We get many questions about Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) and how it may affect menopause and other natural hormone changes. 1Fibroid in New York provides modern solutions for uterine fibroids such as UFE to offer pain relief and comfort. Read more to find out if UFE is right for you.
What Are Common Signs And Symptoms of Menopause?
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of your menstrual cycle. It is usually diagnosed after you have gone 12 months without a menstrual period. This can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States. Common signs and symptoms of menopause include:
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Thinning hair and dry skin
- Loss of breast fullness
Why Is UFE A Better Treatment Option For Patients Diagnosed With Uterine Fibroids?
If you are suffering from uterine fibroid symptoms you will be relieved to know there are surgical and non-surgical treatment options available for you. Traditionally, a hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of the uterus, was used to treat these symptoms. However, a hysterectomy ends fertility permanently, causes immediate menopause if the ovaries are also removed, and may lead to somewhat earlier menopause even when the ovaries are kept.
Thankfully, a great alternative to surgery is a procedure known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This is a minimally invasive, non-surgical, outpatient procedure that treats uterine fibroids and can alleviate your fibroid symptoms. There are no hospitalizations, stitches, or scarring involved. UFE is performed by an interventional radiologist who inserts a pin-size hole catheter into your wrist or thigh. The radiologist then guides the catheter to the fibroid’s blood supply where tiny particles, about the size of grains of sand, are released to float downstream and block the small blood vessels. This deprives the fibroid of nutrients causing them to soften and ultimately shrink. UFE was first reported in the mid-1990s and has an extensive clinical history. Hundreds of thousands of women worldwide have been treated with this procedure.
Things You Should Know About A Hysterectomy
A hysterectomy is the only treatment that can completely and permanently eliminate fibroids. However, it is important to note that recovery can take up to 6-8 weeks, particularly after abdominal surgery. The following is also what you can expect from this procedure:
- A surgery of one to two hours
- Internal scarring and visible eternal scaring
- General anesthesia
- Surgical risks like excessive bleeding, infection, an adverse reaction to general anesthesia, and blood clots
- A hospital stay ranging from same-day discharge to a few days, depending on the surgical approach
- Postoperative pain that may require prescription pain relievers, especially after abdominal surgery
- A recovery that can last up to six to eight weeks after abdominal surgery and is often shorter after laparoscopic or vaginal surgery. During recovery, you will not be able to drive or lift heavy objects. You may also need assistance with everyday tasks and responsibilities.
Why UFE is a Great Alternative
As mentioned, Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally-invasive alternative to hysterectomy or myomectomy. During the procedure, the blood supply to the fibroid tumors is blocked, making them shrink. This procedure requires minimal or no hospital stay and a shorter recovery and can be a great alternative to major surgery.
With UFE, you can expect:
- An outpatient fibroid treatment that takes about an hour
- Local anesthesia and a light sedative
- Less pain than a hysterectomy
- A shorter recovery period of usually one week
- Less risk than traditional surgery, with a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery, although short-term cramping, nausea, and low-grade fever (post-embolization syndrome) can occur
- A low risk of early menopause, especially in women under 45
Does UFE Cause Early Menopause?
Although the possibility is there, Uterine Fibroid Embolization is unlikely to bring on early menopause. There is a minimal risk of non-target embolization of the blood supply to the ovaries that can result in a blockage. If this happens, the blockage can lead to abnormal functioning of the ovaries. This effect can be temporary or permanent. The following factors can influence the likelihood:
- Your age: Women aged 45 and older have a higher risk of menopause after UFE, largely because they are already closer to natural menopause. Your doctor can discuss how your age affects this risk.
- Who does the procedure: Individual radiologists and the rate of injection during embolization can affect the development of early menopause. At 1Fibroid, Dr. Yosef Golowa is an experienced Interventional Radiologist (IR) who is certified by the American Board of Radiology.
Ultimately, UFE is unlikely to cause early menopause in most women, particularly those under 45. If you are concerned, you can reduce your risks by seeking expert fibroid care from one of our UFE specialists at 1Fibroid .
Is UFE An Option For Me?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms you may be the right candidate for this treatment:
- Excessive Menstrual Bleeding
- Pelvic Pain and Pressure
- Urinary Incontinence or Frequent Urination
These symptoms can sometimes be combined with:
- Anemia
- pain in the back of the legs
- pain during sexual intercourse
- constipation
- enlarged abdomen
If you have any of these symptoms contact 1Fibroid to determine if UFE is right for you. Our dedicated staff is standing by to answer your questions and address any concerns. Our experienced providers will with you to find the best treatment option that can address your health concerns and fit your lifestyle.
Sources
- Quality improvement guidelines for uterine artery embolization for symptomatic leiomyomata. Society of Interventional Radiology / J Vasc Interv Radiol, 2014.
- Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Practice Bulletin No. 228), 2021.
- Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2014.
- The impact of uterine artery embolization on ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 2020.
- Ovarian function after uterine artery embolization for leiomyomata: assessment with use of serum follicle stimulating hormone assay. J Vasc Interv Radiol, 2001.
- Loss of ovarian reserve after uterine artery embolization: a randomized comparison with hysterectomy. Hum Reprod, 2007.
- Effect of hysterectomy with ovarian preservation on ovarian function. Obstet Gynecol, 2011.
- The Menopause Years. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (patient FAQ).