Uterine Fibroids: Rapid Evidence Review.
Keating. Michelle K MK; Jones. Keli B KB; Hansell. Maggie W MW
Key Findings
- Fibroids are the most common benign tumor in women and can cause bleeding, pain, and fertility issues.
- Imaging (combined transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasound, sometimes MRI) is essential for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Hormonal therapies—including GnRH agonists/antagonists such as gonadorelin—are used to control heavy bleeding, while surgery or radiologic interventions address larger or symptomatic fibroids.
Practical Outcomes
- For self‑directed health optimizers, the review confirms that GnRH‑based drugs can help manage fibroid symptoms but should be used under medical supervision due to hormonal effects. Vitamin D repletion is a low‑risk, potentially helpful adjunct. Overall, the abstract offers a broad overview rather than new dosing protocols or breakthrough findings.
Summary
Uterine fibroids are non‑cancerous growths that many women have, often without symptoms. When they cause problems like heavy bleeding, pain, or fertility issues, doctors first examine and image the uterus, then choose treatments based on size, location, and whether the woman wants to keep her uterus. Options include birth‑control pills, a hormone‑releasing IUD, anti‑inflammatory drugs, tranexamic acid, vitamin D supplementation, hormonal drugs that block or stimulate the GnRH pathway (like gonadorelin‑based agents), and various surgeries or radiologic procedures.
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumor in women. Most fibroids are asymptomatic, but presenting symptoms include those associated with increased uterine size (eg, abdominal distension, urinary frequency or urgency, constipation), abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility. The initial evaluation of fibroids should include a full gynecologic history with abdominal, speculum, and bimanual pelvic examinations. Initial imaging of choice is the combination of transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging with contrast may further characterize the extent of disease and guide treatment. Treatment choices are determined by fibroid size and location with preferences for uterine and fertility preservation. Pharmacotherapy is used to control heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding and includes combined and progestin-only oral contraceptives; 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; tranexamic acid; and hormonal therapies, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. Surgical and interventional options reduce bulk symptoms, reduce bleeding, and may preserve or improve fertility. Surgical and interventional radiologic options include hysterectomy, myomectomy, uterine artery embolization, radiofrequency ablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasonography. Treating vitamin D deficiency may reduce fibroid tumor size or halt progression.
Study Information
pubmed
2025