Reproductive health
Medicines for Uterine fibroids
Common non-cancerous growths of muscle in or around the womb that can cause heavy periods, pain or pressure — managed with medicines or procedures depending on symptoms.
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 Uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are very common, non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the womb. Many cause no symptoms and are found by chance.
- How it is treated: Treatment depends on the symptoms, the fibroids and a woman's wishes, including future pregnancy plans.
- Self-care: There is no proven diet to remove fibroids, but managing heavy-period symptoms — for example ensuring good iron intake to counter anaemia — helps wellbeing.
- When to seek help: See a GP for heavy or painful periods, pelvic pressure or pain, or bleeding between periods.
What it is
Uterine fibroids are very common, non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the womb. Many cause no symptoms and are found by chance. When symptoms occur they can include heavy or prolonged periods, period pain, tummy or lower back discomfort, a feeling of pressure, needing to pass urine often, and sometimes fertility problems. Fibroids are influenced by hormones and tend to shrink after the menopause. They are diagnosed on examination and imaging such as ultrasound. Their size, number and position influence the symptoms and the treatment options.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the symptoms, the fibroids and a woman's wishes, including future pregnancy plans. Fibroids causing no symptoms often need no treatment. Heavy bleeding can be helped by medicines that reduce blood loss or hormonal treatments, and some medicines can temporarily shrink fibroids. When symptoms are significant, procedures range from those that remove or shrink fibroids while preserving the womb, to removing the womb (hysterectomy) in some cases. Care is individualised with a gynaecology team.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for 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.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
There is no proven diet to remove fibroids, but managing heavy-period symptoms — for example ensuring good iron intake to counter anaemia — helps wellbeing. A healthy weight supports hormonal balance.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP for heavy or painful periods, pelvic pressure or pain, or bleeding between periods. Seek urgent care for very heavy bleeding causing faintness, or sudden severe pelvic pain.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Uterine fibroids: frequently asked questions
Are fibroids cancerous?
No — fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) growths. Cancerous change is very rare. They are common and often cause no symptoms.
Do fibroids need to be removed?
Not always. Fibroids without symptoms often need no treatment. When they cause heavy bleeding or pressure, options range from medicines to procedures, chosen with a gynaecologist.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE NG88 — Heavy menstrual bleeding
- NHS — Fibroids
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