Lupron Treatment for Fibroids

Approximately three of every four women develop a fibroid or non-cancerous uterine tumor during their lifetime, but often these tumors cause no symptoms, reports the Mayo Clinic. If a uterine fibroid tumor causes unpleasant symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding or pelvic pressure, doctors may decide to treat the fibroid with the use of prescription medications.

Identification

• Lupron is the brand name for a prescription medication known as leuprolide acetate. To treat uterine fibroids, doctors administer Lupron through injections.

Function

• Lupron works by suppressing the functions of your hypothalamus gland, which is responsible for releasing the chemicals that cause your body to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This suppression causes levels of these female sex hormones to decrease, causing uterine fibroids to shrink and eventually disappear.

Time Frame

• The effects of Lupron usually continue in your body for approximately 3 months, reports RxList. Most women only need a single dose of the drug to treat uterine fibroids.

Risks

• Hot flashes, body aches, acne, changes in weight, depression, vaginal infections and redness or irritation at the site of the injection are the most common side effects of Lupron. Risks associated with the use of the drug include blood clots, heart attack, stroke and an increased chance of developing osteoporosis, cautions RxList.

Considerations

• Lupron is not safe for use during pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic warns that if you have a history of osteoporosis or you are taking other medications that decrease bone density, such as corticosteroids, it may not be safe for you to take Lupron.