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.
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.
Authors: Shannon K Laughlin; Amy H Herring; David A Savitz; Andrew F Olshan; Julia R Fielding; Katherine E Hartmann; Donna D Baird Journal: Fertil Steril Date: 2010-05-07 Impact factor: 7.329
Authors: Joanne H E Promislow; Christina M Makarushka; Jessica R Gorman; Penelope P Howards; David A Savitz; Katherine E Hartmann Journal: Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 3.980
Authors: Lauren A Wise; Julie R Palmer; Bernard L Harlow; Donna Spiegelman; Elizabeth A Stewart; Lucile L Adams-Campbell; Lynn Rosenberg Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2004-01-15 Impact factor: 4.897