One of the most important problems that affect a large number of women is heavy bleeding from Fibroids.

You’re not alone if you’re experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids.

So today, we share valuable information, strategies and practical ways to help you manage and stop the bleeding.

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s quickly understand what fibroids are.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb.

Fibroids are so common – it is thought that 20-80% of women will have fibroids by age 50y.

They can cause heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, leading to discomfort and inconvenience in daily life. Some women can have unscheduled menstrual bleeding, and such menstrual cycle disruptions also bring considerable distress.

Now, let’s discuss some practical ways to stop the bleeding from fibroids.

Strategy 1:

Hormonal and Non-Hormonal Medication Therapies

1. One way to manage fibroid-related bleeding is through medication that can be hormonal or non-hormonal. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and Naproxen are non-hormonal drugs that can help reduce pain and bleeding.
2. Tranexamic Acid is another good approach to control fibroid-related bleeding. This non-hormonal medication helps reduce heavy bleeding by promoting blood clot formation. It’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using any medication to ensure it’s suitable for you and to understand the correct dosage and usage.”
3. Birth control pills or other birth control medications like intrauterine hormonal devices (IUDs) or the Progesterone coil can help regulate your menstrual cycle, reducing bleeding and pain associated with fibroids.
4. Other hormonal options include GnRH agonists, which temporarily induce a menopause-like state to shrink fibroids. They are often used before surgery for very large and bulky fibroids to make the operating field easier. As they shrink the fibroid, they can temporarily have a good effect on heavy bleeding.
5. Esmya is another hormonal medicine used to treat Fibroids for a short period that may help, especially in women with severe symptoms or those approaching menopause.

Strategy 2

Non-Surgical Procedures

The next strategy is Non-Surgical Procedures, including interventional radiology procedures.

• First is Uterine artery embolization (UAE). It may be used if you have moderate to severe symptoms or wish to avoid surgery. It is a more long-term solution. It is a minimally invasive procedure where tiny particles are injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. This blocks the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and alleviating the associated bleeding. You must consult a specialist to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for UAE.”
• Another option is MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), which uses ultrasound waves to heat and destroy fibroid tissue, relieving bleeding symptoms.

Strategy 3

Surgical Options

Surgical interventions like myomectomy or hysterectomy may be recommended in more severe cases.

Myomectomy involves removing the fibroids while leaving the uterus intact, whereas a hysterectomy removes the entire uterus. These procedures can provide a definitive solution to stop fibroid-related bleeding.

Still, they should be carefully considered after discussing them with your healthcare provider.

Strategy 4

Lifestyle Modifications

Often the first step in managing bleeding from fibroids is making certain lifestyle modifications.

These changes may not directly stop the bleeding. Still, they can help reduce its severity and improve your overall well-being.

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet:
2. Incorporate iron-rich foods, such as leafy greens, legumes, and fortified cereals, to combat anaemia caused by heavy bleeding.
3. Include foods high in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, strawberries, and broccoli, to enhance iron absorption.
4. Regular Exercise:
5. Regular physical activity can help improve blood circulation and promote hormonal balance.
6. Consider low-impact exercises, such as swimming, walking, or yoga, as they are gentle on the body and can relieve stress.
7. Stress Management:
8. Chronic stress can worsen bleeding symptoms, so finding effective stress-management techniques is crucial.
9. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.

Strategy 5

Alternative and Complementary Approaches

In addition to lifestyle modifications and medical treatments, alternative and complementary approaches may help manage fibroid-related bleeding.

1. Herbal Remedies & Supplements
   • Certain herbs, such as chasteberry, castor oil packs, Green tea, Vitamin D, dong quai, and yarrow, help balance hormones and reduce bleeding.
   • However, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable healthcare provider before using herbal remedies, as they can interact with other medications.
2. Acupuncture: an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points of the body to promote balance and healing.
   • Some women report reduced bleeding and improved overall well-being after acupuncture sessions.

Key Takeaways

So if you are looking for ways to stop bleeding from fibroids, consider these options, including medication and hormonal therapies, tranexamic acid, non-surgical treatments, and in severe cases, myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Lifestyle measures and alternative therapies may help in some cases. They may provide small or moderate benefits; you must sustain them to keep their effects.

Remember, managing fibroids is a journey, and finding the right approach may require a combination of strategies tailored to your needs. Symptoms can affect women differently, and some treatment options may not be as effective for everyone.

Contact your healthcare provider to discuss the best course of action, or reach us here.

More Reading

• Non-Medication Treatments for Diabetes Mellitus
• Libido – Choose These Birth Control Methods If You Can’t Have Hormones!
• Doc’s Corner – Adhesions following Myomectomy.

Editing by AskAwayHealth Team

Disclaimer

All AskAwayHealth articles are written by practising  Medical Practitioners to help promote quality healthcare. The advice in our material is not meant to replace a qualified healthcare practitioner’s management of your specific condition.
Please get in touch with a health practitioner to discuss your condition, or reach us directly here.

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