Multiple Fibroid Tumors

Iam 41 years old and very active physically. I have 5 fibroid tumors the size of gof balls. I have tried alternative treatments and nothing seems to work. Four months ago I started taking luron depot and that has not worked. I am having very heavy bleeding with large blood clots. The clots come as often as every 30 minutes. I do not want to have surgery but I think I have run out of options. What shall I do?

Dear sick of bleeding-
You are probably correct-you have run out of time.
I am not a proponent of Lupron as it does not treat the disease, only the symptoms, and on a temporary basis. It only delays women getting appropriate help.
You need to have your tumors surgically removed-and the sooner the better.

I have several fibroids. In the last three months I have started to take provera 2.5 mgm. each day. The bleeding has definitely decreased but I experience pain in my left side almost all the time. Could this be due to the provera?

Dear June-
Taking Provera is only treating your symptoms, not your disease. By taking this hormone you may have developed an ovarian cyst on your one side. I do not advocate this type of treatment-remove your fibroids and examine your entire pelvis. Women are often convinced to delay treatment with fibroids, “the wait and see approach”, this usually will eventually render a hysterectomy. Take care of the disease and you will not need to treat the symptoms. Good Luck

i went to the doctor after i was haveing problems with my period changeing, increased cramping,pelvic pain,pain during intercourse,i felt bloated and the list seems to go on, i was told i had 2 small fibroid tumors on my uterus. i now have more pain and when i have my period i have clotting. i feel like im pregnant but im not, i had my tubes tied, cut and burnt but i have that heavy bloated feeling and i can feel the difference in my body by the way my clothes fit. how rapidly can these tumors grow? could my problems be that they have gotten larger? if i had 2 then can i have more now? can this be serious. i am really scared please tell me what i should do. april age 31

Dear April-
Mostly likely it is not the fibroids producing your problems. Your symptoms are classic for adenomyosis-this is a form of endometriosis that penetrates into and damages the uterine muscle. It is very painful, usually producing heavy bleeding, with clots. Most traditional gynecologists will treat this condition with a hysterectomy-we offer our FAS procedure to remove and treat the disease but allow you to keep your uterus. Please read my website section on the condition and give us a call if we can help you.

Dr. del Junco,

I recently had an ultrasound and was told that I have five multiple fibroids. My iron is very low- around 9 something. I was not able to see my OBGYN, but the nurse practioner reviewed the results of my ultrasound and told me that surgery was out of the question because I’m anemic. However, she did suggest that I start taking birth controls to relieve the heavy bleeding and cramping that I experience. Is it wise for me to take the birth controls? I haven’t taken birth control pills in years and I am 38 years old. What do you recommend for my case since my iron level is low and surgery is not recommended? Thanks for your response to my situation.

Dear bsnstchr-
Birth control pills are the first and easiest form of treatment that most gynecologists will offer patients with bleeding problems. They treat the symptoms not the disease-it is basically a bandaid approach.
We do not recommend this type of care…you need to treat the diagnosis, which is fibroids. As long as your tumors remain untreated..your bleeding will continue and your fibroids will enlarge and spread. Your should find a doctor who will remove the fibroids and preserve your female organs.
In the mean time, you can take oral iron supplements and some patients have even take intravenous iron infusions prior to surgery.
I know we can help you without removing your uterus and without the need of a blood transfusion. If you are interested, please give my office a call.