Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. After menopause, when hormone levels drop significantly, most fibroids will start to shrink and disappear. However, in some cases, fibroids may continue to grow or even develop for the first time after menopause.
The exact causes are not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to fibroid growth after menopause:
- Remaining Estrogen Production: The ovaries stop producing eggs after menopause but continue to produce small amounts of estrogen. This remaining estrogen can stimulate fibroid growth. Fibroids that grow after menopause tend to shrink once estrogen production ceases completely.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: Some women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) medications after menopause to help relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. However, the additional estrogen from HRT can fuel the growth of existing fibroids. Changing to a low-estrogen HRT or stopping HRT use altogether may cause the fibroids to shrink again.
- Obesity and Inflammation: Carrying excess weight and inflammation are associated with higher estrogen levels. This can stimulate fibroid growth after menopause. Losing weight, eating anti-inflammatory foods, and controlling other health conditions may help prevent growth.
- Genetic Changes: Rarely, genetic changes allow fibroids to grow independently of hormones. These fibroids may continue growing after menopause regardless of hormone levels or other factors.
Treatment options for fibroids that grow after menopause include:
- Watchful waiting: Small, slow-growing fibroids that do not cause symptoms often do not require treatment.
- Medications: Drugs that help block estrogen production or action may be used.
- Uterine fibroid embolization: A minimally invasive procedure that cuts off blood flow to shrink fibroids.
- Surgery: Myomectomy removes only the fibroids or hysterectomy removes the entire uterus.
If you have new onset or worsening
uterine fibroids after menopause, see your healthcare provider. An evaluation of your hormone levels, related risk factors, and fibroid characteristics can determine the best treatment approach for your situation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight can also help prevent substantial postmenopausal fibroid growth.
If needed, specialized hormone therapy provided by Hormone Harmony Clinic can help get estrogen levels under control to address fibroid growth after menopause. Their customized bioidentical hormone treatments target postmenopausal hormone imbalances while their nutrition and lifestyle programs reduce inflammation and risk factors driving abnormal tissue growths. Contact Hormone Harmony Clinic today to discuss science-based hormone therapy options for your postmenopausal health.