Fibroids or not?

Dear Dr. del Junco: After symptoms of heavy,
prolonged periods, clotting and lower abdominal
pain sent me to the gyn, a vaginal ultrasound was
done. The doctor diagnosed “three small fibroid
tumors” and put me on Alesse for several months.
After reading a bit, it seems that estrogen can
increase the size of fibroid tumors. Am I
confused? He wants to do a hysteroscopy and D&C,
which I would like to avoid if possible, for the
following reason: at the initial consultation, he
mentioned that one of the tumors was fairly “deep”
and the uterus might be perforated if a D&C was
done. Also, he has been suggesting a hysterectomy
(surprise). I don’t even want to consider this.
I am 44 years old and have three wonderful
children, so childbearing is not an issue.
Because I am adopted, I don’t have any family
health history to tell me when I might expect
menopause. Please share any insight you might
have for me. I’m so glad I found your site NOW
and not after irreversible s

Dear Mary-
Your doctor is treating your symptoms only and not the fibroid tumors. Estrogen is the main food supply for fibroids however hormone manipulation reduces the drastic changes in the normal estrogen supply over the monthly cycle, which may slow down some fibroid tumor growth,and reduce severe bleeding symptoms. It is only a temporary fix….your tumors need to be removed. Your symptoms are also highly indicative of adenomyosis…this is completely different from fibroid tumors. Most small fibroids do not produce abdominal pain and clots. Since you are finished with your child bearing…I would highly recommend our FAS procedure to remove all the pathology while we reconstruct your uterus.