Imbalance of the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can deeply affect women’s health. Each of these hormones has a direct relationship to the development of reproductive organs and cognitive functions, making it crucial to keep them in balance to ensure a productive and healthy life. Women who have experienced long-term imbalances may be at risk for many conditions including menstrual and perimenopausal difficulties as well as fibroids.

While the cause of uterine fibroid tumors is still unknown, there is a link between fibroids and estrogen production. For instance, fibroids can grow large during pregnancy when estrogen levels are high, and can begin to shrink during menopause, when estrogen levels are low. Although hormones work in tandem with one another, in cases where one is imbalanced such as when estrogen increases, progesterone can act as an inhibitor. This type of hormone therapy can help stop pain and the growth of fibroids.

According to the National Institutes of Health, when estrogen levels are too high, it can cause fibroid tumors to grow and when there is insufficient progesterone present, there are no proper signals to stop this growth. Not only does it curb the effect estrogen has on fibroids, which includes bleeding and pain, it can also, in some cases, inhibit the growth and shrink the size of fibroids.

However, while many studies have shown positive results with progesterone therapy, it is only meant to relieve pain and stop growth temporarily. When undergoing progesterone therapy, many women have shown side effects ranging from weight gain to insomnia and fatigue. Because of this, it is mainly recommended as a temporary solution prior to proper fibroid treatment.

Fibroid Treatment

If you are currently looking for a more effective fibroid treatment, progesterone therapy may not be enough. Not only can this therapy cause side effects, but fibroids may return once progesterone treatment has stopped. For a permanent, non-surgical solution to fibroids, embolization may be the answer. Embolization, like progesterone therapy, shrinks fibroids. However, this minimally invasive treatment ensures they will not regrow. To safely shrink fibroids rather than surgically remove them, learn about fibroid embolization by contacting The Fibroid Treatment Collective at (866)479-1523.

This method is recommended only under certain circumstances. This method is for someone with fibroids and no symptoms, or symptoms that are minimal and/or manageable.

The logic is that since some fibroids will disappear on their own or will cause only minimal symptoms, it is better not to undergo active treatment unless it is necessary. Fibroid treatments can involve an incision and its inherent risks, as well as a sometimes-lengthy recovery time that takes you away from your daily activities. So, in special circumstances it is best to simply wait and see what happens.

The watch and wait method is a reasonable approach if:

● Your fibroids are small or asymptomatic.
● Your fibroids aren’t causing significant health issues.
● You aren’t dealing with pain, excessive bleeding, anemia due to bleeding, chronic fatigue, etc.
● Your fibroids don’t appear to be growing quickly.
● You don’t wish to become pregnant.

Fibroids can affect pregnancy in the following ways:

● Fibroids that change the shape of your cervix can affect the number of sperm able to enter the uterus.
● Fibroids that block the Fallopian tubes can make the journey of a fertilized egg to implantation difficult or impossible.
● Fibroids which change the shape of your uterus may decrease the number of places an embryo can successfully implant or reduce uterine space needed for embryo development.
● Fibroids that weaken the lining of the uterine cavity or decrease the blood supply to a growing embryo can cause a miscarriage.

As you “watch and wait,” your doctor will monitor them at regular intervals. Development and growth of fibroids isn’t unusual in premenopausal women, but in postmenopausal women, a new or enlarging mass may indicate a malignancy and should be followed up on.

I’m watching & waiting. Now what?

If you and your doctor have decided that this method is the right one for you, you should know the answers to these questions:

● How long do I want to watch and wait? Set a reasonable time line.
● What do I do if the fibroids have a growth spurt and existing symptoms get worse?
● Do I know all my treatment options?

If your fibroids worsen and treatment is needed, make sure you are informed and confident about what direction you will be going in.

Fibroid Treatment Collective

The Fibroid Treatment Collective has developed a minimally invasive treatment for fibroids. Fibroid Embolization is performed by inserting a catheter and running it to the uterine artery where the fibroid is located. Embolic agents are released that cause the fibroid to shrink. This procedure is non-surgical, low-trauma and offers a speedy recovery. Fibroid embolization is extremely effective, with over 90% of women who have undergone embolization seeing their condition resolve. This procedure also protects a woman’s fertility and does not carry the same level of risks as other surgical procedures.

If you have questions about fibroids and treatment options, contact The Fibroid Treatment Collective at (866) 479-1523 for more information or schedule a consultation here.