8. If you and your gynecologist decide that surgery, either hysterectomy or an alternative procedure, you may be given a GnRH agonist drug prior to surgery. These drugs induce amenorrhea – they make your period stop! They also stop the production of estrogen by your body and help to shrink the size of uterine fibroid tumors. Unfortunately, GnRH agonists sometimes produce some unpleasant side effects such as hot flashes. Make sure you understand the possible side effects of GnRH agonists, as well as your health care provider’s reasoning for prescribing this treatment.
9. Postmenopausal women with leiomyomas who desire to take hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, for the symptoms may do so. However, you should be aware that HRT may increase both bleeding and the size of your fibroid tumors.
10. If you have symptomatic fibroid tumors, it’s important that you understand all your options before making a decision to have a hysterectomy or an alternative procedure. You should understand that different types of leiomyomas may or may not be suitable for certain alternative procedures. Make sure you discuss your options and ask as many questions as you need to understand which option is best for your type or types of fibroid tumors.
Reference: American College of Obstetritians and Gynegologists (ACOG) 2004 Compendium of Selected Publications
Updated: 05/01/06
