Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular wall of the uterus. They range in size from small, pea-sized growths to large, round ones that can be more than 5-6 inches wide. They are estimated to affect 20-80% of women by age 50. For many women, fibroids don’t cause any problems and may go undetected for years. However, for some women, fibroids can cause symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain, frequent urination, and reproductive problems.
There are several treatment options for fibroids, ranging from medications to surgical procedures. The fastest way to shrink fibroids is through a surgical procedure called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). However, there are some natural and medical therapies that may help shrink fibroids quickly when compared to just monitoring them without treatment. This article will go over the fastest options for shrinking fibroids.
What is Uterine Fibroid Embolization?
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. It blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.
During the procedure, the doctor makes a tiny nick in the skin of the groin area to insert a catheter into the major arterial blood supply for the uterus. Small particles are injected into the uterine arteries to block the blood flow to the fibroids. This causes the fibroids to shrink significantly over the course of 3-6 months after the procedure.
Studies show fibroids shrink by an average of 40-60% within 3-6 months after UFE, but the level of shrinkage varies. Smaller fibroids shrink faster than larger ones.
Most women are able to go home the same day and recover fully within 1 week after UFE. Common side effects include mild cramping, nausea, fever, pain, and fatigue.
Compared to myomectomy or hysterectomy, UFE offers a faster recovery. It also preserves the uterus, eliminating the risks of surgery and allowing women to keep their fertility.
Advantages of UFE
- Shrinks fibroids by average of 40-60% in 3-6 months
- Outpatient procedure with fast recovery
- Preserves the uterus and fertility
- Covered by insurance in most cases
Disadvantages of UFE
- Does not remove fibroids, there is a chance they could grow back
- Can rarely damage ovaries, causing premature ovarian failure
- Not recommended for women wanting future pregnancy – impact on fertility is unclear
Medications for Shrinking Fibroids
Certain medications may help slow fibroid growth and provide temporary relief from symptoms. However, medication alone does not shrink fibroids significantly or make them go away completely. The main medication options include:
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists
These drugs block estrogen and progesterone, putting the body in a temporary postmenopausal state. They can shrink fibroids by approximately 50% over 3-4 months. Some examples are Lupron, Synarel, and Zoladex.
GnRH agonists are typically used for no more than 3-6 months because they cause menopausal side effects like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, and bone loss. Once stopped, fibroids often grow back.
Progestins
These progesterone-like drugs can help slow fibroid growth and reduce heavy bleeding. They include norethindrone acetate, megace, and progesterone pills or injections like Provera.
Progestins provide mild-moderate relief but do not shrink fibroids substantially. They are sometimes used before surgery to help correct anemia from heavy bleeding.
Birth control pills
Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progestin can reduce heavy bleeding and pain from fibroids. They don’t shrink fibroids but may help stabilize their growth.
Aromatase inhibitors
Drugs like Arimidex block the synthesis of estrogen and can shrink fibroids in postmenopausal women. They don’t work well for reproductive-age women.
The main disadvantage of medication therapy is fibroids often grow back once medication is stopped. Drugs mainly provide temporary relief before attempting surgery or UFE.
Natural and Lifestyle Treatments
Many natural remedies and lifestyle changes may help slow fibroid growth and manage symptoms:
Supplements
Vitamin D, curcumin, green tea extract, and bromelain may help fight inflammation and inhibit fibroid growth. Talk to your doctor before trying supplements.
Healthy Diet
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, and lean protein can help maintain normal estrogen levels. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine.
Exercise
Regular moderate exercise at least 30 minutes per day may help keep hormones balanced. Try brisk walking, swimming, yoga, pilates, etc.
Avoid strenuous exercise that could cause injury and increase bleeding.
Stress Management
Chronic stress and high cortisol levels may trigger fibroid growth. Try relaxation techniques like meditation, breathing exercises, nature sounds, etc.
Weight Management
Being overweight or obese is linked with higher estrogen levels. Losing excess weight can help reduce estrogen production.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help enhance blood flow, decrease pain and inflammation, and inhibit fibroid growth. More research is needed on its long-term effects.
While natural therapies don’t shrink fibroids as quickly as UFE or drugs, they can provide symptom relief and slow growth when used consistently.
Other Minimally Invasive Procedures
In addition to UFE, other minimally invasive, uterus-sparing options may shrink fibroids relatively quickly with short recovery times:
MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound
High-intensity ultrasound waves are directed at fibroids to destroy tissue and shrink growths. It reduces heavy bleeding and shrinks fibroids an average of 50-75% within 3 months.
Laparoscopic Myolysis
An electric current or laser destroys fibroid tissue during laparoscopic surgery through small abdominal incisions. Fibroids shrink by about 50% over 2-3 months.
Endometrial Ablation
The uterine lining is destroyed to control heavy bleeding from fibroids. It provides symptom relief but doesn’t shrink fibroids.
These procedures are less effective than UFE but avoid the use of radiation. They may be options for women wanting to get pregnant in the future.
Conclusion
The fastest way to significantly shrink fibroids is uterine fibroid embolization, which can reduce fibroid size by 40-60% within 3-6 months. However, UFE may impact fertility so it’s not recommended for women wanting to get pregnant.
Medications like GnRH agonists may shrink fibroids up to 50% in 3-4 months but regrowth is common after stopping them. Natural remedies and lifestyle changes can also help slow fibroid growth and manage symptoms when used consistently.
Talk to your doctor to determine the best treatment options based on your symptoms, plans for pregnancy, and other factors. With the right approach, most women can find relief from fibroids quickly and avoid major surgery.