Uterine fibroids severely impact many women. They come in different sizes, from small as a seed to as big as a watermelon. Fibroids are usually not dangerous, but they come with many problematic symptoms.
Here are some signs that you may have uterine fibroids.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Fibroids can go undetected until they start to become symptomatic. Heavy bleeding is one of the most common signs of uterine fibroids. Heavy menstrual bleeding occurs when you must frequently change sanitary pads or your period last for more than a week. Uterine fibroids apply pressure against the uterine lining, which causes more bleeding than usual for women.
During menstruation, the uterus sheds its lining. When you have fibroids, the uterus cannot contract properly, making it hard to stop bleeding. These non-cancerous growths are common, but it is not common to experience heavy bleeding.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Abdominal pain is a potential sign of abnormal cramps. The lining of the uterus releases prostaglandins when normal menstrual cramps occur. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that cause inflammation and pain. These cramps usually start shortly before your period and end within a couple of days.
On the other hand, cramps due to fibroids are much more intense. Some women assume pelvic pain from fibroids is normal menstrual cramping. It feels worse than normal cramps when you have period pain from fibroids. Fibroid cramps also can intensify over time and occur when you do not have a period.
Two things cause pelvic pain from uterine fibroids. When blood clots travel from the uterus and pass through the cervix into the vagina, it can invoke pain. If you have large fibroids, then they can press on the pelvic nerves. This additional pressure causes pain in the legs, lower back, abdomen, and buttocks.
Anemia Due to Blood Loss
Heavy bleeding can lead to anemia. People with iron deficiency anemia may show signs of the following:
- Extreme tiredness
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Concentration problems
Your doctor can help with raising your iron levels. After an evaluation, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan. This plan will lay out steps to add more iron into your body or focus on treating the fibroids.
You can get more iron in your body by taking an iron supplement and eating iron-rich foods. If your iron levels are deficient, you may need admittance into the hospital for a blood transfusion.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is one of those sneaky signs of uterine fibroids. This symptom is common for various health conditions. You may experience an urge to urinate but cannot use the bathroom. Your bladder is near the uterus, and a fibroid can press up against it. This pressure causes frequent urination or makes you feel the urge to urinate.
Increased Abdominal Size
Sudden weight gain is another sign. Fibroids can cause bloating due to a hormonal imbalance. These benign growths also cause weight gain because of the size of the fibroid. Large fibroids may cause women to gain weight in the stomach area that looks like normal belly fat. Women can even look pregnant. As the fibroid grows, it becomes heavier. You will feel uncomfortable and gain more weight.
Finding the Right Treatment
The next steps involve finding effective uterine fibroid treatment in Memphis, TN, or at a facility near you, to ease your discomfort. Most doctors recommend an MRI or ultrasound to confirm the presence of fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids and stops pelvic bleeding. Interventional radiologists carry out this procedure without surgery.
Overall, treatment depends on the needs of the patient. It helps to work with your doctor to find the most minimally invasive way to treat your condition. You should also consider the size and location of the growths, age, and desire for fertility.
Conclusion
After knowing the signs of uterine fibroids, you need to examine your own body and closely monitor any abnormal bodily behaviors. If you suspect that you have uterine fibroids, you need to schedule a visit with your doctor right away.
