Treating the Treatment: 6 Ways to Overcome Fibroid Drug Side Effects

The most common form of benign tumor in women during their reproductive years, uterine fibroids affect up to 80 percent of women worldwide by age 50. Usually diagnosed during the 30s and 40s, fibroids actually affect Black women three times as often as other races. More than that, the average Black girl first experiences fibroids in her 20s, compared to the 30s and 40s for other races.  Given that Black women are also more likely to be hospitalized, require surgery, and have severe symptoms, fibroids are no joke.  This is why medication can play such a critical role. But here’s the catch. As bad as some fibroids can get, sometimes, the treatment has its own share of problematic effects! If you or someone you know is medicated for fibroids, here are six ways to beat those pesky side effects! 1. Progesterone-Releasing Intrauterine Device (IUD) A tiny device planted in the uterus to unleash hormones, the IUD may be the best option for lessening fibroid-related menstrual bleeding. However, this treatment may also worsen bleeding, cause spotting, lead to breast sensitivities, and even cause mood swings.  So here’s how to beat the side effects…  For bleeding issues, menstrual cups and pads are...