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Menstrual cycles can change over time for many reasons. Stress, hormonal fluctuations and age-related changes may all affect your periods occasionally. However, if you find yourself changing sanitary products more frequently than usual or feeling increasingly drained during your cycle, it may be worth paying closer attention.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is often dismissed as something you simply have to tolerate, especially if symptoms have developed gradually over the years. Yet in some cases, these changes may be linked to uterine fibroids. Understanding how fibroids can affect your menstrual cycle may help you recognise when symptoms deserve further assessment.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop within or around the uterus. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary considerably in size, number and location. Some women have a single fibroid while others may develop several.
Many fibroids do not cause noticeable symptoms and may only be identified during a routine examination or imaging study. Others, however, can affect daily life depending on where they develop and how large they become.
Common symptoms associated with fibroids may include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Longer periods (lasting 7 or more days)
- Pelvic discomfort or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Lower back pain
- Bloating or abdominal fullness
- Difficulty becoming pregnant in some cases
Not every woman with fibroids experiences symptoms in the same way. Some may notice only mild changes, while others may find that symptoms become increasingly noticeable and begin affecting daily activities.
How Can Fibroids Affect Your Periods?
Fibroids can influence menstruation by altering the shape of the uterus or affecting how the uterine lining sheds during a cycle. Certain types of fibroids, particularly those growing within the uterine cavity, are more commonly associated with changes in bleeding patterns.
You may notice:
Increased Menstrual Flow
Periods may become noticeably heavier than before. You might find yourself soaking through pads or tampons more quickly, needing to change them during the night or passing larger blood clots.
Longer Lasting Periods
Instead of lasting four to five days, bleeding may continue for a week or longer. Prolonged periods can gradually become disruptive to work, social activities and everyday routines.
Bleeding Between Menstrual Cycles
Some women experience spotting or unexpected bleeding outside their regular cycle. While this does not automatically mean fibroids are present, changes in menstrual patterns should not be ignored, especially if they persist.
Signs Changes in Your Menstrual Cycle May Need Assessment
Heavy periods can sometimes be mistaken for a normal variation in menstruation. However, there are situations where symptoms may suggest an underlying issue that deserves closer evaluation.
You may wish to seek medical assessment if you notice:
- Bleeding severe enough to affect daily activities
- Periods lasting longer than usual
- Fatigue or reduced energy levels
- Dizziness or shortness of breath
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Increasing menstrual changes over time
Although fibroids are one possible cause, heavy bleeding can also occur with other gynaecological conditions. Assessment may help identify what is contributing to your symptoms.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
If your menstrual pattern has changed, a consultation usually begins with a discussion about your symptoms, medical history and menstrual cycle.
Further assessment may include:
Physical Examination
A pelvic examination may help identify enlargement or changes involving the uterus.
Ultrasound Imaging
Ultrasound is commonly used to assess the uterus and identify fibroids. It can help determine their size, number and location.
Additional Investigations
Depending on your symptoms and findings, further investigations may sometimes be recommended to provide a clearer picture.
How Are Uterine Fibroids Treated?
Not all fibroids require immediate treatment. Recommendations often depend on factors such as the severity of symptoms, the size and location of the fibroids, future pregnancy plans and how much symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
If symptoms are mild or absent, observation and monitoring may be recommended, with regular follow up assessments to track any changes in size or symptoms over time.
When treatment is needed, options may include medication to manage symptoms, or surgical procedures to remove fibroids. Surgical options include myomectomy, which removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, and hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and provides a definitive treatment for fibroids.
The most suitable approach depends on the individual circumstances of each patient, with the potential benefits and limitations of each option considered as part of treatment planning.
Listen to What Your Period May Be Telling You
Heavy periods are not always simply part of having a naturally difficult cycle. When menstrual changes become more noticeable, disruptive or begin affecting your well-being, it may be helpful to understand whether an underlying condition could be contributing to your symptoms.
At GynaeMD Women's & Rejuvenation Clinic, a gynaecological clinic in Singapore, treatment planning is tailored to each individual's medical history and healthcare needs. Under the care of Dr Christopher Ng, patients benefit from extensive experience in managing menstrual conditions, including fibroids and a range of other gynaecological concerns. If changes in your periods have started affecting your daily life, schedule a consultation with Dr Christopher Ng to gain clearer insight into your symptoms and discuss possible next steps.
