Fibroids & heavy bleeding
Do you have heavy periods and increased menstrual bleeding from fibroids? You’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 1 in 5 women experience heavy menstrual bleeding yearly in the United States.
While an occasional heavy period, or heavy period day, is typically not something to worry about, experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding regularly could signify a more serious reproductive condition, such as uterine fibroids.
At Texas Endovascular, we understand that a fibroid diagnosis is often the conclusion after the onset of debilitating and painful symptoms.
From cramping to heavy bleeding, fibroids can cause many life-changing side effects and fertility issues when left untreated, especially if they grow in size or number over time. Let’s explore the link between fibroids and heavy bleeding.
How do I know if my period bleeding is abnormal?
Did you know that up to 14% of women have to call in sick because of their periods? And a whopping 80% were less productive during menstruation because of symptoms like heavy bleeding and cramping.
According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), 26 million women between 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids. Nearly 15 million women experience associated symptoms or linked health-related problems, such as heavy menstrual bleeding.
It’s easy to say that a heavy period could cause concern, but it can be challenging to quantify what “heavy” really means.
Flow varies from woman to woman, so any major change could be problematic. As a general rule of thumb, however, your bleeding is excessively heavy if:
- There are less than 21 days between your periods
- Periods longer than 7 days
- You are passing large clots during your period (anything larger than the size of a quarter)
- You experience soaking through super tampons or pads in an hour or less
Why is heavy menstrual bleeding a symptom of fibroids?
Fibroids cause many uncomfortable symptoms, but having heavy periods is the most common.
There is no definitive explanation for the heavy bleeding associated with fibroids. However, certain factors might contribute to excessive bleeding, including the following:
- Additional pressure on the uterus from fibroids
- Disordered uterine contractions
- Blood vessel growth stimulated by fibroids, contributing to increased bleeding and spotting between cycles
- Hormonal elevation
When heavy bleeding becomes dangerous
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) can lead to anemia, a condition in which your blood doesn't contain enough red blood cells. Additionally, a heavy period can take a toll on your mental health, leaving you struggling with fear, anxiety and even anger.
But how can you decide if your period flow is unusually heavy? The team at Texas Endovascular suggests talking to your doctor if you have to change your menstrual products in an hour or less. You should also discuss overnight bleeding that's heavy enough to stain your sheets.
Uterine fibroid treatments reduce heavy bleeding
At Texas Endovascular, our specialists have in-depth experience helping women overcome fibroid symptoms through minimally invasive, targeted treatments. In some cases, a non-surgical fibroid treatment like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) could be appropriate. We understand how symptomatic fibroids can affect your quality of life and are here to help. Please contact us today to learn more about our state-of-the-art treatment protocols or schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.
