Fibroids and Does Fibroids Cause Leg Pain: Why It Happens and What Helps

September 13, 2025

Fibroids and Leg Pain: Why It Happens and What Helps

Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause a range of symptoms, from heavy menstrual bleeding to pelvic pressure. One question many people ask is whether fibroids can cause leg pain. The short answer is yes—sometimes. Understanding when and why this happens can help you get the right diagnosis and relief.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (also called leiomyomas or myomas) are benign tumors made of muscle and fibrous tissue that grow in or on the uterus. They may be as small as a seed or large enough to enlarge the uterus. Many people have no symptoms, but others experience heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, pain with sex, and—less commonly—back or leg pain.

Trusted resources including the National Institutes of Health and the Office on Women’s Health provide in-depth overviews of fibroids, their symptoms, and treatment options (NIH/NICHD; HHS Office on Women’s Health).

Can Fibroids Cause Leg Pain?

They can. While not the most common symptom, large fibroids or those positioned toward the back or sides of the uterus can contribute to lower back pain, hip discomfort, or pain radiating into one or both legs. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that fibroids may lead to backache or leg pains in some individuals (OWH).

Why Fibroids May Lead to Leg, Hip, or Back Pain

Pressure on pelvic nerves: Large or strategically located fibroids can press on nearby nerves, including branches that contribute to the sciatic, obturator, or femoral nerves. This pressure can cause pain that starts in the lower back or pelvis and radiates into the buttock, thigh, or leg, sometimes mimicking sciatica.
Pelvic muscle and joint strain: A bulky uterus can alter posture and gait, increasing strain across the lower back, hips, and pelvis, leading to referred pain down the legs.
Inflammation and congestion: Fibroids can cause local inflammation and pelvic congestion, which may heighten pain sensitivity in the lower back and legs.

Keep in mind that leg pain is more often due to musculoskeletal issues (like a herniated disc) than fibroids. A careful evaluation can help distinguish the cause.

Other Symptoms That Point Toward Fibroids

Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (sometimes with clots)
Pelvic pressure or a sensation of fullness
Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
Pain during sex
Constipation

These symptoms, especially when combined with leg or back pain, make fibroids a more likely contributor. See the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) FAQ for a clinically reviewed symptom list and guidance.

How Doctors Diagnose the Cause of Leg Pain When You Have Fibroids

Your clinician will take a detailed history, perform a pelvic exam, and may order imaging to see the size and location of fibroids:

Pelvic ultrasound: The first-line, noninvasive test to confirm fibroids and estimate their size and number.
MRI: Offers a more precise map of fibroids and their relationship to nerves and surrounding structures, useful for treatment planning.

Because leg pain can have many causes, your clinician may also assess for spine, hip, or nerve conditions if your symptoms don’t fit the typical fibroid pattern.

What Helps: Relief Options for Fibroid-Related Leg Pain

Relief typically focuses on reducing fibroid size or calming the pressure and inflammation they cause.

Self-care and symptom management

Over-the-counter pain relievers: NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pelvic inflammation and cramping. Use as directed and avoid if you have contraindications.
Heat therapy: A heating pad on the lower abdomen or back can relax muscles and ease referred pain.
Gentle movement: Walking, stretching, and low-impact core and hip stabilizing exercises can reduce stiffness and improve posture.
Pelvic floor physical therapy: May help with posture, pelvic support, and musculoskeletal contributors to pain.

Medical therapies

Hormonal birth control: Pills, patches, rings, or the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) can reduce heavy bleeding and cramping, which may indirectly ease pain (ACOG).
Tranexamic acid: A non-hormonal option for heavy menstrual bleeding on period days; helps reduce blood loss and associated cramping (ACOG).
GnRH agonists and antagonists: These medicines temporarily lower estrogen and progesterone, shrinking fibroids and the uterus to reduce pressure.
- GnRH antagonists: The FDA has approved oral combinations such as elagolix with estradiol/norethindrone (Oriahnn) and relugolix with estradiol/norethindrone (Myfembree) for heavy bleeding due to fibroids (FDA on Oriahnn; FDA on Myfembree).
- GnRH agonists: Injectable options (e.g., leuprolide) are often used short-term to shrink fibroids before surgery (ACOG).

These options can reduce pressure-related symptoms, which may improve leg or back pain if fibroids are the driver.

Procedures and surgeries

Uterine artery embolization (UAE): A minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink. Many patients see relief from pressure and pain (MedlinePlus).
Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus; effective for symptom relief and preferred when fertility is a goal (ACOG).
Radiofrequency ablation of fibroids: Uses targeted energy to shrink fibroids via laparoscopic or transcervical approaches, typically with shorter recovery (ACOG).
MRI-guided focused ultrasound: Noninvasive ultrasound energy shrinks fibroids under MRI guidance (NIH/NIBIB).
Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus; definitive treatment for fibroids when childbearing is complete (ACOG).

Your individual plan depends on your symptoms, fibroid size and location, future pregnancy goals, and personal preferences. A gynecologist can help you weigh benefits and risks.

When to Seek Care—And Red Flags

See a clinician if leg pain persists, worsens, or interferes with daily activities—especially if you also have heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or urinary symptoms.
Seek urgent care for sudden severe pelvic or back pain, new leg weakness or numbness, uncontrolled bleeding, fever with pelvic pain, or symptoms of a blood clot (leg swelling, warmth, redness, or chest pain/shortness of breath).

Bottom Line

Fibroids can cause leg pain, particularly when they’re large or positioned to press on pelvic nerves and muscles. A careful evaluation can clarify the cause and guide effective treatment—from simple measures and medications to minimally invasive procedures or surgery. If leg pain is affecting your life, don’t wait: talk with a healthcare professional about the full range of options.