The main objective of treatment in women with uterine fibroids is the control of associated symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pain and pressure. Although the cost and potential adverse effects of the long-term use of medical treatment may limit its use for a long time, this alternative should be considered before indicating surgical treatment. At present, we have a considerable variety of drugs that, although not specific treatments for fibroids, may be used for the short to medium-term management of bleeding; however, we have still not found an alternative that eliminates the need for invasive treatments. Further research in this field is therefore warranted. Given the heterogeneity of fibroids and the lack of effective treatments in controlling their growth, the identification of signals that stimulate the onset and growth of these fibroids opens doors to the development of new therapies. In the future we may be able to differentiate classes of fibroids by molecular techniques and thereby implement specific treatments that control their development and their associated symptoms.
Keywords: Esteroides sexuales; Estrogens; Estrógenos; Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system; Mioma uterino; Progesterona; Progesterone; Sangrado uterino; Sex steroids; Sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel; Uterine bleeding; Uterine fibroid.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.