8 Treatment Options for Uterine Fibroids Other Than Surgery

Uterine fibroids are growths of muscle and connective tissue that form inside or on the wall of your uterus. They aren't typically cancer. You don't need treatment for them unless you have symptoms like excessive bleeding, discomfort, or bladder problems. If you have serious symptoms, surgery is one solution. But there are other treatments, too.  

Pain medications can help control discomfort related to uterine fibroids, but they won’t shrink the fibroids or your uterus. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications like acetaminophen may relieve period cramps due to fibroids. 

NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen not only relieve pain but may also reduce heavy periods for some people. They don't work as well to reduce bleeding as prescription medications. But they're inexpensive, and you only need to take them during your period.

Often known by its brand name, Lysteda, this nonhormonal medication eases heavy period flows by helping your blood to clot. You should only take it on days when you have heavy bleeding. 

If your fibroids cause heavy periods, your doctor may prescribe a hormonal contraceptive like birth control pills, patches, vaginal rings, implants, or shots. Contraceptives help reduce bleeding and regulate your menstrual cycle. But they won't shrink fibroids. 

IUDs have more benefits than preventing pregnancy. Some IUDs release small amounts of a hormone that can decrease bleeding from fibroids. An IUD might be an option for you if your fibroids are on the wall of your uterus, rather than in the cavity. Your doctor can insert one during a routine appointment.

One type of hormonal IUD called Mirena is approved by the FDA specifically to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. It’s effective for up to 5 years, and there are minimal side effects. It's a type of IUD known as a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS).

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues are drugs that reduce or halt your periods. There are 2 types: GnRH agonists and GnRH antagonists. Both keep your body from making female hormones while you take them. Both can cause symptoms like osteoporosis or hot flashes. You take GnRH antagonists as pills that also include hormones to reduce side effects. You get GnRH agonists as shots. Neither is meant to be used long term. 

FUS is a noninvasive treatment option that can be done as an outpatient and requires no incision. It helps preserve your uterus while targeting uterine fibroids. For this treatment, you're inside an MRI scanner. The machine uses a high-energy ultrasound transducer to heat and destroy small areas of fibroid tissue. Research has shown FUS to be a safe and effective treatment for fibroids.

You might opt out of treatment altogether if you're close to menopause, around age 51 or 52. Studies have shown that fibroids often shrink after menopause, though the process is slow. And many people no longer have symptoms. This may not be the case if you have large fibroids that cause serious symptoms. In any case, your doctor will need to keep monitoring you.