menopause officially begins, menstrual cycles are dominated by estrogen. This increase is frequently called an “estrogen bath. ”This influx of estrogen has been proven to encourage the growth of uterine fibroids. While you are waiting for menopause, the fibroids are provided with the perfect environment for growth. (Other factors can cause fibroids to grow and pain to worsen. For example, a substance given off by fat cells can encourage fibroid growth in the same ways estrogen does.)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can stimulate the growth of fibroids.
Hormone replacement is frequently prescribed for menopausal women to lessen the uncomfortable symptoms that result from the lack of estrogen, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood fluctuations, and diminished sex drive. Estrogen deficiency can also decrease bone density, increasing the risk of fractures; adding supplemental estrogen back into the body can help maintain a woman’s bone strength after menopause.
Hormone replacement therapy can dramatically improve the quality of life for many women in menopause. However, the risks of hormone replacement can sometimes outweigh the benefits if the growth of fibroids and worsening of fibroid symptoms is possible. This happens because HRT introduces even more estrogen into the body, stimulating fibroid growth and in turn intensifying the painful symptoms.
If you have uterine fibroids, you don’t have to wait to go through menopause to alleviate the pain.
Whether you’re experiencing perimenopause or have already started menopause, you can take control of your health to treat uterine fibroids:
Treat uterine fibroids promptly. It’s the best course of action, even for women who feel that menopause is approaching. If you suffer from symptoms of fibroids such as