Reproductive health
Medicines for Fibroids (uterine fibroids)
Common non-cancerous growths in the muscle of the womb that often cause no symptoms, but can lead to heavy or prolonged periods, anaemia and pelvic pressure — managed with medicines to reduce bleeding and, for larger or troublesome fibroids, procedures or surgery.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Fibroids (uterine fibroids)?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the muscle wall of the womb. They are very common, can range from very small to large, and may occur singly or in groups.
- How it is treated: How fibroids are managed depends on the symptoms, their size and position, and whether the woman wants to preserve fertility.
- Self-care: Because heavy bleeding can cause iron-deficiency anaemia, eating iron-rich foods and taking any prescribed iron treatment matters.
- When to seek help: See your GP if your periods are heavy enough to disrupt daily life, are getting heavier, or if you feel persistently tired, breathless or dizzy, which can point to anaemia from blood loss.
What it is
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the muscle wall of the womb. They are very common, can range from very small to large, and may occur singly or in groups. Many fibroids cause no symptoms at all and are found by chance. When they do cause problems, the most common are heavy or prolonged periods — which can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia — together with pelvic pain or a feeling of pressure, a swollen lower tummy, needing to pass urine more often, or discomfort during sex. Fibroids are sensitive to hormones and tend to shrink after the menopause, when hormone levels fall.
How it is treated
How fibroids are managed depends on the symptoms, their size and position, and whether the woman wants to preserve fertility. Many fibroids that cause no symptoms simply need monitoring. When heavy bleeding is the main problem, medicines that reduce blood loss — such as tranexamic acid and anti-inflammatory medicines — are often the first step, and hormonal options such as the combined pill or the hormonal coil can help control bleeding too. Where anaemia has developed from heavy bleeding, iron is treated as well. For larger or more troublesome fibroids, specialists may offer medical treatments to shrink them, procedures such as uterine artery embolisation (which cuts off their blood supply), or surgery to remove the fibroids or the womb. Choice is individualised, with future pregnancy plans taken into account.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Fibroids (uterine fibroids)
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Fibroids (uterine fibroids)
Fibroids (uterine fibroids) can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Because heavy bleeding can cause iron-deficiency anaemia, eating iron-rich foods and taking any prescribed iron treatment matters. Tracking bleeding, and seeking review when periods become heavier or more frequent, helps treatment keep pace with the condition.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See your GP if your periods are heavy enough to disrupt daily life, are getting heavier, or if you feel persistently tired, breathless or dizzy, which can point to anaemia from blood loss. Sudden severe pelvic pain, a rapidly enlarging swelling, or very heavy bleeding that soaks through protection quickly needs prompt medical assessment.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Fibroids (uterine fibroids): frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for fibroids?
When heavy bleeding is the main problem, tranexamic acid and anti-inflammatory medicines are often used to reduce blood loss, and hormonal options such as the combined pill or the hormonal coil can help control periods. Specialists may add treatments to shrink larger fibroids. Medicines treat the symptoms; procedures or surgery are considered for larger or persistent fibroids.
Are fibroids cancerous?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths and very rarely turn into cancer. They are common and often harmless, though they can cause troublesome symptoms such as heavy periods or pelvic pressure that are worth treating.
Will fibroids go away on their own?
Fibroids tend to shrink naturally after the menopause, when hormone levels fall, and symptoms often ease at that stage. Before then, treatment focuses on controlling symptoms rather than waiting for the fibroids to disappear.
Can fibroids cause anaemia?
Yes. Heavy or prolonged periods from fibroids can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia, which may cause tiredness, breathlessness and dizziness. If this happens, the anaemia is treated alongside managing the bleeding, so it is important to mention these symptoms.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG88: Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management.
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: patient information on fibroids.
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