Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow in the uterine walls of many women. While these growths are typically harmless, they can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for those seeking relief from their fibroid symptoms. One of these treatments is birth control pills. But do birth control pills shrink fibroids or merely relieve some of the related symptoms? In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential benefits of taking birth control for treating uterine fibroids.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are muscular tumors that form on the wall of the uterus. They are benign (non-cancerous) growths made up of smooth muscle cells and other tissues found in the uterus. These growths vary greatly in size and number, ranging from as small as a pea to larger than a grapefruit. Depending on their location, they can also cause painful pressure or changes in the shape of the uterus.
Most fibroids don’t require any treatment, but if you have symptoms that interfere with your daily life—including heavy periods, pelvic pressure, bladder problems, and fertility issues—your doctor may suggest various therapies such as hormone therapy or surgery.
Birth Control Pills for Fibroid Treatment
One of the most common treatments for symptomatic fibroids is hormone therapy, which works by suppressing ovulation and preventing estrogen production. This helps reduce the size of existing fibroids and prevents new ones from forming. The most commonly prescribed type of hormone therapy is birth control pills, which work by introducing synthetic hormones into the body. When taken regularly, these hormones prevent ovulation, which stops the production of estrogen, reducing the size of existing fibroids and preventing new ones from forming.
Side Effects of Taking Birth Control Pills for Fibroids
It’s important to note that while taking birth control pills can help treat uterine fibroids, it’s not without side effects. Some of the most common side effects associated with taking birth control include nausea, weight gain, breast tenderness, headache, and spotting between periods. Additionally, long-term use has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, high blood pressure, and depression. It’s important to speak to your doctor before starting any kind of hormonal therapy to make sure it’s right for you.
Alternatives to Taking Birth Control for Fibroids
If you’re looking for alternatives to taking birth control for treating uterine fibroids, there are several other methods available. For instance, certain medications can be used to block ovarian hormones from reaching the fibroid tissue, thus slowing down its growth and helping alleviate related symptoms. Surgery is another option for removing existing fibroids and preventing future growth. And finally, radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy to destroy existing fibroid tissue.
Types of Birth Control That May Be Effective in Treating Fibroids
When considering different types of birth control for treating uterine fibroids, it’s important to keep in mind that not all forms will be effective at shrinking fibroids. Combination birth control pills—which contain both estrogen and progesterone—are generally considered the most effective at shrinking fibroids and reducing their symptoms. Non-hormonal contraceptives such as condoms and diaphragms are also often recommended since they won’t affect estrogen levels. It’s important to speak with your doctor about which type of birth control is best suited to your individual needs.
Managing Uterine Fibroid Symptoms While On Birth Control
While taking birth control pills can help manage some of the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids—such as heavy menstrual bleeding—it’s important to remember that it does not guarantee symptom relief. To ensure that you get the maximum benefit out of your medication, talk to your doctor about lifestyle modifications you can make to further minimize your discomfort. For example, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can all help improve your overall health and wellbeing while managing your fibroid symptoms.
Other Benefits of Taking Birth Control for Fibroids
In addition to reducing fibroid symptoms, taking birth control pills can provide a host of other health benefits beyond shrinking uterine fibroids. These benefits include lighter periods, reduced acne breakouts, improved mood, and protection against certain types of cancer. So even if your main goal is to reduce fibroid-related symptoms, you could still reap additional health rewards from taking birth control pills.
How Long Does It Take for Birth Control to Reduce Fibroid Size?
Typically, it takes three to six months for birth control pills to begin shrinking uterine fibroids. However, it’s important to keep in mind that results can vary from person to person. If after six months you haven’t seen any improvement in your symptoms or in the size of your fibroids, it’s important to speak to your doctor about alternative treatments or strategies.
Conclusion: Is Birth Control an Effective Treatment Option for Fibroids?
Birth control pills are one possible method of treating uterine fibroids, though they may not be effective for everyone. In some cases, they can effectively shrink existing fibroids and reduce their symptoms. However, it’s important to discuss all of your options with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about treatment. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects associated with taking birth control pills so that you can make an informed decision about whether this is the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, taking birth control pills can help shrink existing fibroids and reduce their symptoms in some cases. However, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about your individual situation before deciding if this is the right treatment for you.
Combination birth control pills—which contain both estrogen and progesterone—are generally considered the most effective at shrinking fibroids and reducing their symptoms. Non-hormonal contraceptives such as condoms and diaphragms are also often recommended since they won’t affect estrogen levels. Your healthcare provider can help you determine which type of contraception is best suited to your needs.
It usually takes three to six months for birth control pills to begin shrinking uterine fibroids. However, results may vary from person to person. If after six months you haven’t seen any improvement in your symptoms or in the size of your fibroids, speak with your doctor about alternative treatments or strategies.