Are you struggling with constant heavy bleeding, period pains that make you cancel plans and bloating that won’t go away? If you’re a woman of reproductive age, you might think these symptoms are part of having just a bad menstrual cycle. Yet, it could be something more serious like fibroids.
It’s common for most women to suffer in silence, thinking these are typical symptoms they can live with. However, there’s a distinct line between regular menstrual discomfort and a medical issue. Read on to learn more about the difference between period pain and fibroids.

Is It Menstruation Or Fibroids? Understanding The Difference Could Change Your Life

Are you struggling with constant heavy bleeding, period pains that make you cancel plans and bloating that won’t go away? If you’re a woman of reproductive age, you might think these symptoms are part of having just a bad menstrual cycle. Yet, it could be something more serious like fibroids.
It’s common for most women to suffer in silence, thinking these are typical symptoms they can live with. However, there’s a distinct line between regular menstrual discomfort and a medical issue. Read on to learn more about the difference between period pain and fibroids.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids, or uterine fibroids or myomas, are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. They can range in size from a grain of rice to a large grapefruit, and some women may have just one, while others can have multiple growths without knowing. While fibroids aren’t life-threatening, they can severely affect your quality of life.
However, they’re surprisingly common, especially in women between 25 and 50. Studies suggest that up to 70% of women will develop them eventually. Most importantly, black women are considered at higher fibroid risk, with earlier onset and more severe symptoms due to higher risk of vitamin D deficiency, genetically higher oestrogen levels, longer menstrual cycles and the likelihood of receiving delayed medical care.

Is It Just a Heavy Period or Is It Something Else?

Experiencing a heavy period isn’t unusual. However, if your cycle is constantly intense, to the point where you’re changing sanitary wear every hour, or you’re passing large blood clots, that might be a warning sign for something more severe. Here are key symptoms that could mean you’re likely dealing with a health concern:

• Excessive bleeding that lasts longer than 7 days.
• Severe cramping or pelvic pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication.
• Spotting or bleeding between cycles.
• Feeling pressure or fullness in the lower abdomen.
• Frequent urination and feeling pressure in your bladder.
• Pain during sex.
• Bloating or visible swelling in your abdomen.

Why Fibroids Are Often Misdiagnosed

One of the biggest challenges with fibroids is how they can go unnoticed for long periods. In most cases, this is because their symptoms overlap with everyday period issues, making it easier to brush them off as usual menstrual cycle symptoms. Most women are encouraged to be tough around this time or are told about other, more painful experiences like childbirth, while the fibroids are growing without accurate diagnosis and treatment interventions.
On the other hand, some women are misdiagnosed with hormonal imbalances, endometriosis or uterine cancer, which require different treatment plans. Ultrasounds used to determine these growths might not be definitive, requiring further diagnostic procedures like a biopsy or MRI scan to be conducted. This is one of the main reasons why listening to your body, pushing for answers, and further testing are necessary if something feels off.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, you should book an appointment with your doctor, who may refer you to a gynaecologist. Some tests help your healthcare provider understand how severe your case is and plan appropriate treatment. To diagnose fibroids, tests may include:

• A pelvic exam to feel for abnormalities.
• Ultrasound imaging used to view the size and location of possible fibroids.
• MRI or CT scans in complex cases, like having calcified fibroids.
• Hysteroscopy, where a small camera is inserted through the vagina to examine the uterus.

Treatment Options after Diagnosis

You don’t have to suffer throughout your menstrual cycle, and you don’t always need surgery. Treatment can depend on various factors such as the severity of your fibroids, your age, and whether you still want to have children. These are some treatment and management options you can consider:

• Medications to control hormones and shrink fibroids.
• Non-invasive procedures like uterine fibroid embolisation (UFE).
• Surgical options include myomectomy (removal of fibroids) or hysterectomy (removal of the uterus in extreme cases).
• Lifestyle changes like reducing red meat and increasing fruits and vegetables may help manage symptoms.

Understand Your Body

There are too many women who grow up being told that pain is just part of developmental milestones, from menstrual pains, childbirth and menopause. However, any continuous chronic pain, heavy bleeding, and life-interrupting symptoms are not typical growing pains you should tolerate. If your cycles are changing as you get older and you’ve started experiencing other worrying signs, don’t delay visiting a doctor for specialist referral.
If you’re experiencing symptoms and don’t know where to start, use the Telehealth Benefit to speak to a nurse or doctor for an immediate physical examination referral. Your Affinity Health Day-to-Day and Combined plan offers access to a specialist benefit to ensure your reproductive health remains a priority.