By: Erin Coakley for Fibroids1Although it has long been believed that women with multiple uterine symptoms will eventually undergo a hysterectomy, the idea had never been tested – until now. New research shows that three factors can be used to predict whether a woman will require a hysterectomy to alleviate her symptoms. These factors are multiple uterine symptoms, previous use of GnRH agonists to induce medical menopause, and a lack of symptom relief from previous treatments.
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Questions to Ask Before Deciding on Hysterectomy
How severe are my symptoms? Can I tolerate them? Will they clear up on their own?
What does the doctor think is causing my condition?
What are my feelings about having children, preserving my uterus, and premature menopause
What are my treatment options and will less invasive procedures be beneficial for me?
What are the risks and benefits associated with hysterectomy? |
Researchers studied 762 pre-menopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain or uterine fibroids. Forty-five percent of the patients reported experiencing one or a combination of these symptoms for more than five years. During the four years that these women were followed, 99 hysterectomies were performed. Lead researcher Lee A. Learman reported that 95 percent of women with all three factors required a hysterectomy within the four years, whereas only 20 percent of women with none of the risk factors needed the surgery. He also found that women with multiple symptoms were nearly twice as likely to have a hysterectomy, those who were treated with GnRH agonists were 2.5 times more likely to have one, and those with unresolved symptoms were more than two times as likely to have their uterus removed.
Although there are a growing number of alternative treatments for uterine problems such as myomectomy, endometrial ablation, and surgical removal of fibroids, these treatments are not effective for all women and many will still need a hysterectomy after years of trying other treatments. These new findings will help physicians better counsel patients about what treatment is right for them. Women at risk can decide to have a hysterectomy sooner rather than later and perhaps be spared years of pain. Many experience a greatly increased quality of life after having the procedure. Women who demonstrate none of the risk factors can be informed that they are not likely to need a hysterectomy, and can look into alternative treatments.
Source: Journal of the American College of Surgeons
