For many women, periods are already challenging, but when you add uterine fibroids, symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, bloating, and fatigue can become almost unbearable. Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that affect an estimated 70% of women by age 50 (NIH, 2021).
While every woman’s experience is different, there are effective strategies (both medical and natural) that can help reduce fibroid symptoms during your menstrual cycle.
This article combines insights from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the FDA, and holistic wellness practices to give you actionable steps for relief.
1. Manage Heavy Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common and frustrating fibroid symptoms. According to the NIH, fibroids can increase blood flow and extend period length.
- Iron Support: Heavy bleeding often leads to anemia. Adding iron-rich foods (leafy greens, beans, lentils) or iron supplements can help restore energy.
- Herbal Support: Teas with red raspberry leaf, nettle, or Scratch’s Fibroid Relief Blend may help tone the uterus and reduce bleeding.
- Medical Support: The FDA notes medications like tranexamic acid or hormonal therapy can temporarily reduce bleeding, but natural approaches can complement these treatments.
2. Reduce Cramping and Pain
Fibroids can intensify cramps due to uterine contractions.
- Heat Therapy: Heating pads or warm baths relax pelvic muscles.
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Omega-3s (chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts) help decrease inflammation.
- Herbs & Natural Remedies: Ginger and turmeric teas have anti-inflammatory properties supported by NIH-reviewed studies.
3. Ease Bloating and Pressure
Fibroids can cause bloating, abdominal fullness, and even bladder pressure during menstruation.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water reduces fluid retention.
- Limit Salt & Processed Foods: Helps minimize bloating and water retention.
- Herbal Options: Sea moss and dandelion root tea may support digestion and reduce bloating.
4. Support Energy & Combat Fatigue
Menstrual fatigue is common, but it’s often worse with fibroids.
- Prioritize Sleep & Rest: Hormonal balance depends on quality sleep.
- Adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha may support stress and energy levels.
- Nutrient Support: Vitamin B12 and magnesium are important for cellular energy.
5. When to See a Doctor
While natural strategies are effective, it’s important to seek medical guidance if you experience:
- Severe bleeding (soaking through pads/tampons in under 1 hour)
- Pelvic pain unrelieved by self-care
- Symptoms of anemia (dizziness, extreme fatigue, fainting)
According to the FDA, medical therapies and procedures are available if symptoms significantly impact your quality of life. Combining natural and medical approaches often gives the best results.
Recommendation
Fibroids don’t have to control your period. By combining nutritional support, herbal remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical guidance, you can significantly reduce painful symptoms and feel more in control of your cycle.
Scratch’s herbal teas and tonics are designed to support women naturally during their periods—helping manage heavy bleeding, bloating, and fatigue.
Take the next step:
- Shop Scratch Fibroid Relief Teas & Tonics
- Join Our Fibroid Healing Community
Sources
NIH – National Library of Medicine (NLM):
- Uterine Fibroids Fact Sheet: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/uterine
- Prevalence of Fibroids in Women: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3608270/
NIH – Office on Women’s Health (OWH):
-
Uterine Fibroids Overview: https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
FDA – Uterine Fibroids Treatments:
- Medical Devices & Procedures for Fibroids: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/uterine-fibroids-what-you-need-know
NIH / NCBI – Nutrition & Herbal Support:
- Green Tea Extract & Fibroids (EGCG Study): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24738567/
- Ginger & Dysmenorrhea (NIH study on pain reduction): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26177393/