Can Lupron Be Used for Women Approaching Menopause?
A woman with fibroids who is approaching menopause can use Lupron or Synarel until menopause begins. Then the natural supply of estrogen will cease, and the fibroids will remain small without any medication. However, because the exact age of natural menopause is unpredictable, this can turn into an expensive proposition-$2,000 per year-and is usually not covered by medical insurance. But, for some women, this treatment plan may be useful. Are There Any Other Promising Medications on the Horizon? Pirfenidone is a new, not yet available, medication that blocks the growth of existing fibroids and may stop the formation of new fibroids. Although the exact mechanism of action is not known, pirfenidone affects the production of collagen, a major component of fibroids. Other effects of pirfenidone on cell growth factors may also be important. Studies are now under way to evaluate how fibroids respond to this new drug and to evaluate its side effects. In the future, women with small fibroids m
