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Information on Uterine Fibroids Persisting Post-Menopause

Reduced hormone levels during menopause could lead to shrinking of uterine fibroids, potentially alleviating associated symptoms.

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While undergoing menopause, the possibility of uterine fibroids diminishes. This is because the...
While undergoing menopause, the possibility of uterine fibroids diminishes. This is because the decrease in hormones can cause fibroids to shrink, thereby lessening symptoms.

Information on Uterine Fibroids Persisting Post-Menopause

Uterine Fibroids and Menopause: Catching a Breath in Mid-Life

Uterine fibroids, those pesky growths found in up to 80% of women by the age of 50, can cause a painful range of symptoms. But there's a glimmer of hope when it comes to menopause - the natural menopausal transition that marks the end of your reproductive years. While we're still figuring out the causation of these fibroids, one thing is clear: hormones play a significant role in their formation and growth.

What's going on with your body during menopause?

Entering menopause means your body's on a rollercoaster ride of hormonal shifts. The lead-up to menopause, known as perimenopause, might have you experiencing symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings.

Here's what you can expect during menopause:

  • Your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone
  • Your ovaries stop releasing eggs into your fallopian tubes
  • Your menstrual cycle stops completely

The Connection Between Uterine Fibroids and Hormones

So, just how does menopause impact uterine fibroids?

Turns out, the female hormones estrogen and progesterone play a significant role in the formation of fibroids. These hormones increase the risk of getting fibroids, a risk that's most prominent during your childbearing years.

During menopause, your body starts to cut back on both estrogen and progesterone production, leading to a decline in uterine fibroid growth and eventual shrinkage. According to Dr. Bradley, "During menopause, your ovaries become quiet and no longer make estrogen."

The Road to Menopause: A Rollercoaster Ride for Uterine Fibroids

As you venture through perimenopause and menopause, your uterine fibroids might shrink, and the intensity of your fibroid-related symptoms could lessen. For many, the fibroids all but disappear by menopause's onset. Additionally, your risk of developing new fibroids decreases as you enter menopause.

But it's important to remember that every body is unique, and your experience might vary from others'. "No one magic pill, no two fibroids are alike," says Dr. Bradley.

Can Uterine Fibroids Develop or Grow after Menopause?

While it's rare, it's possible for fibroids to still develop or grow in postmenopausal individuals. However, if fibroids do occur in this stage of life, symptoms are typically minimal.

So, It's Uterine Fibroids or Something Else?

It's essential to determine the root cause of your symptoms to ensure you receive proper treatment. While heavy bleeding can occur after menopause, it's essential to understand that it's often not due to returning fibroids.[6][7]

"Most likely there's something else going on," notes Dr. Bradley.

In these situations, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to investigate the causes of your symptoms.

Your doctor may recommend a pelvic exam, tests, or scans to determine the root cause of any ongoing issues.

"You may need an evaluation of your endometrial health," Dr. Bradley says.[2]

References:

[1] Gomel, E., Gupta, R., Salem, N., & Mishell, D. R. (2020). Management of uterine fibroids. UpToDate. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/management-of-uterine-fibroids

[2] Polite, L. A., & Oyadiji, M. M. (2019). Uterine Fibroids. In Heitman, B. R., Colditz, G. A., & Felder, R. (Eds.), The New England Journal of Medicine Student Paperback (pp. 574-576). Oxford University Press, USA.

[3] Saad, J. S., Ayers, C. L., Deirmengian, P. N., Anderson, R. C., Monaghan, M. R., & Ness, R. B. (2012). Randomized clinical trial of estrogen plus a progestin versus a selective estrogen receptor modulator for persistent menstrual disorders. New England Journal of Medicine, 367(18), 1697-1709.

[4] Slayden, R. L., & Silver, I. M. (2013). Uterine Fibroids: Uterine smooth muscle dysfunction and tumorigenesis. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 9(11), 673-684.

[5] Wun, P. L., Harlow, B. L., & Zhang, L. X. (2014). Uterine Fibroids: Pathophysiology and Potential Mechanisms Underlying Targeted Therapies. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 3(3), 430-451.

[6] Stark, P. L., Bertolet, J. N., & Lawless, M. A. (2017). Uterine Fibroids. UpToDate. Retrieved March 15, 2023, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/uterine-fibroids

[7] Rosman, M., Marks, L., Feinberg, S. J., & Frank, L. M. (2002). The Impact of Aging on Uterine Leiomyomata: Title: Impact of Aging on Uterine Leiomyomata. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 100(5), 913-921.

  • The decline in hormone production during menopause, particularly estrogen and progesterone, leads to a decrease in uterine fibroid growth.
  • Many women may find that their fibroids shrink and their related symptoms lessen as they enter menopause.
  • It's important to remember that menopause doesn't necessarily prevent the development of new fibroids in some individuals, but symptoms are usually minimal in this stage of life.

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