Navigating Fibroid Treatment: Advice on Making the Right Decision for Your Body

A few years back, one of my readers reached out with a challenging decision about her fibroid treatment. She felt unsupported by her doctors and overwhelmed by the potential side effects of her options. I wrote her a response that I believe is still very much relevant today, and could benefit anyone considering treatments for mild fibroids.

If you’re feeling uncertain and emotional about choosing the right fibroid treatment, you're not alone. It’s important to recognize that opting for surgery or medication is a significant decision and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you decide to pursue surgery, thoroughly research both the hospital and the surgeon. Check their hysterectomy rates—if they’re unusually high, it may be wise to explore a facility where surgery isn’t the most common recommendation. This ensures that your doctor is prioritizing your unique needs, rather than defaulting to hospital norms.

Hormonal treatments, such as Lupron, can also have side effects, so they should not be the first option unless your symptoms are severely impacting your daily life. Since it sounds like your fibroids are not causing extreme discomfort, you may want to focus on improving your overall health and consider managing the fibroids without immediate intervention. Fibroids tend to shrink naturally as you approach menopause, so you might try dedicating the next six months to eating whole foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active to see if this improves how you feel.

Be gentle with yourself during this difficult time. It’s essential to find peace of mind when making such decisions. Journaling can help. Try asking your fibroid why it's present and what it might be trying to tell you. Writing down the thoughts that come to you may help you uncover underlying emotional or physical issues that need attention. As you work on resolving these, you may find that your fibroid growth slows or stops altogether.

I hope this advice provides some comfort and clarity as you navigate your options.