Do fibroids shrink after menopause or does my mother still need surgery?

Once a woman reaches menopause, fibroids often shrink naturally because the hormones that fuel their growth (estrogen and progesterone) reduce significantly. For many women, this means symptoms gradually settle down. However, in some cases, large fibroids may still cause pressure, pain, or urinary/bowel issues even after menopause.
If your mother is not experiencing major discomfort, surgery may not be necessary and a “watchful waiting” approach is often considered. But if the fibroid is very large, causing significant symptoms, or if there are doubts about its nature, further evaluation may be needed. An ultrasound or MRI is usually recommended at this stage to assess whether it is shrinking or still active. A second opinion from a gynecologist can also help clarify whether active treatment is required or not.