Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus, primarily composed of muscle and tissue. These growths, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, can range significantly in size, from microscopic to as large as a grapefruit. Fibroids can affect menstrual health, leading to various symptoms and raising questions about their influence on the regularity of periods.
Fibroids and Typical Menstrual Changes
Fibroids most commonly lead to changes in menstruation, often resulting in heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, or prolonged periods. This heavy bleeding can occur because fibroids, especially those located within the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids), can increase the surface area of the uterine lining, leading to more blood loss. Fibroids can also interfere with the uterus’s ability to contract properly, which is essential for regulating blood flow and stopping bleeding.
Fibroid types, categorized by location, influence symptoms. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type, often causing heavy and prolonged periods. Submucosal fibroids develop just beneath the inner lining of the uterus and often cause significant heavy and irregular bleeding, even when small. Subserosal fibroids, which grow on the outer surface of the uterus, cause fewer direct menstrual issues but can lead to pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or back pain if they grow large and press on surrounding organs.
Fibroids and the Cessation of Menstruation
While fibroids are well-known for causing heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, they are rarely a direct cause of menstruation stopping entirely, a condition known as amenorrhea. Their primary impact involves increased blood flow and duration, not complete cessation. If a period stops, other factors are typically the cause.
In rare cases, very large fibroids might indirectly affect uterine blood flow or distort the uterine structure enough to contribute to irregular or absent periods. This is not a typical presentation, and complete cessation of menstruation is not a common fibroid symptom. A missed period should prompt investigation into a broader range of potential underlying causes beyond fibroids.
Other Reasons for Missed Periods
Since fibroids are not a common cause of menstrual cessation, a missed period usually points to other more frequent reasons. Pregnancy is a primary and common cause for menstruation to stop. Hormonal shifts associated with perimenopause and menopause are also frequent reasons for irregular or absent periods as ovarian function naturally declines.
Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the menstrual cycle, including conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, affecting hormonal balance. Significant changes in weight, either a substantial gain or loss, or engaging in excessive physical exercise, can also lead to irregular or missed periods. Additionally, high levels of stress and the use of certain medications can influence hormonal regulation and affect menstrual regularity.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience significant changes in your menstrual cycle, particularly if your periods stop or become unusually heavy, prolonged, or painful. An accurate diagnosis is important to determine the underlying cause of menstrual irregularities. Diagnostic tools for fibroids often include a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and sometimes MRI, which can help visualize the size, number, and location of fibroids.
To investigate amenorrhea, blood tests may be conducted to assess hormone levels, and pregnancy tests are often among the first steps. Depending on the diagnosis, management for fibroid-related symptoms or other causes of menstrual cessation can range from observation and medication to other medical interventions. Seeking timely medical advice ensures proper evaluation and appropriate management for any menstrual concerns.