Does leiomyoma (uterine fibroid) degeneration cause pain in postmenopausal women?

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Last updated: May 14, 2025 • View editorial policy

From the Guidelines

Fibroid degeneration is unlikely to cause significant pain in postmenopausal patients due to the natural shrinkage of fibroids after menopause. After menopause, the decrease in circulating estrogen levels leads to the shrinkage of fibroids, reducing the likelihood of painful degeneration 1. When fibroids do degenerate, they outgrow their blood supply, causing cell death and inflammation that can lead to pain. However, this process occurs much less frequently after menopause. Some key points to consider in postmenopausal patients with fibroids include:

  • The natural history of fibroids is shrinkage and symptom resolution with menopause 1
  • Suspicion for malignancy should be increased in postmenopausal patients with fibroids and persistent abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroid growth, or both 1
  • If a postmenopausal woman experiences new-onset pelvic pain with known fibroids, it's essential to seek medical evaluation to rule out other conditions such as fibroid sarcomatous transformation or unrelated pelvic pathology
  • Management typically involves pain control with NSAIDs for acute pain episodes, and persistent pain warrants imaging studies to evaluate fibroid changes and rule out malignancy. The most recent study on the management of uterine fibroids supports this approach, highlighting the importance of considering the natural history of fibroids and the potential for malignancy in postmenopausal patients 1.

From the Research

Fibroid Degeneration and Pain in Postmenopausal Patients

  • Fibroid degeneration is a rare occurrence in postmenopausal women, as uterine fibroids are estrogen-dependent and typically regress after menopause 2.
  • However, there have been reported cases of fibroid degeneration in postmenopausal women, which can present with acute abdominal pain, low-grade fever, and leukocytosis 2.
  • The relationship between fibroid degeneration and pain in postmenopausal patients is not fully understood, but it is believed that the degeneration of fibroids can cause pain and other symptoms 2.
  • Hormone therapy, which is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms, may have variable effects on fibroid size and growth, and some studies suggest that it may increase the risk of fibroid growth 3.
  • Treatment options for symptomatic uterine fibroids in postmenopausal women are limited, and more research is needed to understand the best approaches for managing symptoms and preventing complications 4, 5, 6.

Symptoms and Treatment Options

  • Symptoms of fibroid degeneration in postmenopausal women can include abdominal pain, low-grade fever, and leukocytosis 2.
  • Treatment options for symptomatic uterine fibroids in postmenopausal women may include pharmacologic therapies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptives, as well as surgical options like hysterectomy 4, 5.
  • Minimally invasive procedural alternatives to hysterectomy, such as magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery and uterine artery embolization, may also be effective for managing symptoms and preserving fertility 6.
  • The choice of treatment should be individualized based on the size, location, and number of fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms, plans for pregnancy, and treatment goals 6.

References

Guideline

acr appropriateness criteria® management of uterine fibroids: 2023 update.

Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2024

Research

Fibroid degeneration in a postmenopausal woman presenting as an acute abdomen.

Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives, 2015

Research

Uterine Fibroids: Diagnosis and Treatment.

American family physician, 2017

Research

New treatment options for nonsurgical management of uterine fibroids.

Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 2023

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.