Free From Fibroids Foundation

1. Heavy monthly periods
Regular and often prolonged menstruation. Fibroids that are located close to the uterine lining are responsible for the heavy periods. This heavy menstrual bleeding is often accompanied by large blood clots (larger than a quarter) and pain.

2. Pelvic pain and pressure
The pelvic pain associated with fibroids is usually all across the pelvis but can be worse on one side if there is an accompanying dominant (i.e. larger than the other fibroids) fibroid on that same side.

3. Enlarged abdomen
Numerous or large fibroids growing inside the uterus can cause an increase in the size of the abdomen without a large increase in body weight. This uterine enlargement is often described as a similar size enlargement due to pregnancy.

4. Enlarged uterus
Two of the most common causes of an enlarged uterus are uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Women who have fibroids have been mistakenly believed to be pregnant because of this enlargement.

5. Frequent need to urinate
The constant feeling of a full bladder, frequent trips to the bathroom, and even multiple times at night can occur because of uterine fibroids. The bladder is located in front of the uterus, therefore, anterior fibroids are responsible for the increased urinary frequency.

6. Constipation and bloating
Fibroids can cause constipation both directly and indirectly. The uterus lies directly in front of the distal end of the colon (i.e. rectosigmoid region). Fibroids that develop in the back of the uterus can press on the colon from the outside and can cause significant constipation.

🔹For more information on Free From Fibroids, The Fibroid Coalition, or to support S. 2444/H.R. 2007, please visit our website at ➡️𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀.𝗼𝗿𝗴
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Fibroids can disrupt the normal hormonal balance in the uterus, leading to various changes in the menstrual cycle. Depending on their size, location, and number, fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and changes in the pattern of menstrual bleeding.

One symptom that some women with fibroids may experience is discharge before their period. This discharge can vary in color, consistency, and amount. Some women experience a watery discharge before their period that is clear or cloudy, and it may be accompanied by a mild odor. The discharge may be a result of the fibroids interfering with the normal menstrual flow.

Fibroids can cause an increase in the surface area of the uterus, which may result in more endometrial tissue being shed during menstruation. This increased shedding of the endometrial lining can lead to the release of more cervical mucus or what may seem like a lot of discharge before their period. Additionally, the discharge might be a result of va**nal secretions increasing due to the inflammation that fibroids cause.

🔹For more information on Free From Fibroids, The Fibroid Coalition, or to support S. 2444/H.R. 2007, please visit our website at ➡️𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀.𝗼𝗿𝗴
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If you are experiencing an enlarging abdomen and weight gain despite all efforts, you may have uterine fibroids.
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Even women who exercise frequently will notice this “stubborn area” that continues to make their belly big no matter how much exercise she does. People may even ask them, “When is the baby due?” which is obviously embarrassing for all concerned.
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As the belly enlarges due to increasing fibroid growth, there is often added weight gain and possibly stomach deformation. This is particularly discouraging to the woman who is eating right and exercising.

🔹For more information on Free From Fibroids, The Fibroid Coalition, or to support S. 2444/H.R. 2007, please visit our website at ➡️𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀.𝗼𝗿𝗴
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Abnormal bleeding can be a result of a women’s health issue or it can be a normal side effect of contraception or other medication. Experiencing breakthrough bleeding between periods is most often considered abnormal and should be explored further to determine a cause.
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It is often helpful to keep a diary or use a menstrual phone app of your monthly cycle including the days of unusual or unexpected bleeding, how long the bleeding lasts, the amount of bleeding, any associated pain, as this can help your doctor create a treatment plan.
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Apart from bleeding between periods and heavy prolonged menstrual bleeding, there are some common “bulk” symptoms (exs. pelvic pain/pressure/bloating, increased urinary frequency/nocturia) that are associated with fibroids and if one or more of these shows up in your diary along with the abnormal va**nal bleeding it may point to uterine fibroids as the cause.

🔹For more information on Free From Fibroids, The Fibroid Coalition, or to support S. 2444/H.R. 2007, please visit our website at ➡️𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗼𝗶𝗱𝘀.𝗼𝗿𝗴
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