What are the effective treatments for uterine fibroids?

Treatments for uterine fibroids include medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments. The specific choice depends on the condition and patient needs. Common medications include gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, mifepristone, and oral contraceptives. Surgical treatments include myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, and hysterectomy. Lifestyle adjustments include increasing dietary fiber intake, reducing red meat intake, and maintaining moderate exercise.

1. Drug treatment is a common choice for uterine fibroids and is suitable for patients with mild symptoms or who wish to retain their fertility. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists can reduce the size of fibroids by inhibiting ovarian function and reducing estrogen secretion, but long-term use may lead to osteoporosis. Mifepristone is an anti-progestin drug that can inhibit the growth of fibroids and relieve symptoms, but it must be used under the guidance of a doctor. Oral contraceptives can reduce menstrual volume and relieve dysmenorrhea by regulating hormone levels, but they have limited effect on reducing the size of fibroids.

2. Surgical treatment is suitable for patients with severe symptoms or ineffective drug treatment. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids and preserve the uterus. It is suitable for patients who want to have children, but there is a risk of recurrence. Uterine artery embolization blocks the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to gradually shrink. It is less traumatic, but may affect ovarian function. Hysterectomy is suitable for patients who do not want to have children or have large fibroids. It completely solves the fibroid problem, but they cannot have children after surgery.

3. Lifestyle adjustment plays a certain role in the prevention and adjuvant treatment of uterine fibroids. Increasing dietary fiber intake helps regulate hormone levels and reduce the risk of fibroid growth. It is recommended to eat more whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Reducing red meat intake can reduce estrogen levels in the body. It is recommended to choose high-quality protein sources such as fish and beans. Maintaining moderate exercise helps control weight and reduce the secretion of estrogen by adipose tissue. It is recommended to do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.

The treatment of uterine fibroids requires selecting the appropriate method based on the patient's specific situation. Drug treatment, surgical treatment and lifestyle adjustment each have their own advantages and disadvantages. It is recommended to carry out comprehensive treatment under the guidance of a doctor to achieve the best results.