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Self-reported heavy bleeding associated with uterine leiomyomata.
Ganesa Wegienka1, Donna Day Baird, Irva Hertz-Picciotto
1Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina School of Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA. wegienka@niehs.nih.gov
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 15, 2003
Summary
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomata) increase the risk of heavy menstrual bleeding, with risk escalating with fibroid size. This study found non-submucosal fibroids pose a similar bleeding risk as submucosal fibroids.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Women's Health
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Uterine leiomyomata, commonly known as fibroids, are prevalent benign tumors in women of reproductive age.
- Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common symptom associated with uterine leiomyomata, impacting quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the size and location of uterine leiomyomata.
- To determine the relationship between self-reported bleeding symptoms and uterine leiomyoma characteristics.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 910 premenopausal women aged 35-49 in the Washington, DC area were screened.
- Ultrasound imaging assessed uterine leiomyoma size and location.
- Telephone interviews collected data on heavy bleeding symptoms, including gushing, long menses, and pad/tampon usage.
Main Results:
- Women with leiomyomata reported significantly more gushing-type bleeding compared to those without.
- The risk of heavy bleeding increased proportionally with leiomyoma size, with large fibroids (>5 cm) showing a nearly 2.5-fold increased risk.
- Nonsubmucosal leiomyomata were associated with heavy bleeding to a similar extent as submucosal leiomyomata of comparable size.
Conclusions:
- Uterine leiomyoma size is a significant factor in the risk of heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Contrary to previous beliefs, the location of fibroids (nonsubmucosal vs. submucosal) does not appear to differentially affect the risk of heavy bleeding.
- These findings highlight the importance of fibroid size in managing bleeding symptoms.