Advance Women's Health Institute Michael L. Moore, M.D. 425 S Cherry St Suite 907 Denver, CO 80246 USA Office: 303.321.2255 Toll Free: 1.800.577.4295 Fax: 303.321.0856		View a Topic: __________________________________ Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Fibroid Tumors Endometriosis Chronic Pelvic Pain Pelvic Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Infertility Hormone Replacement Therapy How many women get fibroid tumors? What are the chances that my fibroids will return after they have been removed? Isn't there something that can be done to shrink my fibroid if I don't want to have surgery? Is it possible that my fibroids would shrink shrink my fibroid if I don't want to with herbal therapy or a special diet? How many women get fibroid tumors? Generally, it is felt that 30-40% of women have fibroid tumors by the age of 40. Approximately 50% of women with fibroids will require surgery. Just because a woman has a fibroid does not automatically necessitate an operation. Return to top What are the chances that my fibroids will return after they have been removed? Approximately 30-50% of women are likely to develop new fibroids within 5 years of their operation. Some women will have to undergo a second operation. The younger a woman is when diagnosed, the more likely she will require another procedure. Women who have more than 3 fibroids at the time of surgery are more likely to have recurrence than women who have less than 3. Return to top Isn't there something that can be done to shrink my fibroids if I don't want to have surgery? There are medications that can shrink fibroids called GnRH agonist. This medication prevents the ovaries from producing estrogen and will shrink the fibroids by 10-50% in 3 months. However, this medication causes menopausal symptoms that may not be well tolerated. It is not a permanent cure. The fibroids will grow to their original size after the medication is stopped. It is generally used to shrink the fibroids prior to an operation. Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate also reduces ovarian estrogen production. This medication can be used to keep fibroids from growing larger, but does not appear to shrink fibroids. There are medications in development that may be taken in pill form and might in the future offer a medical solution to fibroid management. Return to top Is it possible that my fibroids could shrink with herbal therapy, a special diet, or acupuncture? We know of no scientific information that shows that herbs, diet, or acupuncture actually shrink fibroids. A controlled scientific trial of therapy is more important than opinion. Recommendations from this practice are base on available scientific literature. Problems that do not yet have conclusively proven solutions will require an opinion with appropriate discussion of various differences in approach. Return to top Welcome l Minimally Invasive Surgery l Services & Care l Clinical Trials Insurance and Terms l Home l Contact Us Copyright © 2001-2003 Advanced Women's Health Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.