What Are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
Interestingly, many women with fibroids do not experience symptoms, however, some women will experience symptoms that can be severe and significantly affect their quality of life. These symptoms include:
- Heavy Periods
- Painful periods
- Prolonged periods
- Anaemia (which can result in tiredness, dizziness, weakness and headaches)
- Abdominal (tummy) pain
- An enlarged abdomen
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Needing to pass urine more frequently
- Pain, discomfort or bleeding during sex
- Fertility challenges
If you or anyone you know is having or experiencing any of these symptoms, we highly recommend that you visit your doctor to ascertain whether you may have fibroids. It is important to know that prompt diagnosed allows women to receive appropriate treatment so they can avoid fibroids significantly affecting their quality of life.
It’s important to note that other conditions may have similar symptoms to fibroids. These include:
- Endometriosis
- Adenomyosis
- Polyps
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- Endometritis
What Can Women Do?
If you or anyone you know have fibroids, think you have fibroids or are caring for someone with fibroids we encourage you to take steps to improve your physical, mental and general wellbeing, we strongly advise that:
- Visit your doctor or healthcare professional promptly if you have any symptoms, or your symptoms are getting worse or perhaps, you are concerned about available treatment options
- Making sure you have all the necessary information you need to make informed decisions about your treatment and health.
- Get the support you need whether it be emotional, practical or medical
- Eating a healthy diet which may help improve your overall health
- Doing more exercise and physical activity which may help alleviate some symptoms and improve your mental and physical health
- Taking care of your mental health as living with fibroids can be challenging and impact your wellbeing.
- Improving your environmental health by ensuring your home, work and social environment are safe, stress-free and healthy
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED TO HELP MAKE INFORMED DECISION
- Where is my fibroid(s) located (outer surface, inner surface, or in the wall of the uterus)?
- How many fibroids do I have?
- What size is my fibroid(s)?
- What problems can the fibroid(s) cause?
- Can I expect the fibroid(s) to grow larger?
- How rapidly have they grown (if they were known about already)?
- How will I know if the fibroid(s) is growing larger?
- What tests or imaging studies are best for keeping track of the growth of my fibroids?
- What are my treatment options if my fibroid(s) becomes a problem?
- What fibroid surgery options do you specialize in?
- May I speak with a patient who has had the same surgery that you are recommending for me?
- What happens to fibroids when you get to menopause?
- A second opinion is always a good idea if your doctor has not answered your questions completely or does not seem to be meeting your needs.