First periods & adolescence
Fibroids are uncommon in teens. Heavy bleeding or pelvic pain at this stage still deserves evaluation for a range of possible causes.
Hormone health · Every stage of life
Uterine Fibroids
A clearer picture of heavy bleeding, pressure, and your options.
A free educational guide from the Dr. Tammy Resource Library.
Explore the guide01 · Understanding the condition
What’s going on?
Fibroids are usually benign growths made of muscle and other tissue in or around the uterus. Their size, location, and number vary. Some cause heavy bleeding or pressure; others cause no symptoms at all.
Having fibroids does not automatically mean needing surgery. Your symptoms, health, and goals help guide the next step.
Symptoms worth discussing
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pressure, fullness, or pain
- Frequent urination or bowel pressure
- Lower-back discomfort; fatigue if bleeding causes anemia
Symptoms can overlap with other conditions. This list is not a diagnostic test, and not everyone has every symptom.
02 · The lifelong picture
From first periods to menopause
Reproductive years
Fibroids are most common in the 30s and 40s. Location and size can affect symptoms and, in some cases, fertility or pregnancy. Not all fibroids affect pregnancy.
Perimenopause
Heavy or unpredictable bleeding can overlap with changing cycles. Ask about anemia testing and whether fibroids or another cause may be contributing.
After menopause
Fibroids often shrink as hormone levels fall, but not always. New bleeding, pain, or an enlarging mass needs evaluation. Bleeding after menopause should never simply be attributed to fibroids.
03 · A conversation about care
Finding the cause. Considering the options.
A clinician may review bleeding and pressure symptoms, examine the pelvis with your consent, and use ultrasound to assess the uterus. Blood tests may check for anemia. Depending on age, bleeding pattern, and risk factors, assessment of the uterine lining may also be recommended.
Observation
Fibroids without troublesome symptoms may be monitored. Ask what changes should trigger another appointment.
Medicines
Medicines may help control bleeding or other symptoms; some temporarily shrink fibroids. Discuss side effects and how long a treatment can be used.
Procedures & surgery
Options can include uterine artery embolization, removal of fibroids, or hysterectomy in selected cases. Effects on future pregnancy differ, so discuss fertility goals first.
These are topics to discuss, not a personal treatment plan. Medicines and procedures have different risks and may not be appropriate for everyone.
When not to wait
Seek emergency care for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, or very heavy bleeding with dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Severe pain with possible pregnancy, fever, or vomiting needs urgent assessment. Do not use this guide to rule out an emergency.
Any vaginal bleeding after menopause—including spotting or a single episode—needs prompt medical evaluation.
NHS · Bleeding after menopause04 · Make the conversation count
Your appointment notes
Questions to bring
- 1.Do the size and location of my fibroids explain my symptoms?
- 2.Should we check for anemia or evaluate the uterine lining?
- 3.Which options fit my wish to preserve my uterus or future pregnancy plans?
Notes stay on this page only; they are not sent or saved.
05 · A little more clarity
Common questions
Sources & further reading
Educational summary prepared October 2026 from the patient resources below. This new guide has not been individually reviewed by Dr. Tammy.