The Link Between Fibroids and Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Women living with abnormally heavy periods know how much it can impact their life. From affecting work productivity to interfering with leading an active lifestyle and social plans, heavy periods are more than just an annoyance. 

You may be surprised to learn that the culprit behind your discomfort could be uterine fibroids. These benign growths are common and don’t always cause symptoms, but when they do, heavy periods are often one of them. 

Fortunately, there is a new in-office treatment that can provide relief. At Ideal Gynecology in Atlanta, Georgia, board-certified gynecologist Lillian Schapiro, MD, FACOG, and our team of women’s health nurse practitioners, Tiffany Morgan, WHNP, and Olivia Taylor, WHNP can help you find effective solutions to troublesome issues like heavy periods. 

Dr. Schapiro leads the way in offering Myoblate, a novel, in-office fibroid treatment that can provide relief from heavy periods. Let's dive into the link between fibroids and heavy periods and explore how Myoblate can provide the relief you've been seeking.

The fibroid-heavy period connection

Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the walls of the uterus. They can range in size from tiny, barely visible masses to large growths. Although they’re usually harmless, fibroids can cause various symptoms, with heavy periods being one of the most common.

Fibroids can increase blood flow and alter estrogen and progesterone levels, which can result in abnormally heavy periods. Left untreated, heavy periods can cause iron deficiency and persistent fatigue. 

Myoblate: a revolutionary in-office treatment

Myoblate is a minimally invasive treatment option that offers relief from fibroid-related heavy periods without the need for surgery or anesthesia. The procedure involves the use of radiofrequency energy to destroy fibroid tissue, which improves heavy menstrual bleeding. 

Myoblate offers numerous benefits compared to traditional treatment options, such as:

Convenience

As an in-office treatment, Myoblate eliminates the need for hospitalization, allowing you to return to your daily activities much faster.

Minimal side effects

Since it’s a minimally invasive procedure, Myoblate boasts fewer side effects and complications than surgical alternatives like hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Preservation of fertility

Unlike a hysterectomy, which involves the removal of the entire uterus, Myoblate targets only the fibroids, preserving your uterus and fertility.

Customization

Myoblate can be tailored to your specific needs, targeting multiple fibroids in a single session.

What to expect during a Myoblate procedure

During the Myoblate procedure, Dr. Schapiro will insert a thin, flexible probe into the uterus. The probe emits radiofrequency energy, which heats and destroys the fibroid tissue. 

The entire process usually takes 30-90 minutes, depending on the size and number of fibroids being treated. You may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure, but most patients tolerate it well.

After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild cramping and light bleeding, which usually subsides within a few days. Most women can return to their daily activities within 24 hours of the procedure. Over the course of several weeks, the treated fibroids will shrink, and heavy periods should gradually improve.

Putting an end to heavy periods

Heavy periods don’t have to control your life. To discuss treatment with Myoblate, schedule a visit with the Ideal Gynecology team. Call our Atlanta, Georgia office to schedule an in-person or telehealth visit.