Should I call my Doctor?

[my3reasonsy]

I am 38 and have fibroids.  My last annual was Feb 06. Normal results.  My obgyn told me the fibroids have grown and may continue to grow and may cause problems.  He said I may need to have something done, but did not say what.  I have always had long(7-10days) and heavy periods, but regular and little pain. I also have to go to the bathroom a lot, usually at night.  For the past two months I have had pain and spotting between periods.  My last period started on May 6 and ended May 16.  I started spotting May 18 and have started bleeding again today May 21.  I have been cramping and have dizziness.  I have noticed the dizziness for about a week now.  I also have had to go to the bathroom every hour for the past 2 days. I really don't think I can take this if this is how things are going to be from now on.  This has only been since April, could all of this be because of the fibroids? If so, what can be done?  I have had 3 kids and no plans for any more.  Could it be something else? I normally see my doc each Feb., should I call him or wait til next yr.? Maybe wait a few months?  Thank you for your time & information.

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

A. The main issue with fibroids is whether or not they are causing you a problem and if they are continuing to grow.  Nothing has to be done just because they are there. It sounds like they are causing you a problem.

Given your history, first get a pregnancy test.  Enlarged fibroids and spotting might be a sign of pregnancy. It is also possibly a cause of dizziness. But low blood count (anemia) can also be caused by fibroids and cause dizziness, so it is important to also get a complete blood count (CBC).  If your fibroids get large enough, they can press on your bladder and make you feel like you have to go to the bathroom more often.

Treatment for fibroids vary depending on their size, the patient's history and the patient's desires/choices.  Sometimes the fibroids are removed by surgery – either just removing the fibroids or sometimes if there are too many, removing the uterus.  Sometimes fibroids are treated by medication – medications like lupron or continuously taking birth control pills. There are other medications as well.  Sometimes fibroids are removed by radiology procedures where the blood supply to them is clogged off using catheters that inject medication.  There are many choices.

Since your symptoms are worsening, you should go back to see your doctor.  Hear him or her out and see if you are comfortable with what they say. If not, consider a second opinion with another doctor who does a lot of work with fibroids.  Then you can decide what is best for you.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD