Welcome to Quick Hits, where we bring you the most impactful moments from past episodes in under 15 minutes.

Today’s clip comes from one of our most replayed conversations.

Maybe you have experience with fibroids, or maybe you do not even really know what they are yet. Either way, this conversation matters.

Fibroids are incredibly common. It is estimated that up to 75 to 80 percent of women may develop fibroids during their lifetime, and many women have them without even knowing they are there.

They are also highly prevalent in perimenopause, which is when many women start noticing heavier periods, more pelvic pressure, bloating, pain, worsening PMS, and new urinary symptoms.

In this episode, we talk about what fibroids are, how they may affect your body and hormones, what symptoms to watch for, and what you can do to better understand, prevent, or reduce the growth of uterine fibroids.

This is especially important because fibroids are not just a “period problem.” They can affect bleeding, iron levels, fertility, pelvic pain, bladder symptoms, sex, and overall quality of life.

And no, you should not have to just suffer through it because “that’s normal for women.”

In This Episode, We Cover:

• What uterine fibroids are and why they are so common
• Which age group is most likely to be diagnosed with fibroids
• Why fibroids are especially common in perimenopause
• The hormones that influence fibroid growth
• Common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids
• Where women may feel pain or pressure from fibroids
• How fibroids can affect periods, bleeding, fertility, and quality of life
• What to do if you think you may have fibroids
• Common urinary symptoms associated with fibroids
• Why painful intercourse may be a sign of fibroids
• Important contributing factors behind fibroid development and growth
• Which hormone fibroids are most sensitive to
• Why xenoestrogens may matter and how to reduce exposure
• Which vitamin may be important for fibroid prevention
• Why certain peptides may not be appropriate for women with a history of fibroids

Why Fibroids Matter in Perimenopause

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. Some women have fibroids and never experience symptoms, while others deal with heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, bloating, urinary symptoms, painful sex, or fertility challenges.

During perimenopause, fibroid symptoms can become more noticeable because hormones are fluctuating. Estrogen can become more erratic, progesterone may decline, ovulation may become less consistent, and bleeding patterns can change.

This is why some women suddenly experience heavier periods, more clotting, worsening cramps, or pressure that they did not have before.

Fibroids, Heavy Periods and Low Iron

One of the most common signs of fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding.

This can show up as flooding, large clots, bleeding through pads or tampons quickly, longer periods, or bleeding that disrupts your life.

Over time, heavy bleeding can contribute to low iron, low ferritin, or anemia. This can leave women feeling exhausted, weak, cold, dizzy, short of breath, foggy, or completely depleted.

If your periods have become heavier in perimenopause, do not ignore it. Heavy bleeding deserves evaluation.

Fibroids, Estrogen and Xenoestrogens

Fibroids are hormonally responsive, which means hormones can influence their growth.

Estrogen is often discussed because fibroids can be estrogen-sensitive, but the bigger picture may also include progesterone, insulin, inflammation, detoxification, metabolic health, and environmental exposures.

Xenoestrogens are chemicals that can mimic or interfere with estrogen activity in the body. They may be found in certain plastics, pesticides, synthetic fragrances, cleaning products, air fresheners, scented candles, and some personal care products.

If you have a history of fibroids, reducing avoidable endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be a smart place to start.

This Episode Is For You If:

• You have been diagnosed with uterine fibroids
• You suspect you may have fibroids
• You are in perimenopause and your periods have become heavier
• You have clotting, pelvic pressure, bloating, or painful periods
• You struggle with low iron, low ferritin, or anemia
• You have frequent urination, bladder pressure, constipation, or painful sex
• You want to understand how hormones, insulin, xenoestrogens, vitamin D, and peptides may relate to fibroids

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FAQ Section

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They can be small and symptom-free, or they can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, pressure, urinary symptoms, and fertility challenges.

Are fibroids common in perimenopause?

Yes. Fibroids are common in women in their 30s and 40s, and symptoms may become more noticeable in perimenopause because of hormonal fluctuations and changes in menstrual bleeding.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Common fibroid symptoms include heavy periods, long periods, clotting, pelvic pressure, bloating, low back pain, painful sex, frequent urination, constipation, fertility challenges, and fatigue from low iron.

Can fibroids cause heavy periods?

Yes. Fibroids can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding, flooding, clotting, and bleeding between periods. This can sometimes lead to low iron, low ferritin, or anemia.

Can fibroids cause frequent urination?

Yes. Depending on their size and location, fibroids can press on the bladder and cause frequent urination, urgency, bladder pressure, or difficulty fully emptying the bladder.

Can fibroids cause painful sex?

Yes. Fibroids can contribute to painful intercourse, especially if they create pelvic pressure, uterine tenderness, or pain depending on their location.

What hormones affect fibroid growth?

Fibroids are hormonally responsive. Estrogen is often discussed because fibroids can be estrogen-sensitive, but progesterone, insulin, inflammation, and other growth signals may also play a role.

What should I do if I think I have fibroids?

If you think you may have fibroids, talk to your healthcare provider and ask whether a pelvic ultrasound is appropriate. If you have heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, bladder pressure, anemia symptoms, or fertility concerns, do not ignore it.