Because fibroids are almost never life-threatening, women may choose watchful waiting as an alternative to surgery, particularly if they are approaching menopause, even if the fibroid is large. If a woman selects this option, she should be sure to have regular pelvic examinations and ultrasounds performed to monitor the growth of the fibroid. For women who choose watchful waiting, symptoms can be reduced with different treatments.
Iron supplements help prevent anemia in women with heavy bleeding.
Such drugs reduce inflammation, in part by their action against prostaglandins, the chemicals that stimulate uterine contractions and cause pain. Long-term daily use of these drugs, however, increases the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. Hormone Therapy Hormone therapies are designed to block estrogen and so reduce bleeding and shrink fibroids. Women who are taking hormone therapies should use non-hormonal birth control methods, such as the diaphragm, cervical cap, or condoms while on the treatments. The hormonal therapies can cause birth defects during pregnancy.