Uterine fibroids affect your periods in several ways. As these growth increases in size inside your uterus, they can put strain on your menstrual health, which can affect your wellbeing. The key is to opt for the best treatment for fibroids once they have been diagnosed. However, as a precaution, you need to know how fibroids affect your periods, to look for the symptoms that can help you get an early detection. 

With an early detection, you will be able to treat your condition, without the need for surgical treatments. So, before you search for “gynecologist near me” online, let’s review the different ways fibroids affect your menstrual cycle, so you know when you need to visit a doctor.

How Do Fibroids Affect Your Periods?

• Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding)

Heavy menstrual bleeding also known as menorrhagia is one of the most common effects of fibroids on your menstrual cycle. Heavy menstrual bleeding successively for a few months can be an indicator that you might have uterine fibroids, if the other risk factors such as age and family history align. The excessive menstrual bleeding can easily lead to fatigue and even anaemia if left unchecked. The excessive bleeding is caused by a thick uterine lining, which is caused by the fibroids as it leads to an increase in the surface area of the uterine lining.

• Period Irregularity

Irregular periods are also a common effect of uterine fibroids. From late periods to missing periods completely, it can all be caused due to fibroids. The reason for the irregularity is generally linked to the changes in hormonal levels due to the growing fibroid in your uterine lining. The sudden changes in your hormonal levels lead to unpredictable menstruation cycles.

• Prolonged Menstrual Periods

Extended period duration is another common contribution of uterine fibroids to your menstrual cycles. Prolonged menstrual periods accompanied with heavy menstrual bleeding can have a significant impact on the health of women. If you are experiencing these symptoms for more than a month, it is important to talk to your gynaecologist about it. The menstrual periods are extended due to several factors including hormonal changes in the body as well as the increase in surface area of the uterine lining.

• Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods)

Pain experienced during periods can also be exaggerated due to uterine fibroids. If left unchecked, dysmenorrhea is a common symptom of uterine fibroids as it leads to increased period pain duration and intensity. The increase in the surface area of the uterine lining is again the cause behind exaggerated period pain. The more area that needs to shed during the periods it increases the chances of the periods being more painful.

• Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain and pressure are common effects of uterine fibroids. Based on their location they can also put pressure on surrounding organs such as the rectum and bladder, which can increase your discomfort. The pelvic pain can be more pronounced during periods and can even be experienced during sex. It can make intercourse painful and unpleasant if the fibroids are large. Pelvic pain is one of the easiest ways to detect fibroids as it causes other symptoms, which hamper your daily life.

• Spotting Between Periods

Irregular spotting and bleeding between periods can also be caused due to uterine fibroids. Though this is rare comparatively, spotting between periods is something that you should monitor and discuss with your doctor.

When Should You Visit A Doctor?

The symptoms mentioned are common and occur to most women, at least some, if not all. If these symptoms persist over two months, you should definitely speak to your doctor. It is also important to note that there are certain risk factors for uterine fibroids like age and family history. These risk factors need to align along with the symptoms for a sure fire diagnosis of uterine fibroids. 

Even if your risk factors don’t align, the symptoms mentioned in this blog are definitely worth going for a checkup with your gynaecologist. And if you are over the age of 30 with a family history of uterine fibroids, it should definitely be taken seriously and discussed with your doctors.

Early diagnosis helps with easier treatment of uterine fibroids. If you are able to get an early diagnosis, doctors can sometimes treat the condition only using medications. Apart from medicines, there are several non-invasive treatment options available now for uterine fibroids. You can check out MASSH to learn more about these treatment options and avail them.

Conclusion

Fibroids affect your periods and your sexual wellness significantly. If you take control over your symptoms, you can definitely save yourself a lot of pain and discomfort of having to go through these symptoms repeatedly. So, make sure you are well aware of the effects of fibroids on your periods and when you should visit a doctor. For any assistance or medical diagnosis regarding gynaecological problems, feel free to visit MASSH. We specialise in minimally invasive and non-invasive treatment options for gynaecological problems. Check out our website or visit us today or learn more and avail our world class medical services.