Medications to treat uterine fibroids target the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, which treat symptoms such as severe menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure and pain, and although they do not eliminate fibroids completely, may decrease their size.
In addition, remedies to reduce bleeding, others that help relieve pain and discomfort, and supplements that prevent the development of anemia are also used, but none of these drugs works to reduce the size of fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that form in the muscular tissue of the uterus. Its location in the uterus can vary as well as its size, which can be microscopic up to as large as a melon. Fibroids are very common and although some are asymptomatic, others may cause cramps, bleeding or difficulty getting pregnant. Learn more about this disease.
The most commonly used remedies for fibroids are:
1. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists
These medicines treat fibroids by inhibiting the production of estrogen and progesterone, so that menstruation does not occur, fibroid size decreases and in people who also suffer from anemia, improve this problem. However they should not be used for a long time because they can make the bones more fragile.
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone agonists may further be prescribed to decrease the size of fibroids prior to performing surgery for their removal.
2. Progestogen-releasing intrauterine device
The progestogen-releasing intrauterine device may relieve severe bleeding caused by fibroids, however, these devices only relieve symptoms but do not eliminate or reduce fibroid size. In addition, they also have the advantage of preventing pregnancy and can be used as contraception. Learn all about Mirena intrauterine device.
3. Tranexamic acid
This medicine is only used to reduce the amount of bleeding caused by fibroids and should only be used on days of severe bleeding. See other uses of tranexamic acid and what are the most common side effects.
4. Contraceptives
The doctor may also advise taking a contraceptive, which, while not treating myoma or reducing its size, may help control bleeding. Learn how to take the contraceptive.
5. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, for example, may be effective in relieving pain caused by fibroids, however, these remedies lack the ability to reduce bleeding.
6. Vitamin Supplements
Due to the excess bleeding that is usually caused by the presence of fibroids, it is very often that people with this condition also suffer from anemia. Thus, the doctor may recommend taking supplements that have in their composition iron and vitamin B12.
Learn other ways to treat myoma without medicines.
