Fibroids

[ChloeM1]

Hi, im 24 years old and had been diagnosed with a large fobroid about a year ago. Due to my age I was advised to get decapeptyl injections for 6 months (double the recommended time apparently) to induce me into an early menopause. Following this treatment, my scan showed that it hasnt been effective and they are now considering me for surgery, the impression I get is that they are reluctant for me to go through with surgery as it may prevent me from having a family in the future. Has anyone been through this at my age and if so what route did you take? TIA

[strongmouse]

I had a hysterecotomy but I was perimenopausal anyway (in my 50s) and had two children. As you are still quite young I can understand their reluctance to do surgery. A hysterectomy is a major operation. There are alternatives so you need to ask them about all your possible treatment options, and the possible side effects. It will also depend on how the fibroid effects your day to day life and if you can manage the symtoms.

You need not to be rushed into any decision. Fibroids are not life threatening. So take your time to consider the alterantives and weigh up the benefist and risks of all possible options. All the best to you.

[Alaine1 Administrator]

Hi Chloe,

You can stay on this and similar medications for 6 months and longer in very exceptional circumstances but not usually for fibroids so please don’t worry. The menopause is a temporary one and is reversible once off medication. In regards to the surgery the concern about your age and pregnancy is that there is a very small risk that if there were major complications during the surgery it might become necessary to perform a hysterectomy. All gynaecological surgery comes with this risk and for each of my surgeries I’ve been told the same thing. However it’s important to not necessarily cancel or not have a surgery for this reason if required but to seek clarification and your own risk with your consultant. I hope this helps