Uterine Fibroids and Hysterectomy - Lifestyle Changes

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While GnRH agonists can reduce fibroid size by 30 - 90%, they have certain limitations:

• They are not permanent cures, and fibroids regrow after the drugs are discontinued.
• They cannot be taken by mouth.
• They are expensive.
• Long-term use of GnRh agonists causes bone density loss, which can lead to osteoporosis.

Before using these drugs, the doctor should be certain that no other complicating conditions are present, particularly leiomyosarcoma (cancer). The use of these drugs can delay treatment of the malignancy and cause severe complications.

Commonly reported side effects, which can be severe in some women, include menopausal-like symptoms. These symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, weight gain, and depression. The side effects vary in intensity, depending on the GnRH agonist. They may be more intense with leuprolide and persist after the drug has been stopped.

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The most important concern is possible osteoporosis from estrogen loss. Women should not take these drugs for more than 6 months.

GnRH treatments used alone do not prevent pregnancy. Furthermore, if a woman becomes pregnant during their use, there is some risk for birth defects.

Review Date: 07/26/2010
Reviewed By: Reviewed by Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).