7 Other medical management of uterine fibroids

Abstract

Several medicines are emerging with the potential to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids. Anti-progesterone compounds seem particularly promising. These drugs have been widely used for nearly 20 years and are known to be safe; medical politics have prevented their proper investigation for uterine fibroids. In particular, the value of mifepristone, 50 mg per day for 3 months, seems particularly promising. Further investigation is clearly warranted for this medicine. Several anti-oestrogen compounds have recently become available and may also be useful for the medical treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. This includes the possibility of the use of selective oestrogen receptor modulators as well as the prospect of the use of pure anti-oestrogens. On a longer time frame, inhibitors of angiogenesis may be useful. These medicines would act upon the blood supply to uterine fibroids. Physicians also have an obligation to investigate scientifically any promising naturopathic treatment that appears to have possible activity for symptomatic fibroids.