Abortion pill shrinks fibroids, suggests new study

By: Shelagh McNally for Fibroids1

New research is suggesting that a controversial abortion pill may help shrink uterine fibroids and offer relief to millions of women who suffer from the condition. Commonly referred to as RU-486, Mifeprex (mifepristone) is a 19-nortestosterone steroid compound that inhibits the production of progesterone, which is needed to maintain a pregnancy. If progesterone production begins to degenerate, the endometrium – or inner lining of the uterus – immediately sheds. As a result of the shedding, menstruation occurs along with an end to the pregnancy. RU-486 is the subject of heated debate because people have very diverse views on the ethics of its use.

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If you notice any of the following symptoms, you do not have to suffer. Call your doctor because you may have fibroids. Menorrhagia (unusually heavy periods) Dysmenorrhea (painful periods Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) Reproductive complications including miscarriage, digestive problems, or urinary problems Abdominal pain, bloating, or swelling Back pain

This latest study published in the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology may have found an alternative use for the steroid. "With no approved treatment for symptomatic fibroids, this study and its findings are very significant," said principal researcher Kevin Fiscella, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor at the Department of Family Medicine Research Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center. "Interestingly, this is the same drug that was recently shown to prevent breast cancer in a rat model. Federal funding for research related to mifepristone should be given a high priority."

Over a six-month period, 42 women with moderate fibroid symptoms were given either a five milligram daily dose of Mifeprex, or a placebo (the RU-486 pill is usually a one-time dosage of 600 milligrams). The study was double blind, which means neither the doctors nor patients knew who was receiving the actual drug. No one remained blind for long, however. Results were so dramatic that 19 of the 20 women receiving Mifeprex guessed they were receiving the drug while only nine of 17 in the other group guessed they were receiving the placebo. Those receiving the Mifeprex had a decrease in the size of their fibroids along with less bleeding, less anemia and less painful symptoms. They had a 135 percent improvement on the standard Uterine Fibroid Symptoms Quality of Life Questionnaire and Medical Outcomes survey. Researchers also used ultrasound at one month, three months, and six months of treatment to track the fibroids.

This study holds promise for millions of fibroids sufferers. From 1998 to 2002, more than one million hysterectomies and 150,000 myomectomies were performed in the United States to treat fibroids, according to researchers at the Rochester Medical Center. "With no approved treatment for symptomatic fibroids, this study and its findings are very significant," said Dr. Fiscella. Fiscella and his team did point out that a larger trial is needed to replicate the findings and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.

History of RU-486: