It’s no secret that periods can sometimes be stressful, but when you have uterine fibroids, it takes the stress to the next level.
You may need more frequent bathroom breaks or struggle with the unpredictability of your symptoms. Or maybe it’s the fatigue that lingers long after your cycle ends that adds to your stress during the day. When uterine fibroids are part of the picture, your schedule and your peace of mind can all take a hit.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin trying to manage symptoms and keep up with your daily life, that response is completely valid. That’s why the Fresno Fibroid Center team is focusing on all things related to stress management this month.
Read on as we share four practical ways to reduce stress while addressing its underlying cause.
Fibroids affect your reproductive system, but they also influence how you move through your day. You may find yourself:
When these patterns repeat month after month, stress can build quickly.
There’s no denying that symptomatic fibroids are stressful, but these strategies can help:
Stress often comes from uncertainty. (That’s true for stress in general!) So, when you understand your symptoms and prepare for them, you regain a sense of control.
Start by tracking your cycle and noting patterns in bleeding, pain, and energy levels. Make small adjustments on heavier days. For example, if you usually have a heavier flow on day two of your period, you may choose not to schedule much on those days.
You might also want to keep a period emergency kit in your purse or at your desk at work. Stock your kit with extra underwear (or even period underwear), pads, tampons, a small package of wipes, pain relief medication, and a plastic bag (for any soiled garments).
If possible, fold an extra pair of leggings in your period kit.
That way, if you experience any leaks from a heavy period, you’ll have what you need. Simply having this kit can help remove the stress of “What will I do if I have a period leak at work?”
Just as important, take time to learn about your treatment options so you can make informed decisions rather than reactive ones.
Physical symptoms and mental stress are closely connected. When your body is depleted, everything feels harder. Not to mention, chronic pain (including painful period cramps) can impact your mental health.
Focus on habits that help restore your mental health and physical health baseline:
These steps won’t eliminate fibroids, but they can make your day-to-day experience more manageable.
If you’re struggling with iron-deficiency anemia, a common complication from heavy periods month after month, make sure you take your iron supplement if directed to do so.
You don’t need to navigate fibroids on your own. Having the right medical guidance from our team at Fresno Fibroid Center can significantly reduce both symptoms and the stress of unmanaged fibroids.
Dr. Benjamin Pruett, Dr. Sean Tower, Dr. Brian Ng, and Dr. Ashkan Behzadi take a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to your care. They evaluate your symptoms, explain your options clearly, and help you move forward with a treatment plan that fits your goals.
Coping strategies are helpful, but long-term relief often comes from treating the fibroids themselves.
Minimally invasive options, such as uterine fibroid embolization, can reduce heavy bleeding, shrink fibroids, and improve your overall quality of life, all without major surgery. When your symptoms improve, the mental load that comes with them often lifts as well.
If you’re ready to manage fibroids for good, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Benjamin Pruett, Dr. Sean Tower, Dr. Brian Ng, or Dr. Ashkan Behzadi at Fresno Fibroid Center. We’ll review all of your treatment options with you and help you find the path forward that treats your fibroids and fibroid-related stress at the same time.
To schedule a consultation with our team, click here or call us at 559-216-0746.
