5 Tips for Living With Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids can cause frustrating symptoms, like heavy bleeding, pain and fatigue. And dealing with these life-altering symptoms day after day can significantly impact your mental health, too.

So, what can you do to relieve your symptoms? Gynecologic surgeon Megan Billow, DO, weighs in.

How to manage uterine fibroids

Dr. Billow shares tips and strategies that can help you cope with symptoms of uterine fibroids, like:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Lower back and/or pelvic pain
• Urinary issues, like frequent urination or trouble emptying your bladder
• Chronic vaginal discharge
• A distended (enlarged) abdomen

Keep in mind that symptoms vary from person to person, and some don’t experience any real symptoms at all. But if you do, here’s what may help.

1. Switch period products

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is one of the hallmarks of life with uterine fibroids. If you find that tampons and pads aren’t cutting it, consider turning to a reusable period product instead.

“You may find that using a menstrual cup or period underwear — or both — helps to better prevent leaks,” Dr. Billow suggests. “These products can sometimes absorb or collect more blood than disposable products, which allows you to go longer between changes.”

2. Relieve pelvic pain and pressure

Uterine fibroids can hurt — badly — and dealing with that pain can be exhausting. It can deplete your energy levels.

For mild or occasional fibroid pain, these methods may help:

• Apply heat. Try a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen or lower back. Taking a warm bath or shower can have similar effects.
• Take over-the-counter pain medications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen, can help relieve fibroid pain. Just be sure to use them with caution, as taking them too often can be harmful.
• Move your body (gently). When you’re in pain, movement is often the last thing that sounds appealing. But gentle activities, like yoga, walking and swimming, can help get your blood circulating and release pain-relieving endorphins.
• Try integrative medicine strategies. There isn’t solid evidence that supports using methods like acupuncture or meditation to help manage fibroid pain. But anecdotally (people’s personal experience), some find them helpful, and neither can hurt.

One more note about using over-the-counter pain medications to manage fibroid pain: “If you’ve been relying on them for everyday use, ask your provider about other options,” Dr. Billow advises. “Prescription medications can control your hormone levels, which can make your periods lighter and also help with cramping and pain.”

3. Tend to your mental health

Uterine fibroids can be painful, and the bleeding can be intense, which can also impact your sex life. And all of those can negatively affect your quality of life.

“If you’re not able to participate in or enjoy your daily activities, it can really impact your mental health,” Dr. Billow acknowledges. “And depression and anxiety can interfere with your personal, social and professional life.”

Coping with uterine fibroids can trigger or worsen mental health conditions. In fact, a large research study found higher rates of depression, anxiety and self-harm habits among women diagnosed with fibroids.

But you don’t just have to live with it. Help is available.

“If uterine fibroids are affecting your quality of life, talk to your healthcare provider for help,” Dr. Billow stresses. “And if you feel the urge to hurt yourself, it’s important to reach out for immediate medical care.” In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to be connected to support. You can also chat with counselors online at 988lifeline.org.

4. Treat period-related anemia

Heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids isn’t just an inconvenience. Losing a significant amount of blood each month can also deplete your body’s iron stores over time.

“Low iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which affects the oxygen supply to your organs,” Dr. Billow explains. “Anemia can make you feel weak, tired and out of breath. In severe cases, it can even be life-threatening.”

If you have heavy periods, your provider should take regular blood tests to be sure your iron levels are within healthy limits.

“If your iron levels are low, they may recommend an iron supplement,” she adds. “And if your levels are very low, you may need iron infusions.”

5. Tweak your lifestyle habits

Making some changes to your everyday lifestyle habits may help you find more lasting relief from your uterine fibroid symptoms. Dr. Billow offers these suggestions for better overall well-being:

• Adapt your diet. To help manage inflammation, limit ultra-processed and high-fat foods, and focus onincorporating foods rich in fiber and high in omega-3 fats.
• Exercise regularly. Movement is good for your physical and mental health. But ask your healthcare provider what exercises are best for you, as certain types may make your uterine fibroid symptoms worse.
• Make sleep a priority. Lack of sleep can affect everything from your mood to your ability to function well. Experiment with sleeping positions that relieve fibroid pain, like sleeping with a body pillow or in a reclined position.
• Address stress. Strategies like yoga, mindfulness and deep breathing exercises can help you rein in stress and anxiety. Cutting back on caffeine may help, too.

When to seek care for fibroids

If you consistently miss work or skip out on social events because of fibroids, those are red flags to seek medical treatment.

“Fibroids typically aren’t life-threatening, and many women have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all,” Dr. Billow notes. “But if your symptoms are severe, they can significantly impact your quality of life — and your provider is there to help.”

Plus, she points out that fibroid symptoms can mimic other conditions that need treatment. So, keep a close eye on your health and menstrual cycle and talk to your provider if you experience:

• Bleeding between periods or any bleeding after menopause
• Digestive problems, like constipation or diarrhea
• Pain when you pee or a frequent urge to pee
• Passing large blood clots
• Signs of anemia, like shortness of breath, dizziness and weakness

Not all fibroids need treatment. But if they’re negatively affecting your everyday life, you have choices. Ask your provider to help you figure out what’s best for you.

“Treatment options range from medications and minor procedures to minimally invasive surgeries,” Dr. Billow says. “In short, if uterine fibroids are hurting your quality of life, you don’t have to just grin and bear it. We can help.”