Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular wall of the uterus. After menopause, when a woman's hormone levels decrease and menstruation stops, most fibroids will begin to shrink and cause few or no symptoms. However, some data suggest fibroids may still grow and cause problems for some women.
The most important hormones that influence fibroid growth are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone levels are highest during the years leading up to menopause, which is why fibroids tend to grow rapidly during the late reproductive years. After menopause, estrogen and progesterone production decreases dramatically.
Without estrogen and progesterone to stimulate growth, fibroids will often shrink or degenerate after menopause. However, some women have fibroids that contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors, making their fibroids potentially responsive to even low levels of estrogen after menopause. Researchers also believe genetics may play a role in enabling some fibroids to continue to grow after menopause.
Factors suggesting fibroids may continue to grow after menopause:
- Some women develop new fibroid symptoms 5-10 years after menopause, indicating possible new fibroid growth
- Ultrasounds and MRIs show enlarging fibroids in a small percentage of postmenopausal women
- Rise in LH production after menopause may stimulate some fibroid growth
- More blood supply to some fibroids may enable growth after menopause
Symptoms possibly caused by enlarging fibroids after menopause:
- Increasing pelvic pain or pressure
- Bladder compression issues
- Bowel dysfunction
- Back pain or leg pain
- Abdominal bloating or enlargement
If new symptoms develop after menopause, women should have imaging tests done to check for possibly enlarging fibroids.
Ultrasound and
MRI scans can verify if fibroids exist and if they are continuing to grow.
Treatment options for enlarging fibroids after menopause may include:
- Hormone blocking therapy - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) block estrogen and progesterone, causing fibroid shrinkage before surgery if needed.
- Myomectomy - Surgery to remove only the fibroids while sparing the uterus. Often done via minimally invasive keyhole surgery.
- Hysterectomy - Surgery to remove the uterus and fibroids. Performed open abdominally or laparoscopically depending on the size and location of fibroids. Discuss ovaries removal with your doctor.
If new or worsening fibroid symptoms occur after menopause, promptly consult your gynecologist. They can determine if postmenopausal fibroid growth is responsible and present you with treatment options. Non-surgical options may be effective, but enlarging fibroids may eventually require surgery.
Reach out to the fibroid experts at Balanced Hormones Center if you have concerns about possible changes in existing fibroids or new fibroid growth after menopause. Our compassionate physicians and nurses can provide cutting-edge testing, treatment plans, and surgical referrals to resolve troubling fibroid issues. Visit increasetestosterone.co or call to schedule a consultation.