For years, we’ve been told that periods are just something “to get on with”.
Heavy bleeding? Part of life.
Pain that stops you in your tracks? Normal.
Planning every day around the nearest toilet? Just one of those things.
We don’t buy it.
While every period is different, periods that regularly stop you living your life deserve to be taken seriously. And one of the possible reasons for these symptoms is fibroids.
Fibroids are incredibly common, they’re treatable, and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
What are fibroids?
Despite the slightly intimidating name, fibroids are not cancer. They’re non-cancerous growths made of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop in or around the uterus. They can be as small as a pea or much larger, and you have one fibroid or many.
Lots of people never know they have them because they don’t cause any symptoms. But for others, fibroids can make periods heavier, longer and more painful, with a real impact on everyday life.
How common are fibroids?
Much more common than you might think.
Around 8 in 10 women will develop fibroids during their lifetime, although many won’t realise because they never experience symptoms.
Fibroids are most common between the ages of 30 and 50, but they can develop earlier too.
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
Fibroids don’t look the same for everyone, but they can cause:
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Periods lasting longer than a week.
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Passing large blood clots.
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Lower back pain.
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Pain during sex.
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Needing to wee more often.
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Constipation.
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Feeling tired or short of breath due to heavy blood loss and iron deficiency.
Sometimes the signs are less obvious.
Maybe you’re setting an alarm to change your pad during the night.
Maybe you won’t wear certain clothes when you’re on your period.
Maybe you’re quietly working out where the closest toilet is everywhere you go.
If you’re changing the way you live because of your period, it’s worth asking why.
What causes fibroids?
We don’t know exactly what causes fibroids, but hormones, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, are thought to play a role.
You're also more likely to develop fibroids if you:
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Are between 30 and 50.
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Have a family history of fibroids.
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Started your periods at a younger age.
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Live with obesity.
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Are of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage, where fibroid are more common and often develop at a younger age.
Having one more of these risk factors doesn't mean you’ll definitely develop fibroids, but it’s useful to be aware of them.
When should you speak to your GP?
Having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop fibroids, but it’s useful to be aware of them.
So, when should you speak to your GP? Let’s put it this way. If your period is regularly dictating your plans, it’s time for a consultation.
That might mean:
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You’re soaking through period products every hour.
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Your period lasts longer than seven days.
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You’re bleeding through clothes or bedding.
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You’re exhausted every month.
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You’re avoiding plans because your period feels unpredictable.
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Something just doesn’t feel right.
Even if fibroids aren’t the cause, these symptoms deserve investigating. You know your body better than anyone else.
How are fibroids diagnosed?
Your GP will usually start by asking about your symptoms and medical history.
If they think fibroids could be the cause, they may refer you for further tests, such as:
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An ultrasound scan.
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An MRI scan.
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A hysteroscopy, where a small camera is used to look inside the uterus.
These tests help identify whether fibroids are present, where they’re located and whether treatment might help.
How are fibroids treated?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
The right treatment depends on your symptoms, the size and position of your fibroids, your age and whether you’re planning a pregnancy.
Treatment options may include:
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Keeping an eye on them - if your fibroids aren’t causing symptoms, you may not need treatment at all.
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Medication - some medicines can help manage heavy bleeding, pain or temporarily shrink fibroids.
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Hormonal treatments - hormonal contraception may help control symptoms for some people, even though they won't remove the fibroids themselves.
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Procedures or surgery - if symptoms are having a significant impact on your life, your specialist may recommend treatments such as uterine artery embolisation, or myomectomy (removing the fibroids) or, in some cases, a hysterectomy.
Your healthcare team will talk you through the options and help you decide what’s right for you.
Living with fibroids
If you’re waiting for treatment or learning how to manage your symptoms, there are a few things that can help.
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Track your symptoms - keeping a note of your bleeding, pain and any other symptoms can make it easier to spot patterns and give your GP a clearer picture.
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Look after your iron levels - heavy periods can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, which can leave you feeling exhausted. If you’re feeling unusually tired, dizzy or breathless, speak to your GP.
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Choose period care that works for you - if fibroids are causing heavy periods, having period care that you can rely on can make a real difference.
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Be kind to yourself - needing to slow down doesn’t make you lazy, dramatic or weak. Living with heavy periods can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so give yourself the same compassion you’d offer someone else.
Can fibroids affect fertility?
Not necessarily. Many people with fibroids go on to have healthy pregnancies.
However, depending on their size and location, some fibroids can make it more difficult to conceive or increase the change of certain pregnancy complications.
If you’re trying for a baby and have fibroids, your GP or fertility specialist can talk through your individual circumstances.
The bottom line
At Mooncup, we spent a lot of time talking about better period care.
But sometimes, better period care starts with better answers.
If your periods are so heavy or painful they’re stopping you from living your life, don’t convince yourself it’s “just one of those things.”
Ask the question. Book the appointment. Keep advocating for yourself.
Blog disclaimer
Our blog is intended to share information and ideas around periods, health, and sustainability. While we do our best to keep content accurate and up to date, things can change over time. The information here is not intended as medical advice — for any health-related concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. For more information on our claims, please see our Claims Page, and for the most up-to-date product information, please visit our Product Pages.
