The Connection Between Uterine Fibroids and Intense Menstrual Cramps
Uterine fibroids are a commonly occurring condition that affects women worldwide. These uterine masses can cause various symptoms, including painful menstrual cramps.
While some cramping is normal for most women, severe cramping can be debilitating and affect a woman's daily activities.
The team at Georgia Fibroids is dedicated to providing exceptional care to women experiencing life-altering fibroid symptoms. We proudly offer advanced therapies and treatment protocols that yield positive outcomes through minimally invasive interventions.
We will explore the correlation between menstrual cramping and fibroids and share how uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) treatment in Atlanta can help alleviate symptoms.
What Causes Menstrual Cramping?
Severe menstrual cramping is a common condition that affects many women during their menstrual cycles. The cramps are experienced as intense pain in the lower abdomen and back.
The root cause of menstrual cramps is not clearly understood, but several factors are believed to be related to their occurrence.
- Prostaglandins. A significant contributor to menstrual cramps is a hormone-like compound known as prostaglandins. During menstruation, the uterine lining is shed and expelled, and the release of prostaglandins helps to facilitate this process. However, excessive prostaglandins can cause the uterus muscles to contract more forcefully, leading to increased pain. Fibroids might contribute to the release of additional prostaglandins, making cramping worse.
- Hormonal imbalances. Hormonal swings can also contribute to the development of menstrual cramps. Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, and progesterone, can affect the intensity and duration of cramps. Women with higher estrogen levels and lower progesterone levels may experience more severe cramps.
- Sedentary lifestyle. Lack of physical activity can cause abdominal muscles to weaken. Weakened core muscles can interfere with uterine contractions, potentially intensifying menstrual cramping.
- Endometriosis. Endometriosis develops when uterine tissue grows outside of it. Endometrium outside the uterus triggers an inflammatory reaction, which could irritate the surrounding organs and tissues.
- Uterine fibroids. While fibroids do not directly cause menstrual cramps, they can contribute to the severity and intensity of the pain experienced during menstruation.
Why Do Fibroids Worsen Menstrual Cramps?
Fibroids can contribute to increased menstrual cramps due to their impact on the uterus. As fibroids grow, they can distort the shape of the uterus and increase its size, leading to stronger and more prolonged contractions during menstruation. Fibroids can also cause thickened uterine lining, resulting in heavier menstrual bleeding. This increased blood flow can further intensify the cramping sensation.
In addition to the physical changes fibroids cause in the uterus, they can disrupt hormonal balance. Estrogen and progesterone, the main female hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle. Hormonal anomalies can lead to irregular or heavier periods, often with more severe cramps.
Understanding the relationship between fibroids and menstrual cramps can help women manage their symptoms and seek appropriate medical treatment.
Treat Menstrual Cramps and Fibroids With Safe, Effective UFE in Atlanta
UFE is a non-surgical fibroid treatment that utilizes a minimally invasive outpatient approach that can dramatically reduce the symptoms of uterine fibroids.
If you are experiencing severe menstrual cramps and believe fibroids might be a contributing factor, please contact us today to learn about our UFE procedure in Atlanta or to schedule an evaluation.
