Management of fibroids in perimenopausal women.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews fibroids management in the perimenopausal period, and addresses future directions in care.

RECENT FINDINGS: Aromatase inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators and antiprogestogens for medical management and minimally surgical techniques are promising treatments.

SUMMARY: The disease and the symptoms may persist in the peri and postmenopausal periods. The assumption that they will resolve with the onset of the menopause is too simplistic and not always valid. The number of perimenopausal women who wish to retain their uterus for reasons other than childbearing is increasing. The accurate diagnosis of these conditions may result in minor surgical or medical treatments being directed at the specific pathology and may avoid the need for major surgery.