Fibroids and Heavy Bleeding
Many women suffer from heavy cycles without seeking care or evaluation because they assume their cycles are normal.1 Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that can cause heavy bleeding during your period and/or spotting between cycles. The fibroid bleeding can be so severe in some that it causes anemia. Some patients require iron supplementation or infusions to maintain their blood count. If the anemia is left untreated you can feel fatigued to the point that it interferes with daily activities. It is not uncommon for anemia to cause someone to get dizzy, short of breath or tired.
How Do Fibroids Cause Heavy Bleeding?
Menorrhagia – What is typical for fibroids?
- Large clots with cycles
- Cycles lasting more than 7 days
- Soaking through pads or tampons every 1-2 hours
- Getting up at night to change pads/tampons
- Bleeding through clothes
- Causes anemia, fatigue, shortness of breath
Other Fibroid Symptoms:
- Painful cycles
- Frequent urination
- Bloating or protruding belly
- Back or leg pain
- Pelvic pressure
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
- Difficulty getting pregnant
If you experience these symptoms but have not been evaluated, you can request a consultation with our board-certified fibroid specialist. Our fibroid center not only has the top fibroid specialist in California but also the best supportive staff on the day of the procedure to make sure you have a smooth experience. With multiple offices and telemedicine this should be the first office when you search for a fibroid specialist near me.
Treatment Options for Bleeding Fibroids
- Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)
- Myomectomy
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Birth control pills
- Hysterectomy
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) for Fibroid Bleeding
How is the UFE performed?
- You will receive twilight sedation to help you relax
- Our specialist numbs the skin on the wrist or groin
- A tiny catheter is placed
- Small beads are placed into the fibroid artery
- The catheter is removed
- Band-Aid is applied
- Recover at home
We are Here to Help
Request an appointment to meet with our fibroid specialist who will review your imaging, labs and history to determine if you are candidate for the procedure, and the outcomes you can expect. Each woman is an individual and should discuss the potential risks and benefits of fibroid embolization and other Treatments with our doctor to decide which option is best for her.
Appointments are available via an online video telehealth platform or in person at one of the offices in Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego. Why should you choose us? Read here.
1.) Nelson, A. L., & Ritchie, J. J. (2015). Severe anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding requires heightened attention. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 213(1), 97.e1-97.e6.
2.) Gupta, S., Jose, J., & Manyonda, I. (2008). Clinical presentation of fibroids. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 22(4), 615–626.
3.) Stewart, E. A. (2001). Uterine fibroids. Lancet, 357(9252), 293–298.
4.) Zimmermann, A., Bernuit, D., Gerlinger, C., Schaefers, M., & Geppert, K. (2012). Prevalence, symptoms and management of uterine fibroids: An international internet-based survey of 21,746 women. BMC Women’s Health, 12(1), 6.
