Do you notice that your period is becoming heavier or lasting longer? Although fibroids are common, oncologist Dr. Dabas explains when they could indicate early uterine cancer.
Have you recently noticed that your period has become heavier, lasts longer, or is accompanied by unexpected cramps? Many assume it’s just fibroids, which are common, but sometimes these changes can indicate something more serious. While fibroids are usually harmless, they can sometimes mask early signs of uterine cancer.
Dr Surender Kumar Dabas, Head, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Center and Onco Robotic Surgery, North West Group, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi, shares what to look for and when to get checked out. (Read also: Bengaluru doctors share how 64-year-old woman beat aggressive breast cancer; Detect common symptoms and prevention tips )
When heavy bleeding indicates a deeper problem
““When menstruation becomes unmanageable, or bleeding occurs at unexpected times, this indicates that the uterine lining may not be working properly,” says Dr. Surender.
Dr. Dabas says that monitoring certain changes in the body can help determine when a heavy period is more than just a minor inconvenience:
- Irregular spotting: Bleeding that occurs between periods or after menopause is a big red flag. This happens because the uterine lining is shed abnormally, which is a common feature of early-stage cancer.
- Pressure and bloating in the pelvic area: Persistent heaviness in the lower abdomen can be caused by the physical size of fibroids or an inflammatory response to a more serious disease.
- Constant spasm: Severe pain that does not go away often indicates that the uterus is trying to expel abnormal tissue or tumors.
- Changes in flow duration: Periods that last much longer than seven days indicate that the walls of the uterus are not healing properly during the cycle.
- Fatigue resulting from blood loss: Extreme fatigue can result from anemia caused by heavy bleeding, masking the underlying cause of the blood loss itself.
How dangerous is heavy bleeding?
According to the American Cancer Society, uterine cancer is the most common type of cancer of the female reproductive organs, and early detection greatly improves the chances of a successful recovery.
““When these symptoms are detected early, the first line of treatment usually involves hormone therapy or specialized medications designed to shrink growth and regulate the uterine lining,” says Dr. Dabas. “If the growth turns out to be cancerous or if the bleeding becomes life-threatening, surgery may be needed. This can include a myomectomy, which removes only the fibroids, or a hysterectomy, which involves the complete removal of the uterus to ensure all diseased tissue is gone. In some cases, a lymph node dissection is also performed to check the spread of the disease.
How to protect yourself
Staying aware of changes in your menstrual cycle is the most effective way to prevent a serious illness from going unnoticed. “While the majority of heavy periods are caused by benign fibroids, assuming they are harmless without a professional medical examination is a big risk. “Early action changes the entire course of recovery, turning a potentially serious diagnosis into a manageable condition. By tracking symptoms and seeking help the moment the cycle changes, it becomes possible to ensure that a serious condition is not hiding behind a common condition.“
Prioritizing these physical signs ensures that the body stays healthy and addresses any problems before they have a chance to progress.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions about a medical condition.
Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with more than 3 years of experience. She is a graduate in Psychology and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from IIMC, Delhi. She writes about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from on-trend styles to wellness routines. She loves having candid conversations with celebrities, doctors, designers, and movie personalities about fitness, beauty, and everything fun in between. With her keen eye for trends and a strong love of storytelling, she adds a personal and thoughtful touch to everything she writes. When she’s not working, she can usually be found lost in a book or on a hike in the mountains.Read more
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