Do you have fibroids? Let's get checked out together. And That's On Period is here to help!

Uterine fibroids are very common benign tumors found in the uterus of at least 25% of women before menopause. These fibroids can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, difficulties with bowel or bladder function, infertility, or unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. These health issues can greatly affect a woman's life, causing social, emotional, and economic challenges.

Up to 35 percent of women during their reproductive years suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia. In certain cases, this could indicate the presence of uterine fibroids, also referred to as myomas or leiomyomas, which are benign tumors that form in or around the uterus.

For some individuals, uterine fibroids do not produce any symptoms. However, for others, they may lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Excessive menstrual bleeding

• Longer or more frequent menstrual cycles

• Bleeding outside of regular periods

• Anemia resulting from blood loss

• Abdominal pain and cramps

• Pain during intercourse

• Pressure on the bladder and bowels

• Difficulty, frequent, or urgent urination or bowel movements

• Increased abdominal size

• Miscarriage

• Infertility

To determine if your symptoms are due to uterine fibroids, your doctor will likely conduct a pelvic exam to assess any irregularities in the size or shape of your uterus, which could suggest the presence of fibroids. Additional tests, such as an ultrasound or pelvic MRI, may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

Information on certain signs

Heavy periods:

Heavy periods are often associated with fibroids, particularly those that develop within the uterus. While heavy periods might indicate other bodily changes or simply reflect the natural progression of your menstrual cycle as you age, if they are severe enough to disrupt your daily activities, it’s advisable to consult your doctor, even in the absence of fibroids.

Frequent Urination:

Fibroids can exert pressure on the bladder, especially when they grow outside the uterus. As they enlarge, the urge to urinate may become more frequent and urgent.

Pain during sex:

Fibroids located on or near the cervix can lead to pain or bleeding during sex. Additionally, fibroids within the uterus may cause the extra pressure from intercourse to be painful. This discomfort might occur during or right after sex.

Constipation:

Similar to how fibroids exert pressure on the bladder, they can also affect the rectum. When fibroids press against the rectum, it becomes harder to pass waste, resulting in constipation. Generally, only larger fibroids cause constipation, so it's important to address this symptom promptly.

Lower back pain:

If sizable fibroids develop close to your spine, they might lead to lower back pain. Because of their position, an MRI might be necessary to finalize your diagnosis. If fibroids are the source of back pain, reducing their size or removing them might be the only way to achieve relief.

Let's Discuss Treatments:

Please note, you cannot cure fibroids on your own. However, there are ways to help alleviate your symptoms. If fibroids develop on the outer part of the uterus, you might notice a lump on your abdomen. To relieve the pain, you can lie down and apply a hot pack or hot water bottle to your lower abdomen. This should be done multiple times a day.

Pain relievers like ibuprofen can be taken, but make sure to follow the label instructions to avoid overdosing. If you and your doctor decide on medication for your fibroids, consider exploring these additional options:

• Hormone therapy. Your doctor might suggest stopping birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy to prevent further fibroid growth. However, in some situations, birth control pills may be prescribed to manage bleeding and anemia caused by fibroids, despite the possibility of hormone-induced fibroid growth.

• GnRH antagonists. These are medications that mimic menopause by suppressing estrogen, which stimulates fibroid growth. They are costly and should not be used for more than six months due to the risk of osteoporosis, which weakens bones. To reduce this risk, your doctor might prescribe a low dose of progestin or a combination pill with low-dose estrogen and progestin.

• GnRH agonists. Your doctor may recommend these to reduce fibroid size and alleviate anemia. They have similar precautions as GnRH antagonists, and fibroids may regrow once you stop taking them. Another option could be a medication combining a GnRH antagonist, estrogen, and progesterone.

• SERMs. SERMs, or selective estrogen receptor modulators, affect estrogen levels and may reduce fibroid size without causing menopause symptoms. However, their effectiveness for this purpose is still under research.

Did anyone else find this overwhelming? If so, feel free to reach out and chat with us. We offer live chat to help you process your thoughts. Remember, only take medical advice from a professional. This platform is meant for discussion and reflection, as talking to professionals can sometimes feel intimidating, scary, or overwhelming. Let's talk.