$Unique_ID{BRK01962} $Pretitle{} $Title{Is a Hysterectomy Necessary for Fibroids?} $Subject{Hysterectomy fibroid Fibroids surgery surgeries myoma benign tumor tumors uterus symptom symptoms cause causes pelvic examine examination examinations abdominal swelling pain urinate urination bleed bleeding period periods ultrasound test tests testing hormone hormones estrogen menopause vagina vaginal medication medications drug drugs GnRH analog analogs pre-menopause} $Volume{} $Log{ Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System*0006101.scf Diseases of the Female Reproductive System*0009001.scf Partial Hysterectomy*0008602.scf Total Hysterectomy*0008601.scf} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Is a Hysterectomy Necessary for Fibroids? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: Have you ever included any information about fibroids in your column? Maybe it's time that you do so, and I for one would be most grateful for the information. I have been told I have them, and am facing a possible hysterectomy. As I am nearing 50, I don't look forward to surgery of any type. Is there anything else I can do? Please help me. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Decisions about your treatment will depend upon the number and size of the fibroids myoma that have been found by your physician. These benign tumors which occur in the wall of the uterus frequently cause no symptoms at all, in as many as fifty percent of all women with them, and are only found during a pelvic examination. In many other cases, however, symptoms are evident, including abdominal swelling, pelvic pain, frequent need to urinate, and profuse bleeding during periods or between normal periods. When these symptoms are present to the extent that they seriously affect your life style, further evaluation and treatment is certainly advisable. An ultrasound test can locate the fibroids, and establish the number, size and location of the tumors within the uterine wall. When they are numerous, and causing serious symptoms, removal of the entire uterus may be the only possible solution. When there are no symptoms, and the fibroids are small, it is possible to play a waiting game. In your case that would be advisable, for a woman produces less female hormone (estrogen) when menopause begins, and that permits the fibroids to shrink on their own. Your age indicates you may already be on the path to solving your problem in this fashion. When the fibroids occur within the uterus, growing out from the inner wall, it is possible to remove them with a procedure that enters the uterus through the vagina instead of the abdominal wall. This is an excellent operation when the fibroids are small, and can be easily reached by this method. In some cases new types of medication called GnRH analogs that reduce the production of estrogen, can help shrink the fibroids as well. However there are some side effects to consider, and the fibroids will return in about 6 months after the medication is discontinued. However these medications do provide an alternative for women in their late pre-menopause years, for they can help suppress symptoms until nature takes over. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.