Could Fibroids Be Causing Your Heavy Periods? What to Know This Fibroids Awareness Month

 By: DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN

July is Uterine Fibroids Awareness Month, and for many women in Ocala dealing with heavy, disruptive periods, it’s a good moment to ask a question they may have been putting off: could fibroids be the reason?

Fibroids are one of the most common and most commonly under-discussed causes of heavy menstrual bleeding. If your periods have gotten heavier over time, or you’ve simply accepted that this is just how your body works, it’s worth understanding what fibroids are and what they could mean for you.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the wall of the uterus. They’re extremely common; research suggests up to 80% of women will develop fibroids by age 50, though many women have small fibroids that never cause noticeable symptoms.

When fibroids do cause symptoms, heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most frequent complaints. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can significantly increase the surface area of the uterine lining or interfere with the uterus’s ability to contract normally during menstruation: both of which can lead to heavier, longer periods.

Signs Your Heavy Periods Might Be Fibroid-Related

Not every case of heavy bleeding is caused by fibroids, but certain patterns raise the likelihood:

• Soaking through a pad or tampon within two hours
• Periods lasting longer than eight days
• Passing large blood clots
• Needing to change protection during the night
• Pelvic pressure, bloating, or a feeling of fullness
• Fatigue or symptoms of anemia from chronic blood loss
• A noticeable increase in bleeding compared to your periods a few years ago

If several of these sound familiar, it’s worth bringing up at your next visit: even if you’ve been managing around it for years.

How Fibroids Are Diagnosed

The most common way to identify fibroids is through a pelvic ultrasound, a non-invasive imaging test that gives your provider a clear picture of the uterus, including the size, number, and location of any fibroids present. At DelCharco M.D. OB/GYN, pelvic ultrasounds are performed right in our Ocala office, making diagnosis straightforward and convenient.

Treatment Options: You Have More Than One Path

One of the most important things to know is that a fibroid diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean major surgery. Treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and location of your fibroids, and your overall health goals.

For many women whose primary symptom is heavy bleeding, endometrial ablation including the NovaSure® procedure offered at our office can dramatically reduce or stop menstrual bleeding. It’s a one-time, five-minute, in-office procedure with no hormonal side effects and no ongoing pills. For over 90% of women who undergo the procedure, periods are dramatically reduced or stopped altogether.

Dr. DelCharco is the only OB/GYN in Marion County certified to provide Level 2 in-office surgery, which means many fibroid-related procedures including: endometrial ablation, dilation and curettage, and hysteroscopy can be performed without a hospital visit.

For more complex cases, or when fibroids are larger or more numerous, hysterectomy may be discussed as a more definitive option. Your provider will walk you through the full range of choices so you can make the decision that’s right for you.

This Fibroids Awareness Month, Don’t Wait It Out

Heavy periods are common, but that doesn’t mean they’re something you have to silently manage for years. If your cycle has been disrupting your work, your sleep, or your day-to-day life, that’s worth a conversation and real answers are available.

To learn more or schedule an appointment at our Ocala office, contact us today.