If you have fibroids and feel like your emotions have been all over the place lately, you are not imagining it. Many women who live with fibroids report irritability, anxiety, frustration, low mood, and emotional ups and downs. While fibroids are best known for causing heavy periods, pelvic pressure, bloating, and pain, they can also affect daily life in ways that influence mental and emotional well-being.
Understanding the link between uterine fibroids and mood swings often starts with looking at the symptoms fibroids create, how hormones may play a role, and how ongoing discomfort can wear you down over time.
What Are Mood Swings?
Most women are familiar with mood swings—a common symptom of menstruation that can make you more moody or emotional. There is no one direct cause of fibroids, however research suggest that levels of certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen may play a role in fibroid growth. The fluctuation of hormones during fibroid growth may cause mood swings.
Can Uterine Fibroids Cause Mood Swings?
Fibroids do not directly “cause” mood swings in the same way a mental health condition might. However, they may contribute to emotional changes through several related factors, including:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Fatigue from iron deficiency anemia
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Poor sleep
- Stress about symptoms or fertility concerns
- Changes in confidence or quality of life
For many women, it is not one symptom alone. It is the combined physical and emotional burden of dealing with fibroids every month.
How Hormones May Affect Mood
Fibroids are hormone-responsive growths that are influenced by estrogen and progesterone. These same hormones can also affect neurotransmitters in the brain that help regulate mood.
That means hormonal shifts tied to your menstrual cycle may sometimes feel more intense when fibroid symptoms are already present. Some women notice they feel more emotional, irritable, or anxious before or during their period.
Signs Hormones May Be Contributing
You may notice mood changes alongside:
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Cramping
- Heavy bleeding
- Increased irritability before your cycle
Heavy Bleeding, Anemia, and Emotional Health
One of the most common fibroid symptoms is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. Over time, this can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which happens when your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
Anemia can affect more than energy levels. It may also contribute to:
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Low motivation
- Feeling emotionally drained
When you are exhausted all the time, everyday stress can feel harder to manage.
Chronic Pain and Irritability
Living with ongoing discomfort can impact mood. Pelvic pain, lower back pain, pressure, bloating, and cramping can make it difficult to focus, relax, or enjoy normal activities.
When pain becomes a regular part of life, it may lead to:
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased stress
- Feeling overwhelmed
Pain and mood often influence each other. The more discomfort you feel, the harder it may be to stay emotionally balanced.
Uterine Fibroid Signs and Symptoms
Uterine fibroids may not always cause symptoms, and not every case of fibroids needs treatment. If you experience symptoms like frequent urination, abdominal cramping, or excessive menstrual bleeding, it could be due to uterine fibroids. Many women often struggle with fibroid symptoms because they think they are normal symptoms of PMS. Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of menstruation; however, the pain shouldn’t be so severe that you have to miss work or cancel plans.
Emotional Impact of Fibroids
Fibroids can affect more than the body. They may also impact relationships, work, intimacy, social plans, and confidence.
Some women feel stressed about:
- Unpredictable bleeding
- Needing to plan around their cycle
- Concerns about fertility
- Looking bloated or swollen
- Missing events due to symptoms
- Fear of surgery or treatment decisions
These experiences are real and valid. Emotional symptoms deserve attention just like physical ones.
When to Talk to a Doctor
If fibroid symptoms are affecting your mood, it may be time for a medical evaluation. A doctor can help determine whether fibroids, anemia, hormone changes, stress, or another health issue may be contributing.
Seek care if you have:
- Heavy periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Mood swings that disrupt daily life
- Symptoms that keep getting worse
Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatment
There a variety of different procedures to choose from for fibroid treatment. If you do not plan on having children, or you are menopausal, a hysterectomy can be an effective option for treatment. However, many women want to avoid this option as it is an expensive, intense surgery that requires a hospital stay and long recovery. If you are looking for an affordable solution for your uterine fibroid symptoms, at USA Fibroid Centers we offer a procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).
UFE is a non-surgical fibroid treatment procedure that we conduct in our outpatient clinics. This affordable fibroid treatment option preserves the uterus and allows for a quick recovery. UFE is 90% effective at relieving fibroid symptoms, and many women who undergo UFE go on to get pregnant.
Contact Us
If you are interested in getting UFE for fibroid treatment, give us a call at 855.615.2555 to set up your initial consultation. Our treatment is covered by most insurance providers, contact us if you would like to verify your coverage before you schedule. To ensure that our quality fibroid care is accessible to any women in need, we have several clinics at locations nationwide.