Fibroids are common in women who still have their period. If you have symptoms, we can help with answers and treatment options to ease your discomfort.
Reviewed May 15, 2026
Contributed by: Robert Pollard, MD and Linda-Dalal Shiber, MD / Gynecology
Heavy, Painful Periods? It Could Be Uterine Fibroids
Let’s start with the good news: most fibroids — tumors that grow in the uterus, often affecting pre-menopausal women — are not cancer. (You may see them called leiomyomata, or myoma for short.) Some women have no symptoms, others suffer painful periods with heavy bleeding. Robert Pollard, MD, MetroHealth’s Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery, and Linda-Dalal Shiber, MD help explain the condition, symptoms, and possible treatments.
“If your symptoms are having an impact on your well-being or your quality of life, then it is time to see someone and explore the available treatment options,” says Dr. Pollard.
Uterine Fibroid Symptoms
Many women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. Their gynecologist may feel these growths during a regular pelvic exam or see them on a pelvic or vaginal ultrasound. For others, these tumors can cluster together or grow, sometimes as large as a grapefruit, and cause symptoms, including:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Belly swelling, pressure or discomfort
- Painful period cramps
- Frequent urination, from bladder pressure
- Lower back pain
- Anemia, or low blood-iron levels
More concerning, fibroids can impact fertility, so be sure to ask your doctor about any symptoms you may have.
Who Gets Fibroids and Why?
Some 70% of White women and over 80% of Black women will get uterine fibroids by age 50, according to the National Library of Medicine. Though rare, women can still get uterine fibroids after menopause.
They grow thanks to hormones: When estrogen levels are high during your period, that fuels fibroid growth. After menopause, there’s a big drop in estrogen levels, reducing the risk of fibroids.
Non-Surgical Options
Although uterine fibroids are one of the most common reasons women undergo hysterectomy, major surgery is not the only option. First, your provider may recommend hormonal contraceptives, such as the pill or certain types of intrauterine devices (IUD) that control the hormones that make fibroids grow. You may also take anti-inflammatory pain relievers for period pain. Healthcare providers may prescribe a drug called leuprolide to help shrink the fibroid before surgery, so it’s easier to remove.
Surgical Options
MetroHealth is a high-volume surgery center for uterine fibroid care, and most surgeries can be done laparoscopically, which means just a few small incisions and no need for an overnight hospital stay. You might have:
- Myomectomy. This is surgery to remove only the uterine fibroid. It’s an option for women who want to keep their uterus and preserve their ability to have children.
- Hysterectomy. This is surgery to remove the uterus so fibroids can no longer grow. It’s an option for women who are done having children. MetroHealth also offers robotic-assisted hysterectomy. “The robot allows us to see better and potentially access areas that are harder to access otherwise,” says Dr. Pollard.
- Uterine fibroid embolization. An interventional radiologist performs this minimally invasive surgery using special imaging tools. Through a tiny cut at the top of your leg, they insert a catheter that sends tiny particles into your uterine artery. This blocks blood supply to fibroids.
Your Questions Answered
Q. What are the signs of uterine fibroids?
A. Many women have no symptoms. Others may have heavy bleeding, painful periods, belly pressure, or frequent urination. Some may also feel lower back pain or develop anemia from blood loss.
Q. What causes uterine fibroids to grow?
A. Fibroids grow when hormone levels, especially estrogen, are high. This is why they are more common before menopause and often shrink after menopause.
Q. How are uterine fibroids treated?
A. Treatment depends on your symptoms. Options include birth control, pain medicine, or medications to shrink fibroids. Some women may need procedures or surgery, including minimally invasive options.
Ready to Make an Appointment?
To request an appointment with a Women’s Health Team provider, call 216‑778‑4444, schedule through MyChart, or fill out the form below. To learn more about Women’s Health at MetroHealth, visit metrohealth.org/obgyn.
