Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Dizziness and Fibroids: What to Know

September 13, 2025

Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Dizziness and Fibroids: What to Know

Dizziness is unsettling, and when you also have uterine fibroids, it is natural to wonder whether the two are connected. While fibroids themselves don’t typically cause dizziness directly, they can lead to symptoms and complications that make lightheadedness more likely. Understanding how the two relate can help you recognize warning signs, seek the right evaluation, and choose effective treatments.

What counts as dizziness?

People use the word ‘dizziness’ to describe different sensations, including lightheadedness (feeling faint), unsteadiness, or vertigo (a spinning sensation). Fibroid-related dizziness is most commonly lightheadedness due to anemia or low blood pressure, not true vertigo. If your primary symptom is spinning or ear-related issues, another cause may be at play.

How fibroids can lead to dizziness

1) Heavy menstrual bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia

Uterine fibroids are a leading cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. Over time, heavy or prolonged periods can deplete iron stores and produce iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia reduces oxygen delivery to the brain and tissues, which can cause lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, headaches, and palpitations. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health and the National Institutes of Health note that heavy bleeding is among the most common fibroid symptoms and a frequent driver of anemia (NIH/NICHD; OWH).

Clues that bleeding may be excessive include soaking through pads or tampons every 1–2 hours, passing large clots, bleeding longer than 7 days, or needing double protection.

2) Acute blood loss and low blood pressure

During very heavy days, blood volume can drop quickly, making you feel faint or woozy, especially upon standing (orthostatic lightheadedness).

3) Pain and vasovagal episodes

Severe cramping or pelvic pain can trigger a reflex called a vasovagal response, which temporarily slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. This can lead to nausea, sweating, and a brief fainting spell.

4) Medication effects

Some medications used for fibroids or heavy bleeding list dizziness among possible side effects. Examples include:

Tranexamic acid (for heavy menstrual bleeding)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), used for pain and to reduce bleeding
Hormonal therapies, including combined oral contraceptives or progestin-only methods
GnRH agonists (such as leuprolide) and oral GnRH antagonists used for fibroid-related bleeding; FDA-approved options include relugolix combination therapy (Myfembree) and elagolix combination therapy (Oriahnn)

Not everyone experiences these effects, but if dizziness begins after starting a new medication, let your clinician know.

5) Dehydration and poor intake

During painful, heavy periods, people often eat and drink less. Dehydration can lower blood pressure and worsen lightheadedness.

When to seek care urgently

Call your clinician or seek urgent care if you experience any of the following:

Fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a racing or irregular heartbeat
Bleeding that soaks through one pad or tampon an hour for more than two hours, or passing clots larger than a quarter
Severe new pelvic pain, fever, or symptoms during pregnancy
Neurologic symptoms (new severe headache, confusion, trouble walking, slurred speech, one-sided weakness), which are not typical of fibroids

Getting evaluated: what your clinician may do

A thorough evaluation can pinpoint whether fibroids are contributing to your dizziness and how best to treat it. Common steps include:

History and exam: menstrual pattern, bleeding volume, pain, diet, medication use, and vital signs (including orthostatic blood pressure)
Laboratory tests: complete blood count (CBC) to assess hemoglobin and hematocrit; ferritin and iron studies to check iron stores; pregnancy test if relevant; thyroid testing based on symptoms
Imaging: pelvic ultrasound to assess number, size, and location of fibroids

Together, these help determine whether anemia, hypotension, medication effects, or another condition is causing dizziness.

Evidence-based ways to feel better

Address anemia and iron stores

Dietary iron: include iron-rich foods (lean red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, leafy greens, fortified cereals). Pair plant-based iron with vitamin C sources (citrus, berries, bell peppers) to boost absorption; avoid tea/coffee with iron-rich meals.
Iron supplements: oral iron is first-line for iron deficiency; intravenous iron may be used if oral iron is not tolerated or anemia is severe. Your clinician will tailor dosing and duration based on labs.

Reduce heavy menstrual bleeding

Options depend on your symptoms, fibroid characteristics, age, and fertility goals:

NSAIDs during menses (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) can modestly reduce bleeding and pain.
Tranexamic acid during menses reduces blood loss in many patients without hormones.
Hormonal options: combined oral contraceptives, progestin-only pills, depot medroxyprogesterone, or the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) can lessen bleeding. The LNG-IUD is highly effective for heavy bleeding in many people, though its benefit can vary with fibroid size and location.
GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprolide) shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding short term; typically used before surgery or for limited durations due to side effects like bone loss.
Oral GnRH antagonists with add-back therapy: FDA-approved relugolix combination therapy (Myfembree) and elagolix combination therapy (Oriahnn) reduce heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids in premenopausal women; they require monitoring and have duration limits because of effects on bone mineral density.

Procedural and surgical options

Uterine artery embolization (UAE): blocks blood flow to fibroids to shrink them and reduce bleeding.
Myomectomy: surgically removes fibroids; preserves the uterus and may be preferred for those planning pregnancy.
Radiofrequency ablation (laparoscopic or transcervical): uses heat to shrink fibroids.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS): a noninvasive approach for selected cases.
Hysterectomy: definitive treatment that removes the uterus; eliminates fibroid-related bleeding and recurrence but ends fertility.

Choosing among these depends on symptoms, fibroid size/location, future fertility plans, and overall health. A gynecologist can help weigh benefits, risks, and recovery time.

Day-to-day tips to limit lightheadedness

Hydrate regularly, especially during heavy days.
Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce orthostatic symptoms.
Track bleeding and symptoms with a period app to spot patterns and share with your clinician.
Review all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider.

FAQs

Can small fibroids cause dizziness? Size matters less than the symptom profile. Even small fibroids can cause heavy bleeding in some people, which can lead to anemia and lightheadedness. Conversely, large fibroids with minimal bleeding may not cause dizziness.

Is dizziness a sign my fibroids are growing? Not necessarily. Dizziness more often reflects blood loss or anemia rather than fibroid growth. Imaging is needed to assess fibroid size and location.

Could dizziness be unrelated to fibroids? Yes. Inner ear disorders, dehydration, low blood sugar, medication effects, anxiety, heart rhythm problems, or neurologic conditions can cause dizziness. Seek medical evaluation for persistent, severe, or unusual symptoms.

Bottom line

Fibroids rarely cause dizziness directly, but they commonly lead to heavy bleeding and iron-deficiency anemia, which can make you feel lightheaded or faint. The most effective path to relief is twofold: correct anemia and reduce bleeding. Evidence-based medical and procedural options exist, and most people feel significantly better once bleeding is controlled and iron stores are restored. If you have concerning symptoms like fainting, chest pain, severe bleeding, or shortness of breath, seek care promptly.

This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.