Excessive or Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding & Other Uterine Fibroid Symptoms

The degree to which different women experience uterine fibroid symptoms, and their tolerance, is determined by a number of factors. Indeed, some women will experience no noticeable uterine fibroid symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding or pelvic pain/pressure.

Other women, however, reach a point in their suffering from uterine fibroid symptoms that they are no longer able to perform daily functions for fear of the pain or embarrassment that may be caused by uterine fibroid symptoms. When this happens, it is time to consult a physician, as there are a number of alternatives to hysterectomy treatment for uterine fibroids. First, however, let's take a look at some of the most common signs and symptoms of fibroid tumors:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding, sometimes with clots, and longer periods
• Soiling events resulting from heavy menstrual bleeding
• Anemia resulting in fatigue
• Pressure or pain in the pelvic area
• Frequent urination or incontinence from sustained pressure on the bladder
• Leg or lower back pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Constipation or bloating resulting from sustained pressure on the bowel
• Abdomen enlargement that gives the appearance of pregnancy or weight gain

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms this should be a red flag. While these may be uterine fibroid symptoms, they could also be the result of other ailments that can only be properly diagnosed by a physician.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Of the uterine fibroid symptoms, we will take a moment to concentrate on heavy menstrual bleeding.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most visible uterine fibroid symptoms. It is also one of the most difficult to deal with. Indeed, heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to more difficult periods as the passage of clots and extended period times require added attention. Further heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to soiling events that require a change of clothes and have the potential to add embarrassment to discomfort. Finally, as the body loses more blood to heavy menstrual bleeding, it also loses more red blood cells that carry precious oxygen to other parts of the body so that they may function properly. As such, heavy menstrual bleeding can cause fatigue that makes everyday tasks more difficult to accomplish. In fact, heavy menstrual bleeding, over time, can sometimes make a blood transfusion necessary.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment

In the past, a hysterectomy was considered the only treatment for uterine fibroids. In recent years, however, a technique called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (also known as Uterine Artery Embolization) has made it possible to reverse the growth of fibroids, ease or eliminate uterine fibroid symptoms, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, and allow women to keep their uteri.

This non-surgical, outpatient fibroid tumor treatment procedure is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR) who delivers Embosphere® Microspheres through a tiny catheter inserted into the femoral artery. These Microspheres essentially block the flow of blood and oxygen to the fibroids, causing them to regress. This process involves a recovery period of about 11 days and often provides almost immediate relief from heavy menstrual bleeding.

If you are experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding resulting from uterine fibroids, learn more about Uterine Fibroid Embolization at our Fibroid Tumor Treatment page or use any of the convenient options on the left side of this page to start getting answers today.