Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Signs & Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroid symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. One of the most common symptoms is heavy menstrual bleeding (or menorrhagia). This can also be accompanied by the passage of blood clots, or abnormal uterine bleeding, and can cause anemia or fatigue due to low red blood count. In some cases a transfusion is required in order to replace the excessive blood loss. If you are consistently experiencing excessive or heavy menstrual bleeding, you should consult your doctor to determine if uterine fibroids are the possible cause.

To find a uterine fibroid specialist near you, please use our physician locator.

Treating Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

In many cases, uterine fibroids are a cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. One possible fibroid treatment is uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This fibroid treatment uses small spheres known as microspheres to block the blood flow to fibroids. The uterine fibroid embolization procedure involves inserting a catheter into a small incision within the femoral artery and guiding it directly to the fibroid using specialized X-ray equipment. This hysterectomy alternative procedure is performed by a specialist known as an interventional radiologist (or IR). Once the catheter reaches the fibroid, the microspheres are injected into the blood surrounding vessels, effectively stopping the blood flow altogether. Once the fibroid is deprived of the oxygen delivered by the blood, the tumor stops growing and begins to shrink. For the majority of women that undergo the uterine fibroid embolization procedure, relief from symptoms, like excessive menstrual bleeding, is experienced soon afterward. If you have been experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, or other symptoms of uterine fibroids, find out if UFE is right for you today.

Excessive Menstrual Bleeding Relief

There are several methods available for preventing heavy menstrual bleeding and other symptoms of uterine fibroids. Some doctors prescribe birth control pills as a way of effectively tricking the body into thinking it's pregnant. Others recommend surgical procedures like hysterectomies that remove the uterus entirely. As an alternative to hysterectomy procedures, UFE has been growing in popularity as a method of treating fibroids and preventing heavy or excessive menstrual bleeding for many women. For a list of fibroid embolization specialists in your area that can help answer your questions, please use our physician locator. Please also take some time to browse our site and learn more about other signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids.