Surgery or wait for FDA approval on medical therapy?

[Guest guest]

I was dx'd 2 months ago with a 16-wk-size uterus, one 6 cm

fibroid and multiple small fibroids. My symptoms are a " pot belly "

due to uterine size, urinary frequency noticeable mostly at bedtime,

and heavier bleeding on days 2 & 3 of a 5-day flow. I have also

suffered with severe, prolonged menstrual migraines for over 5

years. I am currently 47. I have had three gyn surgical

consults and am particularly happy with one gyn surgeon at Mayo. All

have recommended a vaginal hysterectomy or watch and wait (if I

prefer that, it's okay with them if monitored).

I've seen a prominent headache neurologist at Mayo for five years.

All treatments (including every migraine preventive, Botox,

acupuncture, etc.) has failed. Second opinions have verified that

all possible options have been pursued at this point. I am currently

on disability due to the extreme frequency of migraines. I was

diagnosed with anemia when my fibroids were found, but the anemia

quickly resolved with iron therapy. Iron therapy seems to have

?helped a bit with daily headaches, but has not touched my hormonal

migraines. Abortive medication for the migraines works sometimes,

but hardly at all at other times.

The most current treatment idea from my gyn surgeon (who knows I'm

watching and waiting on my fibroids) and my neuro and family doctor

in consultation together was to put me on Mircette BCP in hopes of

stabilizing my estrogen levels. They hoped stabilizing my estrogen

level would have a positive impact on my hormonal migraines,

hopefully reduce heavier bleeding during the heavier days of my

period, and should stabilize fibroid growth since I shouldn't have

any huge spikes/fluctuations in estrogen production. I was told the

Mircette was such a low dose (20 mcg) that it should not cause the

fibroids to grow. My research regarding Mircette and other low-dose

BCPs seems to confirm this.

Has anyone else who has fibroids taken Mircette? ALSO, if my " only "

symptoms are a " pot belly " and urinary frequency at night, I am

normal to want to watch and wait and not pursue a hysterectomy? I'm

hoping I can wait until medical therapy like raloxifene or asoprisnil

or another is safe and FDA-approved or menopause helps to shrink

my fibroids. I have thoroughly researched UAE/UFE and I do not

desire this procedure at this time; all my physicians have expressed

their concern it is still too experimental and my uterine size

probably too large. I do not wish to pursue UAE at this time.

Anyone on Mircette or another low-dose BCP or have you taken it in

the past? What has been your experience? Thanks!

Meg