Amenorrhea incidence among symptomatic premenopausal women with uterine fibroids after uterine artery embolization (UAE). Our experience

A Chalkidou,B Manav,D Deuteraiou,G Galazios,P Tsikouras,S Gyroglou,V Souftas,X Anthoulaki

doi:10.12891/ceog4952.2019

Abstract

Objective: To study the impact of uterine artery embolism (UAE) for fibroids on menstrual cycle and cases of amenorrhoea in premenopausal women. Materials and Methods: One hundred forty-five premenopausal women, aged between 38-50 years, who underwent UAE were recruited in this study. Hormonal status was evaluated by means of AMH and FSH pre-procedural, three months, six, and 12 months after UAE. Menstruation abnormalities and life quality post-procedure were noted and evaluated based on a questionnaire. Results: AMH as well as FSH values 12 months post-procedure were the same compared to the pre-procedure levels. The authors found no case of permanent amenorrhea. Conclusion: Although the study results may be able to confirm the preservation of ovarian reserve and normal menstruation after UAE in premenopausal women, it should be considered as a possible menstruation treatment option of symptomatic fibroids.

Highlights

The transition from reproductive age to menopause is a continuous process often accompanied by menstrual cycle disorders
The goal of this study was to investigate the association of uterine artery embolism (UAE) and occurrence of abnormal menstruation in premenopausal women until amenorrhea in the post-procedure time
The main technical problems are the difficulties in catheterization and spasms of the uterine artery

Summary

Introduction

The transition from reproductive age to menopause is a continuous process often accompanied by menstrual cycle disorders. Menstrual cycle disorders are one of the most common problems of women of reproductive age, with a frequency of approximately 5% of the female population [1] These are displayed mainly with the forms of excessive blood loss during menstruation, prolonged menstruation, and blood loss between periods. Uterine fibroids are of the most frequent female genital tract symptomatic disorders usually presenting by means of heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal pain, anaemia, pressure symptoms, and negative effect on woman’s quality of life [6, 7]. Their prevalence varies from 40 to 60% in women of reproductive age [8]. Pharmaceutical methods and imaging directed destruction methods of fibroids by high frequency ultrasound, laser, cryopoiesis, or thermal disaster are under investigation and are constantly evolving [9]

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