Why Are My Periods So Heavy? It Could Be Uterine Fibroids
May 19, 2025
Heavy periods can disrupt your daily life, drain your energy, and even affect your mental well-being. If you’ve found yourself asking, “Why are my periods so heavy?”—you’re not alone. One possible cause many women overlook is uterine fibroids.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They may be as small as a seed or as large as a melon and are most common among women of reproductive age. 70-80% of females will get fibroids during their reproductive years. Black women have 2-3 times the risk of getting uterine fibroids compared with white women. Some women show no symptoms at all, yet others may suffer from any combination of issues, such as inordinate menstrual flow.
How Fibroids Cause Heavy Bleeding
Fibroids may impair your ability to contract your uterus during your period. When the uterus is unable to contract, it can’t regulate bleeding properly. Furthermore, fibroids elevate the surface area of the uterine lining, thereby increasing tissue shed at menstruation, leading to a heavier flow.
Some women with fibroids also have bleeding between periods, extended menstrual cycles, or heavy blood clots during their periods. If any of these are familiar to you, fibroids may be the cause.
Other Symptoms to Watch Out For
While fibroids and heavy periods tend to go together, there are other symptoms to watch out for:
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Lower back pain
If you’re having one or more of these symptoms, talk to our specialists to discuss your choices.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A pelvic exam, ultrasound, or MRI will diagnose uterine fibroids. Treatment depends on how large, where, and how many fibroids you have, and on your symptoms and whether you may have children in the future.
Most commonly used treatments are:
Medications: To stabilize hormones or reduce bleeding
Non-surgical options: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
Surgical procedures: Myomectomy or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
You don’t have to suffer from fibroids and heavy bleeding. If your period is impacting your quality of life, it’s time to seek help. Uterine fibroids can be treated, and early treatment can make a big difference.
National Vascular Physicians performs UFE on an outpatient basis at our National Harbor, Rockville and Roanoke locations. If you experience symptoms of fibroids or have previously been diagnosed and would like to learn about a non-surgical solution, we invite you to call one of our offices to schedule a consultation.
