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Heavy menstrual bleeding can either be normal or can be caused by various health conditions. Some of the key distinguishing factors include very heavy bleeding that necessitates changing pads and tampons every hour, menstrual bleeding that lasts more than seven days, and periods occurring less than 21 days or more than 35 days apart.
When these issues become noticeable, it is important to get yourself examined by a healthcare provider. One of the common underlying issues can be uterine fibroids, which are noncancerous tumour growths in the uterus. In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Nancy Nagpal, Gynaecologist, Salubritas Medical Center, South Delhi, sheds light on the link and lists ways to manage the conditions.
Also Read: Can Uterine Problems Affect Fertility? Expert Answers
Understanding Uterine Fibroids And Why They Cause Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
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According to StatPearls Publishing, uterine fibroids, also called uterine leiomyomata, are the most common benign tumour affecting women.
They are noncancerous tumours that originate from the muscle cells of the uterus, called myometrium, and their growth is mainly driven by oestrogen levels. However, the exact cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown.
Research suggests that abnormal uterine bleeding, or heavy menstrual bleeding, is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroid.
"Fibroid growth is primarily dependent on the oestrogen hormone," says Dr Nagpal, explaining, "When the size of the fibroid increases, it can affect the uterus by preventing it from contracting normally, which leads to heavy bleeding during periods."
Additionally, fibroids can also stimulate the blood vessels in the uterus, which can cause more bleeding in the uterine cavity.
Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids Beyond Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
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While heavy menstrual bleeding does not necessarily mean you have uterine fibroids, paying attention to other symptoms can help in the diagnosis process. These include:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bladder issues like frequent urination
- Bowel problems such as alternating constipation and diarrhoea
How To Manage Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Caused By Uterine Fibroid
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Treatment for fibroids initially focuses on Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and hormone therapy, according to StatPearls Publishing. Dr Nagpal specifies, “Medical treatments for heavy bleeding caused by fibroids include anti-inflammatory drugs, antifibrinolytic drugs, hormonal treatments, oral contraceptive pills, and surgery,” and adds that the choice of treatment depends on factors such as the size of the fibroids, the severity of symptoms, the patient's age, and their family planning goals.
For patients planning to have children, myomectomy, a procedure to remove fibroids from the surface of the uterus, may be performed. For premenopausal or menopausal patients, the treatment approach depends on the size of the fibroids, the uterus, and the impact of bleeding on the patient's health.
Patients may also have to pay attention to their diet. Although dietary changes may not directly affect fibroid growth, certain habits can help manage heavy bleeding, says Dr Nagpal. This includes increasing the intake of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables.
Remember, it is essential to consult a doctor, undergo an ultrasound, and discuss the size of the fibroids, hormonal imbalances, age, and severity of symptoms to determine the appropriate treatment plan.