What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

The main symptoms of uterine fibroids include abnormal uterine bleeding, increased menstrual flow or prolonged menstruation, and pelvic pain or pressure. If you experience obvious discomfort, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The symptoms of uterine fibroids vary depending on the location, size, and number of the fibroids. Some people may not even have any symptoms.

The most common symptom is menstrual changes, including heavy menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, or bleeding between periods, which may lead to anemia. Larger fibroids can compress the bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or constipation. Some patients experience pelvic pressure or severe pain, especially when pedunculated fibroids twist. Unexplained dysmenorrhea, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages may also be related to uterine fibroids. If the fibroids are submucosal, the symptoms may be more severe. Symptoms usually improve in women after menopause, but if the fibroids increase in size or symptoms persist, you need to be alert to potential malignant lesions.

The most common symptom is menstrual changes, including heavy menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual periods, or bleeding between periods, which may lead to anemia. Larger fibroids can compress the bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or constipation. Some patients experience pelvic pressure or severe pain, especially when pedunculated fibroids twist. Unexplained dysmenorrhea, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages may also be related to uterine fibroids. If the fibroids are submucosal, the symptoms may be more severe. Symptoms usually improve in women after menopause, but if the fibroids increase in size or symptoms persist, you need to be alert to potential malignant lesions.

To relieve or treat uterine fibroids, patients can choose medication, minimally invasive surgery, or hysterectomy. Medications can use gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH agonists) to control the size of fibroids, or use intrauterine devices containing levonorgestrel to reduce bleeding. Minimally invasive surgeries, such as hysteroscopic myomectomy or laparoscopic myomectomy, are suitable for conservative treatment for those who wish to retain fertility. For patients with severe symptoms and no fertility needs, hysterectomy may be the final option. In daily care, it is recommended to avoid high-estrogen foods, ensure adequate iron intake, and perform moderate exercises, such as yoga, to reduce pelvic pressure and relieve symptoms. Patients with fibroids need to have regular checkups, especially when new symptoms appear or symptoms worsen, and communicate with their doctors in a timely manner.