Personal stories about hormone therapy for uterine fibroids

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Gina, age 43: I was surprised when my doctor told me uterine fibroids could be the cause of the pain I was having with my periods. He told me all about fibroids and the treatments I could try. When he said a medication called Lupron might stop the pain, I thought I might as well try it. The medication worked. I used the Lupron for about 6 months and then stopped taking it. I hardly have any pain now, and my periods are much lighter.

Amy, age 32: I first noticed that my periods were getting worse about a year ago. I wasn't too concerned, but I discussed the pain with my doctor when I went for a Pap smear. My exam and Pap smear were fine. My doctor said that uterine fibroids could be the cause of my pain. Since my mom and an older sister have had uterine fibroids, I thought that must be it. My doctor talked to me about my options. She told me that using birth control pills and ibuprofen would be the best way to start. Now my periods are lighter. And, when I start taking ibuprofen a few days before my period starts, it really helps relieve my pain.

Patricia, age 52: The pain before and during my periods was so bad, I couldn't exercise. I am an active person, and the pain was really getting me down. I have had uterine fibroids for years and have tried ibuprofen and other nonprescription medicines, but they were not helping anymore. When I went to see my doctor about the pain, she said maybe it was time for surgery. I asked if there were any other options, since the last time I had surgery it took me months to recover. I didn't want to go through that again. My doctor said a medicine called Lupron might help me. She said that it has side effects, so I can't take it for longer than 6 months. That's okay, because menopause is right around the corner for me, and fibroids get better after menopause. After starting the medicine, I did have more hot flashes than usual, but my heavy menstrual bleeding and menstrual pain are almost gone. I think taking this medicine works well for me.

Susan, age 37: I started having really painful menstrual periods about 3 years ago. My doctor asked a lot of questions about my periods and did an exam and some tests. Most of the tests came back normal, but my doctor thought, based on the ultrasound, that uterine fibroids might be the cause of my pain. I tried using a birth control patch for a few months, along with ibuprofen, but it didn't work too well. However, it was enough of an improvement to make life tolerable. I really don't want to use any stronger stuff like Lupron, because it makes you feel like you're in menopause!