Do fibroids resolve on their own?

[greenThumbs]

Hi ladies.  I have been reading a lot about cysts resolving themselves, simple and complex.  Do fibroids resolve themselves?  I have read that fibroids tend to shrink some once one reaches menopause but I may have a couple years yet (I am 38).

[Curls]

I will have to keep my eyes open, and check out her website too.  If you do find anything I'd love to know.  Thanks for the info!
Cheri

[AnotherKatie]

I have read more than once that the uterus and cervix continue to provide some hormonal support after menopause, as well as structural.  I have read all of Christanne Northrup's books and I believe she says it.  I don't always agree with everything she says though.  I will dig around and try to let you know.  By the way, she has an extensive web site, I believe it is her name .com
Cheers, Katie

[AnotherKatie]

Hi Curls, Sorry I missed this earlier.  A few benefits that I know of:  the uterus is handy to have during orgasm, as the uterine contractions enhance sensation; the uterus supports internal structures such as the bladder (some woman post-hyster may on to require bladder repair); there are psychological aspects to having a uterus for some women; there are hormones secreted by the uterus, and cervix, even after menopause. Speaking of the cervix, there are reasons to keep that too (mine got the chop) including for sexual function and hormones.  

Of course, you have to consider all your options and whether your uterus is healthy.  I chose to give it up because the fibroids were causing me to be anemic, and making me very uncomfortable.  I feel that if I had known earlier, I would have explored some alternatives. I do feel that some (not all) doctors do not try to save a uterus like they should.  Check out the hystersisters.com site, there is a lot of info and posts there too!
Good luck!  Katie

[Curls]

Hum, thanks for the good info.  I've not been able to find anything about the uterus secreting hormones after menopause.  Maybe I'll see something on hystersisters.  I'm not at risk of loosing my uterus right now (I'm post surgery for a cyst) but I do have a couple of fibroids and a warning that what grew can grow again (and my mom lost her's to a fibroid).  It's good to hear your thoughts since I've heard so much of the contrary only!

Oh, and if you have any resources on hormones post-menapause from the uterus or ovaries or cervix, please pass them on!

Thanks,
Cheri

[Curls]

Katie,
Can you describe some of the reasons for keeping the uterus that you've found?  In my research I've seen lots of suggests to remove everything if at some point a surgery is needed, but haven't seen the reasons to hang onto stuff although i've suspected there are plenty.  Thanks.
- Cheri

[my3reasons]

Hello.  You sound a lot like me.  I am also 38 and have a bunch of fibroids.  I was told last wk by my obgyn that they will just keep getting bigger and could start causing problems.  Apparently, mine have grown some over the past couple of years.  I do have a few problems that are probably related to them.  Bleeding in between periods, frequent bathroom trips (especially at night!), and painful periods.  I didn't even mention these to my dr., because so far everything is easy enough to deal with.  I have had 3 children and am done, but just am not ready to go through with any surgery or treatment.  I do have a habit of waiting til things get bad before seeing a doctor.  January was the first time in the past two & 1/2 years that I had been to my family dr. & that is only because I had other issues.  I do go to my obgyn each year though.  Anyway, I plan on waiting a while longer to have anything done about the fibroids.  I don't know if I will make it until menopause or not.  My mom didn't even go through menopause until she was at least 55!  She had fibroids too, but didn't have any problems from them.  Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[CindiSue]

You know gals, they have 4 pills for the "little man not coming out to play" issue for the men but all we get for truely painfull, life altering isues is "wait and watch".  Another question for the guy upstairs who came up with this whole male/female reproduction system.

PS...got the 4 little pills line from Boston Legal! Thought it was great!   Cindi

[Gatsby]

AnotherKatie is right.  My mother had grapefruit sized fibroids, but would not be operated on no matter what!  Once she got to menopause, they shrunk and have not been an issue.  I think only when the symptoms are severe (although hers were) and what you are able to live with determines whether or not you have surgery.  My mother had several gyns try to convince her, but she stood her ground.  You are in my prayers.
~Tascha

[greenThumbs]

Ahh.  So one major benefit to having fibroids removed is to ward off possible hysterectomy later.  I think this is something I was looking for - what are some possible outcomes if nothing is done.  I did ask this of my doctor and I am sure I will ask again but she did say not doing anything they would just get worst and more drastic measures may have to be taken.  Thanks Katie

[AnotherKatie]

Fibroids do not usually resolve on their own.  The hope is that you can get to menopause and then, yes, they do shrink but they are always there.  They are almost never dangerous or cancerous.  You are young.  Look into various treatments to shrink them, or have them surgically removed, while they are small.  You may find the medical profession less than interested, especially if fertility is not an issue for you.
They "watched" mine for years until the uterus got to 14 weeks pregnancy size (very uncomfortable) & I became very anemic and  then had a hysterectomy.  I regret not exploring options and demanding alternatives earlier.  There are lots of reasons to keep your uterus if you can.
Best of luck, Katie