Could anyone tell me what causes this condition and is surgery (hysterectomy) the only way to deal with this for someone younger? Sid? Or another RN? And is the medicine danzol a proper one for treatment? Thanks Sam

Here is an article from WebMD.

Diagnosing and Treating Fibroids: A guide to diagnosing uterine fibroids, and recommendations for avoiding a hysterectomy if at all possible.

the article in the above answer seems a good one. Basically, fibroids are tumors. They are not cancerous, and are quite common. As with most tumors, the cause is unknown. Hysterectomy is not the only treatment. Danazol is used, although it really is a form of male hormone, so it may have unpleasant side effects. Depending on size and location, the fibroid may be removable by itself, leaving the uterus intact. As usual, the best info will come from the doctors involved: if hysterectomy is recommended above other treatments, be sure you understand exactly why; and don't be shy about asking what alternatives there are, what the consequences of the various options might be expected to be: and if you are not comfortable with the answers you get, seek a second opinion.

Thanks to you both for the answers you gave and the great website too. The family doctor already mentioned a hysterectomy but, was hoping for another procedure for this condition.

Hi Samantha -- I learned that I had very large fibroids when I was 33. At 36, I opted for a myomectomy which was a surgical procedure that went through my abdomen to my uterus to remove the fibroids that were growing on the outside of my uterus. I opted for this procedure because I was hoping to one day have children. (I have a slight scar in my bikini line area, so I could still wear a two-piece bathing suit and no one would be the wiser.)

I'm now 39 and the fibroids are back in full force. Not quite as big as they were when I was 36, but certainly growing quickly due to the changing hormone levels in my body. I recently underwent a D&C to have fibroids removed from the interior of my uterus, but I'm still struggling with the exterior uterine fibroids. My doctor started me back on the pill to control my hormones and reduce my bleeding. I am faced with the decision whether to undergo another myomectomy or have a hysterectomy.

Although, I have recently learned of another alternative called uterine embalization. It is a procedure where the doctor enters a catheter through an artery in your upper thigh and the catheter leads the surgeon to the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. The surgeon then injects some sort of particles that block the blood vessel that feeds the fibroid. The result is a reduction of the size of the fibroid over about a 6 month time span. The fibroid is reduced in size because blood is no longer feeding the fibroid through the blood vessel. The fibroid will not go away completely, but has been known to reduce its size by 50%. The procedure is new, but studies indicate that a woman can still have a baby after uterine emballization.

One final option I read about recently is a new treatment called Thermachoice Uterine Balloon therapy. The article I read said this treatment is performed in 30 minutes and can radically change your menstrual cycle. This procedure system uses heat to destroy the lining of the uterus and is considered very safe and effective. Most women return to work the next day. A soft, flexible balloon attached to a thin catheter is inserted through the vagina into the uterine cavity. Once in place, the balloon is gently filled with sugar water to expand to the exactly fit the shape of the uterus. The fluid is then heated close to the boiling point for eight minutes and then the fluid is removed from the balloon and the instruments are withdrawn from the uterus.

The article said that 96 percent of women surveyed remain satisfied with the results of the thereapy after three years and state that they had a reduction of their menstrual bleeding to normal levels or less. They also indicated that premenstrual symptoms and cramping were signficantly reduced.

Before you agree to a hysterectomy, discuss these alternatives with your doctor to see if one may be a more appropriate, safer, and less invasive choice for you.

That was very informative. Thanks so much for the information. I am not so much against the hysterectomey really since I don't want kids. But, I have a problems with how you feel afterward and that I would guess it throws you inot menopause right then. At 25 Id like to hold off on that a bit ...thanks again

Sam - I had a hysterectomy at 28 and it didn't throw me into anything except complete relief - no more kids! Make sure if you do have one they leave as many ovaries as possible (that would be two) because the functioning of the ovaries is what keeps you from menopause. I had one until about 10 years ago, but it failed, and I went into menopause and am still in it.

Catty (who takes estrogen therapy to avoid self-immolation)

Thanks catty. I will remember that too. I just thought if they done a hyterectomy it was ovaries and all.

No Sam when they do a hysterectomy they can leave the ovaries and I believe they tend to try and do that. My friend just a vaginal Hysterectomy and they left her ovaries and she was off work about 3 weeks. She said she did great hardly now pain. She was bleeding all the time and the doctor told her they could do a D & C but eventually they would have to do a hysterectomy. She is 35 years old. If you are not sure what a doctor says get a second opinion OK. Good Luck!

Hi! I had a 8 pound fibroid growing off the uterus. There were several inside the uterus as well. Since I have a blood clotting condidtion, my doctor removed everything.
I was 28 and was put on 1mg of estrace, a harmon replacement. I have not experienced any syptoms of menopause! I'm 44, now.
Talk with your doctor and even get a second opinion if you don't feel your own doctor is telling you straight. As you see, there a few options. Write down all your concerns and questions and ask your doctor.
You will be fine!
Blessings!

Thanks so much for the input..Im hoping my doesn't weight that much...

I, too, had a hysterectomy about 12 yrs. ago, and the Dr. did leave 1 ovary intact and I did not go into menopause until 7 yrs. later (age 51). I have been on premarin these last 5 years and have had no problems. I had many large fibroids and he apparently had a hard time getting 2 of them out. I had an abdominal hyster so had an incision. Was off work for 6 weeks and was very uneventful. Look at all your options and good luck......

I had a football sized cyst on my Right ovary, they removed the cyst and the ovary, but everything was intact. I have not yet met the challenge of menopause... and plan to stay it as long as possible to reduce the risk of heart disease and bone density loss.

Thanks guys for all your information and help on this..my doctor seems to think a the hysterectomy is the way to go for me..I'm still putting it off for now..