Management of leiomyomas in perimenopausal women

Uterine leiomyomas, commonly called fibroids, are the leading indication for hysterectomy in the United States. Incidence increases with age from menarche to perimenopause. Regardless of their generally benign neoplastic character, uterine fibroids are responsible for significant morbidity in a large proportion of women of reproductive age. As uterine leiomyomas generally regress after menopause, the general attitude when women are approaching perimenopausal age is to avoid treatment and wait for menopause and a spontaneous resolution. When it is decided that treatment is needed, the choice for peri- and postmenopausal women is often hysterectomy. In the present paper we point out aspects of leiomyoma management that are unique to the perimenopausal period, and address future directions in care. We conclude that the management of uterine leiomyomas should not be overlooked in the perimenopausal period merely on the grounds that the pathology and symptoms are unlikely to persist after the menopause; on the other hand, opting for a quick resolution with total surgical removal of the uterus, as seen at present in many cases, should be avoided. Studies on the impact of therapy for fibroids should be performed not exclusively with premenopausal women but also with perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, both users and non-users of hormone replacement therapy.