Symptoms of
Uterine Fibroids

Heavy periods are among the most common fibroid symptoms

Common fibroid symptoms involving your periods include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Vaginal bleeding at times other than menstruation
  • Low hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia-related fatigue (from blood loss)

Not sure if you have heavy periods?

Talk to your gynecologist about your symptoms and how they affect you. Our quiz can also help you prepare for that conversation.

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Fibroid symptoms vary in type and severity

Some women with uterine fibroids may experience a range of symptoms, including those that are not related to bleeding. Other women may have no symptoms at all. Talk to your gynecologist about all the symptoms you are experiencing so that they can help you determine whether or not they may be due to your fibroids.

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How do doctors define "heavy periods"?

“Heavy” is a relative term. What some women see as routine might be a serious burden for others. While gynecologists are beginning to understand and accept more and more that "heavy" can vary between women, doctors in ORIAHNN clinical trials defined “heavy periods” as bleeding that totaled more than 80 mL (about 1/3 of a cup) over the course of a period, in each of at least 2 menstrual cycles. How do I know if my periods are "heavy"?

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What are some signs that you might have heavy menstrual bleeding?

Any of the following are signs of heavy menstrual bleeding:

  • Bleeding that lasts more than 7 days
  • Bleeding that soaks through 1 or more pads or tampons every hour for several hours in a row
  • Needing to wear more than 1 pad at a time
  • Needing to change pads or tampons during the night
  • Blood clots with your period that are as big as a quarter or larger