AskAwayHealth
Expert Tips for Women: Effectively Managing Fibroids with Medication
August 2, 2024
This post explores available drugs for fibroid treatment according to:
- how they work
- how effective they are,
- and which category of women for which they are most suitable – older women with severe symptoms, younger women trying to fall pregnant or somewhere in between.
It’s a frequently asked question many of you are grappling with, so let’s begin – right now!
Remember, none of the information in this post should replace a discussion with your medical practitioners.
Their guidance is crucial in helping to determine the best course of action for your fibroids treatment.
It’s a guide that can help you learn about different options and how they may be helpful and initiate a discussion with your doctor.
We shall use our own effectiveness ranking (ER) of 1 to 5 for each drug to classify its effectiveness in treating fibroid symptoms.
*But please use this ranking loosely because we all respond differently to some medications, and some people may find a particular drug more effective than others.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)
Ok, let’s look at the very first of 8 groups of (womb) uterine fibroid treatment drugs we are analysing today.
NSAIDS ER – 1/5
Popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include ibuprofen (Advil or Neurofen), naproxen, and mefenamic acid. These drugs work by reducing pain and swelling caused by inflammation.
These drugs are effective to some extent in relieving painful fibroids but not shrinking their size.
Common side effects include:
- stomach irritation from acid,
- stomach ulcers or
- kidney problems.
These are suitable for women with mild symptoms of pain and abnormal bleeding who do not want to use hormone therapy and wish to maintain their fertility.
Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic Acid ER – 2/5
You may know this second drug for treating fibroids as Cyklokapron, Evana, or Lysteda.
This drug is a type of protein that works by *preventing your body from breaking down blood clots, which stops heavy fibroid bleeding.
It is pretty effective for this purpose, but controlling the bleeding may be difficult to achieve if there are several large fibroids.
Its side effects include problems like nausea and diarrhoea, and rarely, they could increase the risk of developing blood clots.
Tranexamic acid is suitable for anyone with heavy menstrual bleeding from fibroids looking for non-hormonal treatment.
*(blocking the breakdown of clots which prevents bleeding).
Arimidex
Arimidex ER – 3/5
From the third group of uterine fibroid treatments, we enter the special realm of drugs known as hormones or that work like hormones.
(They may promote or prevent the activity of natural hormones). They can have different ways of working and effects, as we will see here.
This type of Aromatase inhibitor works by preventing your body from making Oestrogen.
It is commonly used to treat some forms of hormone-dependent breast cancer.
As you can imagine, this drug is effective at reducing fibroid size (and, of course, related symptoms like pain or bleeding).
The downside to this comes from side effects such as
- bone loss,
- joint pain,
- and hot flashes.
Who can use this? Well, it’s more suitable for women around or post-menopause or for women who find other options unsuitable.
Progestogens
Progestogens or synthetic Progesterones ER – 3/5
Typical examples are the Depo Progesterone shot or injection, the Coil like Mirena or some mini pills.
These fibroid treatment drugs work by preventing ovulation, thinning the womb lining and reducing fibroid growth.
Bleeding improves significantly in many cases; some women stop having periods, and some may experience shrinking of the fibroids.
They can be quite effective for managing the symptoms.
Side effects include:
- mood changes,
- irregular bleeding,
- and headaches
- some women may experience weight gain with some forms of progestogens.
They would be most suitable for women with mild to moderate symptoms, perhaps needing reversible short to long-term birth control.
Combined Oral Contraception (COC)
COC ER – 3/5
In the next group (five) are combined birth control pills – containing both progesterone and oestrogen.
There are several examples, such as Microgynon, Yaz, Loestrin, and others.
These also work by preventing ovulation and keeping hormone levels steady/balanced to reduce bleeding.
They can effectively reduce the risk of fibroid growth and reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding.
Side effects include:
- irregular bleeding,
- headaches,
- upset stomach and
- an increased risk of blood clots.
Again, this is suitable for younger women with mild to moderate symptoms who also need short-term birth control.
SPRMs
Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulators (SPRMs) ER – 4/5
Group 6 fibroid treatment includes a drug that works by blocking the effect of Progesterone on the fibroids.
This drug is called Esmya or Ulipristal Acetate. It is the same drug used in the morning after pill, EllaOne but at a different dose.
It is very effective at controlling bleeding and shrinking fibroids.
Side effects include:
- headache,
- breast tenderness,
- dizziness or
- stomach upset.
It is suitable for women of childbearing age who want to preserve their fertility while controlling their fibroid symptoms.
GnRH Agonists
GnRH Agonists ER – 4/5
Our 7th group of drugs are very effective at shrinking fibroids and reducing their symptoms.
These drugs are known as GnRH agonists and work by stimulating the production of the hormones in the brain that trigger the development of sex hormones (Oestrogen and Progesterone).
After the initial surge, the levels drop, ultimately leading to consistently low estrogen and progesterone levels.
You may also know this fibroid treatment as Lupron or Prostap.
Despite being very effective, their side effects can be troublesome, causing hot flashes, bone loss, and mood changes.
They are most suited for older women with severe symptoms who have had kids or those needing fibroid shrinkage before surgery.
GnRH Antagonists
GnRH Antagonists ER – 4.5/5
Our eighth group of uterine fibroid treatments are the GnRH antagonists.
These are newer drugs may know them as Relugolix or Orilissa. Some are combined with birth control, like Ryeqo.
They work by directly blocking the hormones in the brain that trigger the development of sex hormones (Oestrogen and Progesterone).
Therefore, they rapidly lower estrogen and progesterone levels.
They are very effective at shrinking fibroids, with quicker results and fewer side effects than GnRH agonists.
They could still cause hot flashes and headaches.
They are most suitable for women with severe symptoms needing quick relief or those needing fibroid shrinkage before surgery.
Ryeqo, which merges the GnRH antagonist with the combined pill, further helps in reducing some of the undesirable side effects like hot flashes and bone thinning.
Wrapping Up
We’ve just ranked 8 of the common drug treatments for fibroids.
What did you think of my ranking?
Hopefully, this will help you understand the range of options available and which may best suit your needs.
Remember, though, that this is just a guide and that other treatments could be available—medicine continues to evolve.
Have a chat with your doctor about them.
More Reading
Editing By Askawayhealth Team
Disclaimer
All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising Medical Practitioners on various healthcare conditions to provide evidence-based guidance and help promote quality healthcare. The advice in our material is not meant to replace the management of your specific condition by a qualified healthcare practitioner. To discuss your condition, don’t hesitate to contact a health practitioner or reach out to us directly. This blog post may contain marketing links to third-party sites with which Askawayhealth is not affiliated. We do not endorse or guarantee the products or services offered on these sites. Please exercise discretion when making purchases or using services from these third-party sites. Askawayhealth is not responsible for any outcomes resulting from such actions.
Image Credits: Canva
Review Date
This post will be medically reviewed by 2nd August 2026 – Editorial team
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