Do Fibroids Cause Bleeding? Here's What the Research Says

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why am I bleeding so much during my period?” You’re not alone. Millions of women face heavy menstrual bleeding, but few know the true cause behind it, and in many cases, it’s more than “just a bad period. One common, yet overlooked, culprit is uterine fibroids. These non-cancerous growths can silently grow in your uterus, often without warning. But do fibroids cause bleeding? Yes, especially certain types like submucosal fibroids. many women don’t link their heavy periods to fibroids until it’s too late.

Understanding the what, why, and how of fibroid bleeding can help you make smarter decisions about your health before things get worse.

Let’s break it all down in this guide.

Do Fibroids Cause Bleeding?

Yes, uterine fibroids usually lead to abnormal or heavy bleeding, particularly during menstruation.

This bleeding occurs because fibroids have the ability to:

• Increase the surface area within your uterus

• Interfere with normal uterine contractions

• Change hormone levels that control your menstrual cycle, which cause hormonal imbalances that increase blood flow.

Actually, heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most prevalent and earliest indicators of fibroids, particularly submucosal and intramural.

If you’re soaking pads within an hour, bleeding for more than 7 days, or passing large clots, fibroids may be the cause.

Submucosal fibroids (which grow inside the uterine cavity) and large intramural fibroids (within the wall) are especially known to cause severe menstrual bleeding.

Signs Your Bleeding May Be From Fibroids:

• Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour

• Periods that last longer than 7 days

• Passing large blood clots

• Feeling weak, tired, or anemic

Let's now move forward to make you more aware of fibroids.

What Exactly Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas, are growths made mostly of muscle cells and fibrous tissue. They grow inside, within, or on the outside of the uterus. These growths are non-cancerous, but they can still cause major symptoms, especially when it comes to periods.

Types of Fibroids (Based on Location):

The location and size of fibroids determine how likely they are to cause symptoms like bleeding, pain, or pressure.

How Common Are Fibroids Around the World?

Globally, fibroids affect 75% of women of reproductive age. That’s a shocking number when you think about it. Still, many women aren’t diagnosed until symptoms become unbearable. Incidence varies across countries and ethnicities. For example:

• African-American women have higher rates and earlier onset.

• Caucasian women still experience fibroids, but symptoms may differ.

Major Causes and Risk Factors of Uterine Fibroids

While fibroids aren’t caused by one single factor, researchers have uncovered several triggers. These triggers are important because understanding them can help women prevent or manage fibroids better.

1. Hormonal Imbalances

Estrogen and progesterone feed fibroids. That’s why they often grow during reproductive years and shrink after menopause.

• Fibroids thrive on estrogen

• Birth control or hormone therapy may worsen them

• Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can speed up growth

2. Genetics

If your mother had fibroids, you’re likely to have them too.

• First-degree relatives matter

• Family history increases risk by 3X

• Certain gene mutations are also linked

3. Lifestyle and Diet

Certain habits may make fibroids worse.

• High red meat intake

• Low fiber diet

• Alcohol and caffeine use

• Obesity increases estrogen production

4. Age and Race

Fibroids are most common in women aged 30–50.

• More common and severe in Black women

• Risk increases with age until menopause

• Earlier onset is linked with genetics

5. Environmental Triggers

Chemicals and endocrine disruptors may contribute.

• Hair relaxers, plastic containers, and pesticides

• Long-term exposure may interfere with hormones

Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids

These triggers don’t act alone. Combined, they can make fibroids cause bleeding, pelvic pressure, and more.

Other Common Fibroid Symptoms

Bleeding isn’t the only problem fibroids cause. Here's what else to watch out for:

1. Pelvic Pain or Pressure

• Dull aches in the lower abdomen

• Feeling “full” or “bloated”

• Pain during sex

• Back or leg pain

These symptoms often worsen as fibroids grow.

2. Fertility & Pregnancy Issues

• Trouble getting pregnant

• Recurrent miscarriages

• Complications like breech position or early labor

Fibroids can block the fallopian tubes or distort the uterus.

3. Digestive or Bladder Problems

• Frequent urination

• Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

• Urinary urgency at night

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

Diagnosis often depends on:

• Access to healthcare

• Awareness levels

• Genetic predisposition

Many women only discover fibroids when planning pregnancy, or after they’ve tried everything to control heavy bleeding without success.

You won’t always feel them, but doctors can find fibroids during a regular pelvic exam. Still, the imaging tests listed below are the gold standard:

1. Ultrasound

• Transvaginal or abdominal

• Quick and painless

• First step for diagnosis

2. MRI

• Provides a more detailed view of the fibroids' size and placement than ultrasound

• Helps plan surgery

• Can locate exact fibroid positions

3. Hysterosonography or Hysteroscopy

• Uses saline to expand the uterus

• Looks inside the uterus for submucosal fibroids

• Allows a clear view of fibroids

• Helps assess if fibroids cause bleeding

4. Biopsy (rare)

• Used to rule out cancer

• Only done if symptoms are unusual

Doctors often monitor small fibroids over time. If they grow or start bleeding, treatment options are discussed.

Treatment Options If Fibroids Cause Bleeding

Not every fibroid needs surgery.Treatment depends on the severity of bleeding, the size and location of fibroids, and your future pregnancy plans.

1. Medications

• NSAIDs for alleviating pain and inflammation

• Tranexamic acid to reduce heavy bleeding

• Hormonal birth control or IUDs to help control bleeding (though not for all fibroid types)

• GnRH agonists/antagonists to temporarily shrink fibroids

2. Non-Surgical Procedures

• Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): Blocks/cuts off  blood supply to fibroids

• MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound: Destroys fibroids with heat

3. Surgical Options

• Myomectomy: Removes fibroids but preserves the uterus

• Hysterectomy: Removes the uterus entirely (definitive cure)

Each treatment has pros and cons. Talk to your doctor about the right path. If fibroid-related bleeding is affecting your quality of life, don’t wait; explore your treatment options with a gynecologist.

How to Manage or Prevent Fibroids Naturally

There’s no way to stop fibroids 100%, but you can reduce the risk or slow their growth with certain lifestyle changes.

1. Dietary Adjustments

• Eat more green veggies, fruits, and whole grains

• Cut back on red meat, processed food, and sugar

• Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine intake

2. Lifestyle Choices

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid chemicals like BPA, parabens, and phthalates

3. Track Symptoms

• Use period tracking apps

• Note bleeding patterns, flow, and clots

• Share this info with your doctor for a better diagnosis

These steps may not cure fibroids, but they can help delay treatment or control symptoms early.

When to See a Doctor?

Don’t ignore these warning signs and immediately visit a gynecologist:

• Bleeding through pads every hour

• Periods lasting longer than 7 days

• Fatigue, dizziness, or anemia

• Pressure, pain, or bloating in the pelvis

• Difficulty getting pregnant

Fibroids grow silently. Many women ignore heavy periods, thinking it’s just how their body works. Early action can stop the cycle of pain, anemia, and emergency care. The sooner you identify fibroids, the more options you’ll have to treat them before they cause major complications.

Final Thoughts

Uterine fibroids aren’t rare, and they’re not harmless. When ignored, they can cause years of suffering, missed work, and emotional stress. So, if you’ve been asking yourself, “Do fibroids cause bleeding?” The answer is yes, often and significantly. Don’t wait. Speak with your doctor and make informed decisions about your health.

Because understanding your body is the first step to taking control of your health.