enlarge during pregnancy, potentially affecting your baby’s position and increasing the risk of growth issues, breech birth, or premature delivery.
Your doctor might recommend removing or treating your fibroids before you conceive to minimize these risks.
If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids, discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to explore management options. This may include medication to control symptoms, hormonal treatments, or, in some cases, surgical procedures.
As you approach your 40s, you enter perimenopause (the stage before menopause). During this stage, your body undergoes various changes, which can be confusing because the symptoms often overlap with those of fibroids.
Additionally, fibroid symptoms are often more troublesome during perimenopause, as the growths can reach their largest size (some can grow larger than a watermelon, Bala Bhagavath, M.D., OB/GYN and medical director of University of Wisconsin Health’s Generations Fertility Care Center in Middleton, WI tells Health Central).
If you no longer wish to have children, your treatment options for fibroids may expand to include hormonal therapies or hysterectomy.
In Your Fifties and Beyond
As you enter menopause, the production of estrogen and progesterone decreases, which can lead to a reduction in the size of uterine fibroids and a decrease in symptoms.
However, if you have been experiencing symptoms of uterine fibroids leading up to menopause, it’s essential to continue monitoring your health and discussing any concerns with your healthcare provider. While menopause can bring relief from uterine fibroid symptoms for some women, others may continue to experience symptoms that require management.
“For a woman who is very close to menopause—say, 50, and her periods may stop soon—you might use [hormone therapy] tablets to put her in artificial menopause until natural menopause has occurred, rather than something like hysterectomy,” Dr. Bhagavath notes.
General Tips for Managing Uterine Fibroids
- Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can increase the risk of uterine fibroids and worsen symptoms.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support reproductive health.
- Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate symptoms, so finding healthy ways to manage stress is essential.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about uterine fibroids and stay proactive in managing your health.
Managing uterine fibroids is a journey that evolves with age. By staying aware of your body’s changes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical guidance when needed, you can effectively manage uterine fibroids at every stage of life. Remember that every woman’s experience with uterine fibroids is unique, so working with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan that meets your specific needs is essential.