Amenorrhea and resumption of menstruation after uterine artery embolization for fibroids

Abstract 

Objectives

To determine whether women will experience permanent amenorrhea following uterine artery embolization for fibroids, and whether rates of onset differ in the long term according to age at the time of the procedure.

Methods

Over 77 months, 211 consecutive eligible women were grouped by age (group A, <40 years [n=39]; group B, 40–44 years [n=98]; and group C, ≥45 years [n=74]) and the cumulative rates of onset of permanent amenorrhea were compared between the groups.

Results

The likelihood of incurring permanent amenorrhea was significantly higher in group C. The cumulative rates in groups A, B, and C were 0%, 1.4%, and 19.7% at 3 years and 0%, 11.2%, and 40.4% at 6 years.

Conclusion

The rates of onset of permanent amenorrhea changed over time and differed according to age at the time of the procedure, with little likelihood of permanent amenorrhea at 6 years for women younger than 40 years at the time of the procedure.

Keywords: Age, Amenorrhea, Embolization, Fibroids, Uterus