Heavy menstrual bleeding can be normal or caused by a number of conditions. Some key distinguishing factors include very heavy bleeding that requires changing pads and tampons every hour, menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than seven days, and periods that are shorter than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
When these problems are noticeable, it is important to get yourself examined by a healthcare provider. One common underlying problem could be uterine fibroids, which are non-cancerous growths in the uterus. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr. Nancy Nagpal, Gynecologist, Salubritas Medical Center, South Delhi , sheds light on this link and offers ways to manage the condition.
Read also: Do uterine problems affect fertility? An expert answers.
Understanding uterine fibroids and why they cause heavy menstrual bleeding
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According to StatPearls, uterine fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumor in women.
They are non-cancerous tumors that arise from the muscle cells of the uterus, called the myometrium, and their growth is driven primarily by estrogen levels. However, the exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown.
Research shows that abnormal uterine bleeding, or heavy menstrual bleeding, is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids.
“The growth of fibroids is primarily dependent on the hormone estrogen,” says Dr. Nagpal. “As fibroids grow, they can affect the uterus by preventing it from contracting normally, leading to heavy bleeding during menstruation,” explains Dr. Nagpal.
In addition, fibroids can also irritate the blood vessels of the uterus, which can cause more bleeding into the uterine cavity.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids beyond heavy menstrual bleeding
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While heavy menstrual bleeding doesn’t necessarily mean uterine fibroids, paying attention to other symptoms can help with the diagnostic process. These include:
- Pelvic pain
- Back pain
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bladder problems, such as frequent urination
- Intestinal problems, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea
How to manage heavy menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids?
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According to StatPearls, treatment for fibroids initially focuses on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal therapy. “Medical treatment for heavily bleeding fibroids includes anti-inflammatory drugs, antifibrinolytics, hormonal therapy, oral contraceptives, and surgery,” explains Dr. Nagpal, “and the choice of treatment depends on factors such as fibroid size, severity of symptoms, patient goals, and gestational age.”
For patients who plan to have children, a myomectomy, a procedure to remove fibroids from the surface of the uterus, may be performed. For premenopausal or postmenopausal patients, the treatment approach depends on the size of the fibroids, the uterus, and the impact of the bleeding on the patient’s health.
Patients can also pay attention to their diet. While dietary changes may not directly affect fibroid growth, certain habits can help manage heavy bleeding, says Dr. Nagpal. This includes increasing your intake of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
Remember that to determine the necessary treatment plan, it is essential to consult a doctor, undergo an ultrasound, and discuss the size of the fibroids, hormonal imbalance, age, and severity of symptoms.
