Take an individualized approach when managing women of reproductive age with uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common gynaecological tumour in women of reproductive age and can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and infertility. While treatment options can be pharmacological, procedural or surgical, an individualized management approach is recommended. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including the woman’s age, symptoms, preferences and reproductive goals, and the location, number and size of the fibroids. Pharmacological therapies often aim to manage heavy menstrual bleeding or bulk symptoms, with the hormonal dependence of uterine fibroids the mechanism by which most of them act.