Are you are exhausted by heavy cycles, pelvic pressure, and feeling like your life must orbit around a calendar. If you want relief that does not involve an operating room, the good news is that many people do control fibroid symptoms and even shrink fibroids without surgery. The key is choosing the right path for your body and your goals, then giving it enough time to work. This guide lays out your non-surgical options, timelines, and a step-by-step plan so you can act now with confidence.
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What “without surgery” really means
“Without surgery” includes several categories:
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Watchful waiting if symptoms are mild or you are nearing menopause when fibroids often shrink naturally.
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Medications that control heavy bleeding and pain. Some temporarily shrink fibroids while you use them.
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Non-surgical procedures performed through the skin or without incisions, especially uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). These aim to shrink fibroids and reduce symptoms while preserving the uterus.
If symptoms are severe or you want the most durable, one-and-done option, surgery may still be the better choice. But many people find significant relief with the non-surgical paths below.
Who is a good candidate for non-surgical options
You may do well without surgery if you have one or more of the following:
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Heavy bleeding but a strong desire to avoid an operation
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Fibroids that are not distorting the uterine cavity in a way that blocks certain devices
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A need for faster stabilization while planning pregnancy or procedures
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Preference to preserve the uterus and shorten recovery time
Your ob-gyn can help confirm candidacy with exam and imaging, then guide you through medication or non-surgical procedures tailored to your goals.
Medication paths that help now
These options can be started quickly and often reduce bleeding within the first cycles. Some are stop-gap therapies before a procedure; others can be used longer term with monitoring.
Hormonal birth control
Pills, rings, and similar methods often control heavy and painful periods. They do not consistently shrink fibroids and, in some cases, may allow slight growth, but many people find the bleeding control worth it.
Levonorgestrel intrauterine device
A 52 mg LNG-IUD can reduce heavy bleeding when the uterine cavity is suitable. It does not treat the fibroids themselves, but it often restores day-to-day quality of life. Placement timing and counseling follow CDC practice recommendations.
Tranexamic acid
A nonhormonal pill taken only on heavy days that reduces menstrual blood loss by roughly 26 to 54 percent. This is helpful if you want symptom relief without daily hormones or if you are trying to conceive. Your clinician will screen for clotting risk.
GnRH agonists
These medicines temporarily lower estrogen and shrink fibroids while you are taking them. They are typically used short-term, often before a procedure, because size reduction reverses when treatment stops and side effects can include hot flashes and bone loss.
Newer oral GnRH antagonists with add-back therapy
Two FDA-approved combinations, Oriahnn and Myfembree, are approved to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding due to uterine fibroids. Course duration is generally limited because of bone density concerns, and clinicians add back low-dose hormones to reduce side effects. These medicines improve bleeding and quality of life; ACOG notes antagonists with add-back do not shrink fibroids themselves.
Reality check
Medications can make life livable quickly. If your priority is to cut bleeding, medication is often step one. If your priority is to reduce bulk symptoms like pressure on bladder or bowels, a non-surgical procedure may help more.
Non-surgical procedures that shrink fibroids
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
An interventional radiologist threads a tiny catheter through a wrist or groin artery and injects small particles to block blood flow to fibroids. Fibroids then shrink over weeks to months, and bleeding and pressure typically improve. UFE avoids surgical incisions and preserves the uterus. Recovery is usually days, not weeks.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)
MRI directs high-intensity ultrasound energy to destroy fibroid tissue without incisions. It can reduce size and symptoms, though retreatment is more common than after UFE. It is completely non-invasive and performed as an outpatient.
If you lean toward a procedure, ask your ob-gyn about a referral to an interventional radiology or focused ultrasound program to review candidacy, benefits, and risks for each approach.
Where do natural options fit in
Lifestyle foundations and selected supplements can support energy, iron status, and comfort while you pursue medication or a procedure. Examples include nutrition patterns rich in plants and iron, hydration, magnesium for regularity, and clinician-guided use of vitamin D. Always discuss supplements with your clinician, and remember that supplements cannot claim to treat disease under FDA rules.
If you want a deeper dive on evidence for green tea extract and vitamin D, read our companion article How to Shrink Fibroids Naturally and then talk with your clinician before starting anything new.
Timelines you can plan around
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Medications
Bleeding control often improves in 1 to 3 cycles for hormonal options and during treated days for tranexamic acid. GnRH agonists and antagonists work while you take them; effects reverse when stopped.
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UFE
Expect symptom relief over several weeks with continued shrinkage for months. Return to desk work is often within a few days.
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MRgFUS
Outpatient procedure with short recovery; symptom and size changes accrue over the following weeks.
If bleeding is causing dizziness, soaking pads hourly, or anemia, do not wait. Ask your clinician about rapid stabilization with medication now while you evaluate procedures.
Your 30–90 day action plan
Days 0 to 7
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Book an ob-gyn visit and request CBC to check for anemia if bleeding is heavy.
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Discuss medication options that match your goals.
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Start basics: hydration, plant-forward meals, iron-rich foods.
Weeks 2 to 6
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Begin chosen medication and symptom tracking.
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If you need a non-surgical procedure, schedule consultations for UFE or MRgFUS.
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Layer supportive wellness habits you can sustain.
Weeks 8 to 12
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Reassess bleeding days, clots, fatigue, pressure.
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If goals are met, continue. If not, escalate to a procedure review.
Additional Readin
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How to Shrink Fibroids Naturally
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Medicine vs Natural Options for Shrinking Fibroids
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Are You a Candidate for UFE
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What Do Fibroids Feel Like
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Fibroids and Discharge Color
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Build a simple, daily routine that supports energy, regularity, and comfort while you and your clinician manage your fibroids. Herbal Balance Tea, Anti-Bloat Mineral Blend, Gentle Iron Support, and calming rituals help you feel better now while your treatment plan does its work. Wellness products complement care and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Shop our Fibroid Wellness Collection
Sources
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ACOG. Uterine fibroids overview, medications, and non-surgical procedures including UFE, radiofrequency ablation, and MRI-guided ultrasound. Last reviewed Nov 2023.
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RadiologyInfo. Patient guide to UFE and MRgFUS with risks, benefits, and recovery. Reviewed Oct 31, 2024.
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FDA. Oriahnn approval for heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids and Myfembree labeling. Duration limits and safety considerations.
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StatPearls and CDC. Tranexamic acid dosing and effect on heavy menstrual bleeding.
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NIH NICHD and NIH OWH. General fibroid information and treatment categories. Updated 2018 to 2025.
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SIR. UFE preserves the uterus and improves quality of life.
