- 1. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists
- 2. Intrauterine progestogen releasing device
- 3. Tranexamic acid
- 4. Contraceptives
- 5. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- 6. Vitamin supplements
Medicines to treat uterine fibroids target hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, which treat symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure and pain, and although they do not completely eliminate fibroids, they can decrease their size.
In addition, drugs are also used to reduce bleeding, others that help to relieve pain and discomfort and also supplements that prevent the development of anemia, but none of these drugs work to reduce the size of fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in the muscle tissue of the uterus. Its location in the uterus can vary, as can its size, which can range from microscopic to as large as a melon. Fibroids are very common and although some are asymptomatic, others can cause cramping, bleeding or difficulty in getting pregnant. Learn more about this disease.
The most used remedies for the treatment of fibroids are:
1. Gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists
These drugs treat fibroids by inhibiting the production of estrogen and progesterone, which prevents menstruation from occurring, the size of fibroids decreases and in people who also suffer from anemia, improve this problem. However, they should not be used for a long time because they can make bones more fragile.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists may also be prescribed to decrease the size of fibroids before surgery to remove them.
2. Intrauterine progestogen releasing device
The progestogen-releasing intrauterine device can relieve heavy bleeding caused by fibroids, however, these devices only relieve symptoms, but do not eliminate or reduce the size of fibroids. In addition, they also have the advantage of preventing pregnancy and can be used as a contraceptive. Learn all about the Mirena intrauterine device.
3. Tranexamic acid
This remedy only serves to reduce the amount of bleeding caused by fibroids and should only be used on days of heavy bleeding. See other uses of tranexamic acid and what are the most common side effects.
4. Contraceptives
The doctor may also advise you to take a contraceptive, which, although it does not treat the fibroid or reduce its size, can help control bleeding. Learn how to take the contraceptive.
5. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen or diclofenac, for example, can be effective in relieving the pain caused by fibroids, however, these drugs do not have the ability to reduce bleeding.
6. Vitamin supplements
Due to the excessive bleeding that is usually caused by the presence of fibroids, it is very common for people with this condition to also suffer from anemia. Thus, the doctor can recommend taking supplements that have iron and vitamin B12 in their composition.
Learn about other ways to treat fibroids without medication.
