeding occurs between periods
  • Bleeding occurs following sexual intercourse
  • Spotting occurs at any time during the menstrual cycle
  • Bleeding is heavier or lasts longer than usual
  • Bleeding occurs after menopause

Abnormal uterine bleeding or heavy menstruation, referred to as menorrhagia in medical terms, is typically the result of a hormonal imbalance in adolescents during the years following the onset of menstruation, or in women who are approaching menopause. Another common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding is fibroid tumors.

How fibroids cause abnormal bleeding is unknown. Fibroids are believed to alter muscular contraction of the uterus, which may prevent the uterus from controlling the degree of bleeding during a patient’s period. This may result in abnormal or heavy menstrual bleeding.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is usually caused by fibroids deep within the wall of the uterus (intramural) or those just under the inner lining of the uterus (submucosal). Very small fibroids in the wall of the uterus or the outer part of the uterus (subserosal) usually do not cause abnormal bleeding.

There are many other potential causes of heavy menstrual bleeding; for this reason, careful review of gynaecologic history and physical examination is an important part of the evaluation of a patient with heavy bleeding.

Learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization online, or contact us directly by calling 866-362-64633 or by requesting a free phone consultation.

 

Hormonal Changes After Fibroid Embolization

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Want to avoid the hormonal swings associated with traditional fibroid surgeries? Look to UFE!

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids. The procedure does not include the ovaries in the process, which means that the ovaries are often not affected by the procedure.

There are very few accounts of women that experience hormonal changes as a result of  UFE, with the exception of the small percentage of women that experience early menopause as a result of the procedure. Most women will not experience hormonal changes or depression, both of which are common with hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) patients. Women that are approaching the age of menopause, however, may be more likely to start menopause after UFE.

Learn more about fibroids and Uterine Fibroid Embolization online, or contact us directly by calling 866-362-6463 or by requesting a free phone consultation. Additionally, you can find us on Twitter @fibroiddoctor and on Facebook at facebook.com/fibroids.

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Does Rapid Growth of a Fibroid Signify Cancer?

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Does a fibroid equal cancer? Read on to learn the relationship between the two and how fibroids can be treated successfully.

A rapid increase in fibroid size has been thought to be associated with malignancy (sarcoma). Fortunately, this does not seem to be the case. Leiomyosarcoma, the malignancy that sounds similar to fibroids (leiomyomata), is a tumor that does not represent degeneration of a preexisting benign fibroid. These tumors more typically arise in postmenopausal women and are usually associated with a pelvic mass, abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain. Because the symptoms associated with leiomyosarcoma can be quite similar to those of fibroids, they are often mistaken for one another; however, upon diagnosis, it is evident that fibroids are not the cause of cancer.

It is important to state, however, that there is no screening test that can reliably detect this malignancy. Other gynecologic malignancies of concern include cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Since Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a uterine sparing treatment it is important to rule out these diagnoses prior to the procedure. A Pap smear is used to screen for cervical cancer, endometrial biopsy is used for excluding endometrial cancer and other non-fibroid causes of abnormal uterine bleeding, and Ultrasound and MRI are used in evaluating for ovarian cancer. Because fibroids can often block and hide the ovaries and other parts in the uterus, careful examination is necessary before performing UAE.

Learn more about fibroids and Uterine Fibroid Embolization online, or contact us directly by calling 866-362-6463 or by requesting a free phone consultation. Additionally, you can find us on Twitter @fibroiddoctor and on Facebook at facebook.com/fibroids.

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