Will Fibroids Ever Stop Growing?

Will Fibroids Ever Stop Growing on Their Own?

Fibroids can stop growing on their own, but it is not common and it is not guaranteed. Because fibroids depend on estrogen and progesterone to grow, a natural drop in these hormones, most often during menopause, is usually what causes growth to slow or stop.^[1] Outside of menopause, only a small percentage of fibroids shrink or resolve without treatment.

Fibroid behavior varies widely from person to person. Some fibroids grow just a few millimeters over several years. Others grow more quickly, sometimes doubling in size within months, particularly during pregnancy when hormone levels rise sharply. There is no reliable way to predict which pattern a specific fibroid will follow, which is part of why regular monitoring matters if you have been diagnosed. Understanding the different types of fibroids can also help explain why growth patterns vary so much from person to person.

Why Do Fibroids Grow in the First Place?

Fibroids are made of muscle and fibrous tissue that forms in or on the uterus. Researchers have not identified a single cause, but fibroid growth is closely tied to estrogen and progesterone, hormones that rise and fall throughout the reproductive years.^[1] This is why fibroids often appear or grow more noticeably during your 30s and 40s, when hormone levels tend to be higher, and why they can grow faster during pregnancy.

Genetics can also play a role. If your mother or sister has had fibroids, your risk of developing them is higher. Other factors, including body weight and inflammation, may influence how quickly an existing fibroid grows, though none of these factors on their own can stop a fibroid from growing.

Race and ethnicity also appear to influence fibroid development. Research shows that Black women are more likely to develop fibroids than women of other racial groups, and often at a younger age.^[1] Understanding your personal risk factors will not stop fibroid growth by itself, but it can help you and a fibroid specialist decide how closely to monitor any fibroids you already have.

What Happens to Fibroids After Menopause?

After menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly, and fibroids typically stop growing as a result.^[1] Many fibroids also shrink somewhat during this time, though shrinking is not guaranteed and does not mean the fibroid disappears completely.

There are some exceptions. Fat tissue can continue producing small amounts of estrogen even after the ovaries stop, which is one reason a small number of women notice their fibroids continuing to cause symptoms after menopause. Hormone replacement therapy can also interfere with the natural decline in hormones, occasionally allowing fibroids to keep growing. If new or worsening symptoms appear after menopause, it is worth having a fibroid specialist take a closer look, since this pattern is less typical.

Note: Fibroid growth after menopause, especially rapid growth, should always be evaluated promptly. While the overwhelming majority of fibroids are benign, a fibroid specialist can confirm what is causing new growth and rule out other explanations.

Can a Fibroid Stop Growing But Not Go Away?

Yes. A fibroid can stop growing without shrinking or disappearing. This often happens through a process called calcification, where the fibroid loses adequate blood supply and hardens with calcium deposits.^[3] Once calcified, a fibroid generally will not grow further, but it can remain in place indefinitely and may still cause pressure-related symptoms depending on its size and location.

This is an important distinction for anyone monitoring fibroids. A stable, non-growing fibroid is not the same as a resolved one. If a calcified or stable fibroid is still causing heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or bladder symptoms, growth status alone should not be the only factor in deciding whether to seek treatment. Reading more about how fast fibroids typically grow can help set realistic expectations for monitoring.

Do I Have to Wait for Menopause to Stop Fibroid Growth?

No. Waiting for menopause is not the only path forward, and for many women it is not a practical one, since menopause can be years or even decades away. Diet and exercise can support overall hormonal balance and may help manage some symptoms, but no lifestyle change has been shown to stop fibroid growth on its own.^[2]

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical, image-guided procedure that works by blocking blood flow to the fibroid, which can help stop its growth and shrink it over time.^[3] Because UFE targets the fibroid’s blood supply directly rather than relying on a hormonal shift, it can be an option for women who do not want to wait years to see whether their fibroids stabilize on their own. UFE preserves the uterus and is performed on an outpatient basis. You can also read more about whether fibroids go away without treatment to compare your options.

Stopping Fibroid Growth with UFE

Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stop fibroid growth by cutting off the blood supply that fibroids need to survive. During the procedure, a physician guides a small catheter into the uterine arteries and injects tiny embolic particles that block the blood flow to the fibroids while preserving the healthy uterine tissue.

Without a steady blood supply, fibroids are no longer able to continue growing. Over time, they gradually shrink, often leading to significant relief from symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. Many patients also notice improvements in their quality of life as the fibroids decrease in size.

Unlike surgery, UFE treats multiple fibroids at the same time, including those that may be too small to detect or remove individually. The procedure does not require a large incision, is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients return to normal activities within one to two weeks.

While UFE effectively stops the growth of existing fibroids by eliminating their blood supply, it cannot prevent new fibroids from developing in the future. However, recurrence rates requiring additional treatment are generally low, and many patients experience lasting symptom relief for years after the procedure.

If you’re experiencing symptoms caused by uterine fibroids, UFE offers a proven, uterus-preserving treatment option that can stop fibroid growth, shrink existing fibroids, and help you return to everyday life with greater comfort and confidence.