Fibroids - what was your solution?

[virgocatlover]

I have had problems with period since I started them and now early 30s. Tried hormonal contraception (hated it), had transvaginal scans and they showed fibroids in my late 20s. The GP suggested I have a coil, which I don't want for various reasons. No other solution.

Whenever I go back about bleeding between periods (I bleed about 20 days a month some cycles) or the pain, or the weakness, dizziness, fatigue, I'm told to try the coil. I'm already taking tablets for anaemia.

Is there really nothing else that can solve this? I don't think a cool is a solution as it doesn't treat the cause. They have not looked inside except via scan as they say the treatment options are limited so I would be putting myself through surgery for little outcome.

I've tried losing weight, even when I went to underweight it continued. I eat healthy enough. I try and sleep well. Any one similar?

I had a hysterectomy - life changing (in a good way).

Menopause.

I had a temporary menopause injected for a few months to shrink it and then I had a procedure to cut it out.

A coil is not a long term fix

You need to insist they refer you to Gynae, they would probably need to do a hysteroscopy to look inside your womb first, you can have fibroids removed and depending on if you've finished having/want children, an alabation to control bleeding. Although if you want children this wouldn't be the option for you.

I had an ablation and myomectomy which turned out to be unsuccessful. My next step is a hysterectomy - but I am past 50 so would welcome it!

I had a hysterectomy, in, done & out in less than 18 hours, all done keyhole.

I was diagnosed with fibroids via ultrasound in 2016 (age 39). Too big for ablation/myomectomy, so first treatment was the coil, then the hormone treatment to bring on temporary menopause for 6 months (doesn't shrink fibroids, just stops growth). This helped for a while, but they are now they have grown to the size of a small melon, so I'm on the waiting list for a hysterectomy. It's been a very frustrating and painful ride and wish I'd been advised better earlier on.

My fibroid shrunk a lot with the menopause injections so my experience was obviously different from yours. Mine was 12cm diameter to begin with and shrunk to 7. I then had it removed and I have since had a child since then.

Menopause sorted mine for now

Why don't you want a coil? I have fibroids and a coil stopped my heavy bleeding almost immediately.

I had a ufe uterine fibroid embolization...solved my problem..its far less invasive than hysterectomy.....u need a referral to gynaecology

I had smallish fibroids and was recommended a Mirena coil. My female GP told me all the female staff of the relevant age in the practice were using one.

It's been wonderful. My periods stopped and never started again. No pain, not PMS. I had it removed once it was clear I was well into menopause. A very satisfactory outcome.

I was diagnosed at 29, with multiple fibroids including one the size of a watermelon :(. Removal was life changing. I was so shocked at the life I gained after having the fibroids removed.

I should add I started off with mirena but my periods were so heavy and full of enormous clots which pulled out the coil twice ( not painful btw)

I have fibroids which are now shrinking post-meno.

The coil is recommended by the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fibroids/treatment/.

Further information for primary care including when to refer is here. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fibroids/management/management/

Many fibroids cause no problems and do not need treatment, so the issue is treating the symptoms - the cause (if it is fibroids) doesn't, in itself, need treating. So in your shoes if the coil is recommended for you I would give it a try. If it works, job done, and the fact that you still have the fibroids is neither here nor there.

I was always told that my heavy periods (and recurrent miscarriages) MIGHT be due to the fibroids but might not, and that there was no way to be sure. And that their position meant any surgery could be dangerous.

I found tranexemic acid worked fine for me, but would have tried the coil if that had been suggested and was suitable for me as it does work for many people.

I feel for you OP. My poor friend is going through similar. She had to have a coil to avoid surgery which has helped her but not got rid of the issue. She is 51 and not menopausal yet. She’s really been through it.

Mirena, then tranexamic acid, the monthly injections to shrink it, then ablation. Worked for a bit then more fibroids sprouted so finally last November had a hysterectomy.

Oh the relief of not having your life ruled by flooding, san pro and pain,

Each step helped a bit, but the hysterectomy was amazing. Mine was keyhole and the recovery was ok. Tired, very tired and a bit of pain but manageable.

Very best wishes for you. My periods were the worst.

Hysterectomy at 40 to deal with horrendous bleeding from fibroids.

Do not regret it at all, was incredible how much more energy and life I had after this.

I didn't develop them until after four pregnancies. They determined them to be the cause of a uterine prolapse. Hysterectomy. No more looking like I was 20 weeks pregnant.

Leave alone. As a follower of Dawn heels I understand that fibroids can grow back as quickly as removed.

A bit of honesty wouldn’t have gone a miss where I was treated, for all this mental health is taken seriously have to say it didn’t entirely feel it was in my best interests to be told a fibroid didn’t exist, 4 weeks later a private scan said otherwise.

Very lucky as said fibroid lodged in muscle did actually respond to progesterone given in a ‘Suffolk hrt black spot’ area changed my life. People have no clue about the nasty pulling/dragging/pressure sensation. I don’t know why progesterone makes things better, I’ve even looked into the now banned Esyma ingredients for fibroids but don’t get it.

Thank god an advanced nurse practitioner with interest in peri and menopause listened over a gynaecologist or GP. It took 18 months to be heard.