The short explanation
Fibroids usually shrink after menopause, because they depend on oestrogen. So for many women, heavy bleeding from fibroids does settle once periods stop for good. The difficulty is that perimenopause can last several years, and bleeding can sometimes get heavier during that time. Whether to wait or treat depends on how much the bleeding affects you, whether you are becoming anaemic, the size and position of the fibroids, and how close you seem to menopause.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Treatment options range from medicines that reduce bleeding, to a hormonal coil, to procedures that remove fibroids or the womb lining, and in some cases hysterectomy. Your gynaecologist can explain which suit your situation.
- Heavy bleeding can cause anaemia, which brings tiredness, breathlessness and dizziness. A haemoglobin test is useful.
- If you choose to wait, regular reviews help make sure the bleeding is not causing harm.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell how long your bleeding will continue or which treatment suits you. Your gynaecologist knows your scan results and history.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- How close do you think I am to menopause?
- Do I need treatment now, or is it reasonable to wait?
- Should my haemoglobin be checked?
- What treatment options are there for my fibroids?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Emergency — call 112 now
- Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you are soaking through pads very quickly, feel faint or collapse.
Get help the same day
- Get care the same day if heavy bleeding comes with dizziness, breathlessness or a racing heart.
Book an appointment soon
- See your doctor within a few days if bleeding is getting heavier or you feel very tired.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Uterine fibroids MedlinePlus (NIH)
- Menopause NHS
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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