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» Articles » PMID: 21492823

Postpartum Factors and Natural Fibroid Regression

Overview
Journal Am J Obstet Gynecol
Publisher Elsevier
Specialty Gynecology & Obstetrics
Date 2011 Apr 16
PMID 21492823
Citations 19
Authors
Shannon K Laughlin
Katherine E Hartmann
Donna D Baird
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Objective: Many fibroids regress with pregnancy or postpartum involution. We sought to identify factors that might inhibit or enhance this natural regression.

Study Design: We used a prospective cohort of women with fibroids (n = 494) determined by ultrasound screening during the early first trimester identified from the Right from the Start study. Ultrasounds were repeated 3-6 months postpartum (n = 279). Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with fibroid regression (>50% reduction in volume).

Results: Postpartum progestin users had significantly less fibroid regression (P = .01), whereas there was no association for combined estrogen-progestin use. Cesarean delivery and fever (hypothesized to inhibit regression) and breast feeding (hypothesized to enhance regression) were not associated with fibroid regression.

Conclusion: Progestin use in the postpartum period may limit regression of fibroids, consistent with prior literature on progesterone's role in fibroid development. Research into progestin-only treatments in critical reproductive periods is needed.

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