Re: TNF Inhibitors and fibroids

October 22, 2003

Hi - I'm new to this group. I have fibroids - several large ones and I think

they are growing. My main question is directed to those of you who may have an

autoimmune disease and are taking TNF inhibitors (Remicade, Enbrel, Humira)

to control your disease. I have rheumatoid arthritis and started Enbrel/Humira

in January of this year. In March, my physician noticed large fibroids (3 of

them, one of them grapefruit size). We are concerned that the fast growing

nature of these fibroids may somehow be linked to my taking these TNF drugs. For

those of you who don't know, TNF inhibitors take out the factor in your system

that stops tumors from growing because it also causes inflammation. I just had

another ultrasound to see if they have grown in the last 6 months and am

waiting for the results. Would appreciate hearing from anyone who may be on

these

drugs.

Gloria

October 23, 2003

Hi, Gloria, I don't know anything about TNF inhibitors but have a question.

Could you tell us your age please? I ask because many women with fibroids find

that once they hit perimenopause (roughly 40-50), their fibroids begin growing

rapidly. This is because during perimenopause, our the levels of estrogen and

progesterone begin decreasing, but during the course of this decrease they can

swing both up and down rapidly. The rapid rise in estrogen often gives these

fibroids a growth burst as they feed on estrogen.

If you're in perimenopause, this could account for the rapid increase in size.

Best,

Leonie

--

" The line that divides Good versus Evil runs NOT between nations or parties or

armies... but right down the middle of every human soul. " -Solzhenitsyn

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