Menopause brings a host of physical and hormonal changes. One such change that can affect you significantly is the presence of fibroids, which are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus.
Though fibroids often shrink post-menopause, some women continue to experience symptoms that can be bothersome. We created this guide to show you what menopausal fibroids are.
We will also explain the symptoms to watch out for, and what options for fibroids treatment in Singapore can help. Let’s begin!
What are Menopausal Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyomas. They are benign tumors made of muscle and connective tissue that form within the uterus.
They are very common and affect up to 70-80% of women by the age of 50. During a woman’s reproductive years, fibroids grow in response to estrogen, a hormone produced by the ovaries.
However, as women transition into menopause, estrogen levels decline which often results in fibroid shrinkage. In rare cases, however, fibroids can still be problematic even after menopause, especially in women on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which may continue to stimulate their growth.
While the appearance of new fibroids in Singapore after menopause is uncommon, existing ones may persist and cause various symptoms. Fibroids are generally categorized by their location: intramural (within the uterine wall), subserosal (outside the uterus), and submucosal (inside the uterine cavity).
What are the Symptoms of Fibroids in Menopause?
Menopausal fibroids may cause a range of symptoms, depending on their size, number, and location. Some women may experience no symptoms at all, while others may have noticeable changes that affect their quality of life. Here are the common symptoms of fibroids during menopause:
- Pelvic Pain or Pressure: Fibroids in menopause can exert pressure on surrounding organs and cause a feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the pelvic area. This can mimic menstrual cramps, leading to persistent, dull pelvic pain, especially if the fibroids are large.
- Frequent Urination: As fibroids enlarge, they can push against the bladder and reduce its capacity. This increased pressure results in a frequent urge to urinate, similar to what happens during pregnancy when the bladder is crowded.
- Constipation: Fibroids located towards the back of the uterus can press against the rectum and make bowel movements difficult. This pressure may slow down digestive transit and lead to other side effects like constipation, straining, or incomplete emptying of the bowel.
- Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding: Even during the menopausal transition, fibroids can disrupt the normal hormonal balance and cause abnormal uterine bleeding. This might manifest as unexpectedly heavy periods, extended bleeding, or spotting even after periods have stopped.
- Pain during Intercourse: Fibroids positioned near the cervix or lower uterus can lead to significant discomfort or pain during sexual activity. The pressure or positioning of these fibroids can make certain movements during intercourse uncomfortable, which may reduce sexual satisfaction.
- Back and Leg Pain: If fibroids grow large enough, they may press on nerves that connect to the lower back and legs. This compression can lead to sciatica-like pain, causing aching sensations that radiate down the legs or feel like back stiffness.
Do Fibroids After Menopause Need to Be Removed?
Whether fibroids require removal after menopause depends largely on the symptoms they cause and their potential impact on health. Many fibroids shrink naturally after menopause due to the decrease in estrogen production, often eliminating the need for any treatment. However, some situations may necessitate intervention including:
- If they Cause Persistent Symptoms: If a woman experiences ongoing pain, pressure, or abnormal bleeding, the removal of fibroids in Singapore may be considered to improve her quality of life.
- Rapid Growth: Although rare, post-menopausal fibroids that grow rapidly might need to be evaluated to rule out malignancy, such as leiomyosarcoma. Growth after menopause is unusual and requires thorough medical assessment.
- Suspected Cancer: Fibroids are noncancerous, but in rare instances, they can be mistaken for or contain cancerous cells. If there is any suspicion of malignancy, doctors may recommend removing the fibroid or conducting a biopsy.
Treatment options for fibroids in Singapore vary and include medication and surgery. The decision depends on the severity of symptoms, the size and location of the fibroid and individual preferences.
Common surgical options include myomectomy (removing the fibroids while preserving the uterus) and hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). A hysterectomy is typically recommended only when symptoms are severe, and there are no plans for future pregnancy.
How to Shrink Fibroids After Menopause
If fibroids cause discomfort after menopause, there are several treatments you could use to shrink them without surgery. Here are some effective approaches for fibroids in Singapore:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Hormonal treatments, such as GnRH agonists, can also be used to shrink fibroids by reducing estrogen levels. However, these are usually short-term solutions, as long-term use can lead to side effects like bone loss.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Adjustment: If you’re on HRT and experiencing fibroid growth, your doctor may consider adjusting the hormone regimen to lower your estrogen levels and encourage fibroid shrinkage.
- Dietary Changes: Maintaining a healthy diet can also contribute to managing fibroid symptoms. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help reduce inflammation, while avoiding red meat and processed foods may lower the risk of fibroid growth.
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE): UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that cuts off the blood supply to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. It is an option for women who wish to avoid major surgery.
- Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the severity of fibroid symptoms. Obesity is actually a risk factor for fibroid growth. That means that losing weight may help with managing the bothersome symptoms.
It’s a Wrap!
Fibroids are benign, but they still require attention, particularly if they are causing bothersome symptoms. With proper medical guidance, you should be able to effectively manage fibroids during and after menopause. If you are experiencing symptoms related to fibroids, speak to your women’s health specialist to discuss the best course of action tailored to your needs.
The best approach depends on the severity of symptoms, individual preferences, and your overall health condition. Book an appointment below to schedule an assessment;
Dr Ma Li Clinic For Women & Advanced Pelvic Surgery – Gynaecologist | Endometriosis Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #09-08 Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510
+65 6022 0933
https://drmaliclinic.com
