Fibroid Treatment Options

If you have fibroids talk to your doctor about your options, and weigh all the risks and benefits of each before making your decision. No single treatment option is best for all women. Many factors influence which choice is right for you, including age, medical history, symptoms, and the number and location of fibroids.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

This procedure blocks the blood supply that nourishes the fibroid tumors, causing them to shrink. A physician specialist called an interventional radiologist does the procedure. After sedation a small needle is placed in the groin followed by placement of a small tube (catheter) to the blood vessels that supply the fibroids with blood. The blood supply to the fibroids is then blocked with the injection of small particles through the catheter. Without blood, the fibroids shrink, which relieves the patients symptoms. May women report uterine cramping for hours to days after the procedure. The patient is in the hospital for less than 24 hours.

It can take several weeks for the fibroids to shrink, but symptom relief often comes much sooner. Ninety percent of women who have undergone this procedure find relief from symptoms. For more information, please contact the Radiology desk at Portsmouth Regional Hospital at 603-433-4008.

Midlife Issues

Taking care of your health is especially critical during your middle years -- a time of transition and new opportunity, and a time when the changes in your body and family life require special attention.

At Portsmouth Regional Hospital, experts in women's health use a multidisciplinary approach to:

• Heart health
• Menopause
• Osteoporosis
• Incontinence
• Rehabilitation after childbirth, surgery and illness
• Weight management
• The management of diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer & chronic pain

To diagnose disease at the earliest stage, we employ the latest diagnostic approaches:

• Bone density scanning
• MRI and CAT scanning
• Hormone level analysis
• Comprehensive cardiac testing: from stress tests to cardiac catheterization

To help you make vital lifestyle changes, we offer fitness evaluations, nutrition counseling, weight management programs, health education and emotional support through the Wellness Connection.

Bone Density Measurement for Osteoporosis

Women's Care Services is equipped with a state-of-the-art HOLOGIC bone densitometer, the premier device for dual x-ray measurement of bone density. Significant bone loss can be identified in just 30 seconds.

The earlier the bone loss is detected, the sooner drug therapy can be instituted and bone loss halted. Bone density measurements can also evaluate response to treatment to help determine whether prescribed therapy is effective, or needs to be modified.

For further information, call 433-5190.

Behavioral Health Services

Behavioral Health Services at Portsmouth Regional Hospital specializes in programs and services that address the challenges of dealing with the changes, transitions and traumas in a woman's life:

• Post partum depression
• Post traumatic stress disorder
• Depression
• Substance abuse -- including Alcohol 12-step programs
• Domestic violence and sexual abuse

Integrative Healthcare Approaches

Many women supplement their regular medical care with alternative health care approaches including:

• Herbology
• Yoga
• Reiki
• Tai Chi
• Massage -- full body and foot reflexology

For information about these alternative health programs and practitioners, please call (603) 433-4015.

Nutrition

Eating right is vitally important during your middle years, to promote energy, maintain strong bones, prevent cardiovascular disease and manage a healthy weight.

Our staff of Registered Dieticians works throughout the hospital to support and supplement the work of other departments. They provide physicians, patients and their caregivers consultation and education regarding:

• Prenatal nutrition for optimal growth development
• Postpartum nutrition for breast feeding moms
• Weight management
• Eating disorders
• Pediatric growth and development
• Cardiovascular disease prevention
• Recovery from heart disease and stroke
• Osteoporosis prevention and treatment

Rehabilitation Services

Please visit the Rehabilitation Services page for general information about this department. Rehabilitation services especially for women include:

• Prenatal/postpartum exercise programs
• Urinary incontinence treatment
• Pregnancy related musculoskeletal rehabilitation
• Pelvic pain treatment
• Menopause treatment
• Osteoporosis prevention and treatment
• Breast rehabilitation

Many problems can be treated right in your doctor's office. However, if surgery or a hospital stay is required, our compassionate nursing staff will work to maximize your comfort and your privacy.