New treatment options for nonsurgical management of uterine fibroids

Abstract

Purpose of reviewUterine fibroids is a common problem in reproductive-age individuals, frequently causing abnormal uterine bleeding, bulk symptoms, and adverse reproductive outcomes. Traditionally, almost half of the women with symptomatic fibroids received surgery for definitive treatment. There are a growing number of nonsurgical options for treatment that have become available for patients who desire conservative treatment or those with contraindications to surgery. Recent findingsThe introduction of oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists in combination with low-dose physiologic hormonal therapy demonstrated improvement in heavy menstrual bleeding, pain, and quality of life with preservation of bone density and a modest reduction in uterine volume with few hypogonadal side effects. Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery and uterine artery embolization continue to be minimally invasive procedural alternatives to hysterectomy that are safe and effective.

Uterine Fibroids: A Podcast on Patient and Physician Perspectives on Medical Management and a New Medical Therapy (Relugolix Combination Therapy)

“…They [fibroids] have a negative effect on patients’ quality of life because they can cause a lot of symptoms. The most common symptom is heavy menstrual bleeding [ 5 , 6 ]. A patient [may] come and complain that “my periods are still regular, but they are extremely heavy,” and they describe this in many different ways, and I'm sure Sateria will comment on that.…”