Fibroids et al

[NoelNiki]

So I have fibroids and adenomyosis. Just found out today. Not sure how to feel.

Oh and pcos that I've known about for years.

[pilates]

I had the same and the only thing that sorted me out was a hysterectomy. Are you suffering badly?

[NoelNiki]

No. Not that bad. Was referred for heavy periods. But what if gets worse. Or I never have kids

[BG2015]

I had a hysterectomy in June because of fibroids and a bulky uterus. Bled constantly for over 12 months, when I walked I would slightly wet myself - only realised how bad this was until this stopped after the hysterectomy. My fibroids (of which there were many) were pressing on my bladder.

Hysterectomy has been the best thing I ever did. Honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate if you’re suffering and it’s offerec to you.

[pilates]

How old are you?

[BG2015]

Sorry cross posts.

Didn’t realise you were young - don’t think it effects fertility unless they are really big. You can get them removed I think.

I’m 48 so presumed you were a similar age.

[NoelNiki]

I'm 39

[pilates]

I’m a similar age to BG. I had horrendous bleeding and eventually became anemic but had finished my family. There are other options open to you like BG said you can have them removed or an ablation. I had several the size of grapefruits but if they are not too problematic for you they will probably leave them. Did they offer you the mirena coil?

[NoelNiki]

They offered the coil but I dont like the idea.

I am anaemic. Badly. The fibroids arent that big apparently.

[rosie39forever]

Hi I have 5 smallish fibroids and was very anemic due to horrendously heavy periods, I was offered the Mirena a few years ago but like you didn’t fancy it. Periods got so bad that out of desperation had the coil fitted about 16months ago and my god I wish I’d had it years ago, my periods have completely stopped and I have my life back, give it a go you can always have it removed if it doesn’t suit.

[BG2015]

I agree about the Mirena I’ve had 2 and they worked well. The second one failed as my fibroids must have overpowered them, but for 16 months it they were brilliant.

My fibroids weren’t that big but apparently I had lots and lots of small ones with an enlarged uterus.

I had an ablation first but it didn’t work. I think they do try and give you lots of options before a hysterectomy now.

[KingIrving]

You should watch these two videos before consider the surgery.

nutritionfacts.org/video/the-best-food-for-fibroids/
and
nutritionfacts.org/video/the-best-diet-for-fibroids/

Make sure to click on the studies cited links to read the studies and I would give it a go.

[EllenRipley]

There's a lot you can do with diet, exercise and supplements for fibroids/hormone imbalance. I was diagnosed with a fibroid at your age and did some research, I don't know about PCOS but fibroids feed off estrogen which is generally high in sufferers (relative to your progesterone level). I took a supplement call DIM (acronym for a long word that I can't recall) and it really helped and stayed away from 'estrogenic' foods. There's lots of good info online if you can wade through the guff. A website called examine. com is excellent for assessing which supplements have proper research to back claims of efficacy. It sounds like you have a lot of hormonal stuff going on and you're right, things like the coil and birth control are often sticking plasters for a more fundamental issue (which is not to say they don't work for many women). Make sure you take a good iron supplement too! I'm sure I've read that low iron levels can actually exacerbate heavy bleeding. X

[NoelNiki]

Thanks everyone will look into suggestions

[saratustra]

I have 4 huge fibroids (biggest 12cm) and fell pregnant within 3 months of trying, I'm 39. I'm aware I was lucky - BUT my point is, they don't have to be a problem. I'm having monthly scans to check they don't interfere with baby's growth and no problems so far (I'm almost 29 weeks). Only thing you will need a consultant led delivery just in case, but every case is different. I might consider surgery if I don't get pregnant again or I'm done having babies, but agree with other comments there are other ways to keep them under control. They can be easy to manage, and if not your consultant will explain your options - don't let people scare you x