Uterine Fibroid Symptoms — Heavy Periods

Key Facts at a Glance

Present in up to 70% of women by age 50
Only 25–50% of fibroids cause symptoms

Uterine fibroids — overview

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas or myomas) are benign smooth muscle tumours of the uterus. They are present in up to 70% of women by age 50, but only 25–50% cause symptoms. Symptoms depend on the size, number, and — most importantly — location within the uterus.

Common symptoms

Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) — prolonged or flooding periods, clots; leading to iron-deficiency anaemia
Pelvic pain and pressure — lower abdominal heaviness, dysmenorrhoea, deep dyspareunia
Urinary symptoms — frequency or urgency (bladder compression by anterior fibroids)
Bowel symptoms — constipation or rectal pressure (posterior fibroids)
Abdominal distension — visible enlargement with very large fibroids
Subfertility — particularly with submucosal fibroids distorting the uterine cavity

Diagnosis

🩻 Pelvic ultrasound

First-line imaging. Identifies fibroids, assesses number, size, and location (submucosal, intramural, subserosal). Doppler assesses vascularity.

📊 Pelvic MRI

Gold standard for pre-treatment planning. Maps all fibroids precisely. Essential before UFE to confirm suitability and exclude adenomyosis or malignancy.

🩸 Blood tests

FBC for anaemia, ferritin, thyroid function. CA-125 if atypical features (not routinely for fibroids).

🔬 Hysteroscopy

For suspected submucosal fibroids distorting the cavity. Endometrial biopsy if indicated.

→ UFE — treatment → Adenomyosis Uterine fibroid centre → Uterine fibroid embolization — Paris →

🇫🇷 French version: fibrome-uterin-symptomes.html

Why this page is trustworthy

Written by the Interventional Radiology team at Cochin Hospital AP-HP, Université Paris Cité. Medically reviewed by an interventional radiologist of the department. Last updated: August 2026.

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Uterine Fibroid Symptoms — When to Seek Treatment