Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation
Published on: January 17, 2019
Uterine fibroids--do size and location determine menstrual blood loss?
Suzanna Sulaiman1, Aradhana Khaund, Nigel McMillan
1Division of Developmental Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
Objective:
To investigate any potential effect of fibroid size and distribution on menstrual blood loss (MBL).
Study Design:
Retrospective comparative study of 50 women with symptomatic fibroids who underwent uterine imaging and objective MBL measurement prior to uterine artery embolisation between 1999 and 2002.
Setting:
West of Scotland Gynaecology and radiology departments.
Method:
Uterine imaging was by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in all but one case and MBL was performed using the alkaline haematin technique. Fibroid characteristics were assessed by an experienced radiologist unaware of the MBL measurements.
Results:
Thirty-three (66%) women had objective menorrhagia with a MBL in excess of 80 ml per period. The commonest location of fibroids was intramural; these particular fibroids also had the largest diameter and the greatest uterine volume. There was a negative relationship between MBL and the diameter of the largest fibroid (r = -0.419, P < 0.01). All but two women (both of whom had subserosal fibroids alone) demonstrated distortion of the uterine cavity. All women with submucosal fibroids presented with menorrhagia.
Conclusion:
This study found that MBL correlated with neither fibroid size nor location. However, all the women with sub-mucosal fibroids had menorrhagia with a MBL greater than 80 ml.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Uterine Tubes
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Menses Phase
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
Histology of the Uterus
The endometrium is the...
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

