Woman Holding Coffee

Severe Menstrual Cramps: A Sign of Uterine Fibroids

Women of all ages are familiar with menstrual cramps – they make your period more difficult and can even interfere with daily activities and your ability to function at school or work. Menstrual cramps often center on the lower abdomen and can radiate to the lower back and inner thighs. Cramps can last up to three days, or longer,  and may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. 

In some cases, though, cramps are far worse than those that normally occur before and during menstruation. Severe menstrual cramps tend to begin earlier and last longer than typical cramps. If you regularly experience severe menstrual cramps, you may have uterine fibroids.

Symptoms of Severe Menstrual Cramps

You may be wondering how to tell the difference between severe menstrual cramps and “normal” menstrual cramps. Although cramps are never pleasant, severe menstrual cramps have a few properties that set them apart. You may have severe menstrual cramps if you experience the following around the time of your period:

  • Pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medication
  • Pain that interferes with your daily activities
  • Pain that is often accompanied by heavy bleeding or clotting
  • Pain that causes nausea or vomiting

Causes of Severe Menstrual Cramps

During your period, contractions of the uterus are triggered by prostaglandins. Those with higher levels of prostaglandins are more likely to experience severe cramps. As the uterus contracts, it can press against nearby blood vessels and cut off the supply of oxygen to muscle tissue. Severe menstrual cramps can be caused by several medical conditions, including:

  • Uterine fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Cervical stenosis
  • Adenomyosis
Consultation for Fibroid Pain
Fibroid Health Assessment Questionnaire

Fill out our questionnaire to find out if you are suffering from fibroids.

How Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Severe Menstrual Cramps?

Cramps occur as a byproduct of the menstrual cycle, but the presence of fibroids can make cramps more severe. There are two main reasons why fibroids cause severe menstrual cramps. Fibroids often cause heavier than normal bleeding, which can be accompanied by blood clots. Blood can spill backwards (retrograde menstruation) from the uterine cavity through your fallopian tubes into the inside lining of the belly, the peritoneal cavity. Blood is very irritating to the insides, causing severe pain. Research suggests that retrograde menstruation is extremely common women and should probably be considered a normal aspect of menstrual function. In general, heavier bleeding is associated with more intense pain, and heavy bleeding is a hallmark symptom of uterine fibroids.

In the case of larger fibroids, pain can occur when fibroids press against adjacent pelvic nerves and organs. This causes increased cramping and pressure that can spread throughout the abdomen, back, buttocks, and legs.

Woman Stomach Pain on Couch

Menstrual Cramp Relief

If you experience severe menstrual cramps on a regular basis, be sure to visit your doctor. They will be able to help determine the cause and choose a treatment plan that is best suited for you. It can be difficult to treat severe menstrual cramps at home, but there are a few methods you can try. Severe menstrual cramps caused by uterine fibroids can be treated with a minimally invasive procedure like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE).

Lifestyle Changes & Medications

Severe menstrual cramps are more difficult to treat than typical menstrual cramps. Some methods that are often suggested to manage cramps include regular exercise throughout each month (especially aerobic exercise), heating pads, stress management, and certain supplements. Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications are often used for cramps but are not as effective when cramps are severe.

UFE Procedure: Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

If uterine fibroids are the cause of your severe menstrual cramps, a minimally invasive-image guided procedure called Uterine Fibroid Embolization may be the best next step for you. During UFE, a small incision is made in the groin or wrist. From there, a thin catheter is inserted into the artery that provides blood to the fibroids. Tiny particles are injected to block blood flow, leading to the shrinkage and death of the fibroids. UFE is a beneficial treatment option as it has a lower risk of complications and a faster recovery time than major surgery.

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What to Expect from UFE

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Reduction of uterine fibroid symptoms
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Improvement in emotional and physical well-being
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Less invasive process
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Lower risk of complications
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Shorter recovery time
Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.

Our Fibroid Specialists

American Fibroid Centers offers patients access to expertise and care from a team of physicians that truly cares about you. Our board-certified specialists are among the nation’s most experienced at treating women with uterine fibroids, and we will work with you to determine the most suitable treatment plan.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

Patients in New York and New Jersey have convenient access to comprehensive fibroid care at American Fibroid Centers. Most of our facilities are accredited by the Joint Commission and staffed with a team of highly-trained physicians. We encourage you to find compassionate treatment for your uterine fibroids at one of our fibroid centers in NY or NJ.

Brooklyn, NY
71 Carroll Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
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Queens, NY
28-18 31st Street
2nd Floor
Queens, NY 11102
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Harlem, NY
505 East 116th Street
Suite 400
Harlem, NY 10029
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West Orange, NJ
347 Mount Pleasant Avenue
Suite 100
West Orange, NJ 07052
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

Love this Dr and staff. They are all kind courteous and professional with excellent medical care. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need.
Sybil Wilkins
Sybil Wilkins
13:05 05 Sep 24
Professional and friendly from my phone call to make an appointment to my visit I felt I was is safe hands not just a number. Everyone was knowledgeable and explained the procedures.
James Mullen
James Mullen
19:47 17 Aug 24
Dr David Mobley was kind right to the point. Explained & solved my issue. The whole staff is professional.
Lizette
Lizette
17:52 03 Aug 24
It’s personal
Ricot Charlot
Ricot Charlot
10:57 03 Jul 24
Sheer perfection. The care and expertise and teamwork are the best I have ever experienced. I’m a former nurse and I recognize and give a shout out to the best!!!!
Barbara Murray
Barbara Murray
16:22 02 May 24
First Impressions are lasting impressions! First, the staff are phenomenal! How is it possible that each and every one of them are incredibly kind, caring, professional, personable and treat you like you are THE most important person in the world!? Well, meet this team for an experience that will make you feel valued as a person, not just as a patient. In walks this amazing Doctor and now you understand why his team are the way they are! They regard each other with the utmost respect, and kindness, and they communicate with each other like family. And as a new patient, I had the honor and pleasure to experience excellence in patient care and concern. I am so very grateful to have found a Doctor who is in my opinion perfect with a team who are exceptional! I’m excited for my next visit, honestly! I write this with a great big Smile on my face!
CC
CC
14:57 24 Apr 24
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT ALL AROUND!!! THANK YOU!!!
Marion Moore
Marion Moore
13:44 17 Apr 24
Excellent, professional, organized and efficient all best describes the service here.
Delsi Cunningham
Delsi Cunningham
17:28 05 Apr 24
Very nice and friendly staff.I was so nervous, they all made me feel relaxed and comfortable.They explained everything to me step by step.
Keith Dickens
Keith Dickens
13:10 02 Apr 24
Excelente servicio es lo mejor que me a pasado gracias a sus buenos tratamiento ya no tengo dolor
The staff are the best. Very elated,with the exceptional care,professionalism, and genuine concern, displayed by all the staff.
Constance Sidberry
Constance Sidberry
03:50 17 Mar 24
I felt very comfortable with him. Excellent bedside manner, proper teaching , and knowledgeable. I highly recommend him!
Jamel Jackson
Jamel Jackson
14:07 27 Feb 24
Yes it was a good place
Carmen Diaz
Carmen Diaz
14:22 20 Feb 24
The absolute BEST Dr!! Detailed, caring & kind! The best medical procedure I’ve ever had from consultation to post procedure, perfect! 10s all around 👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽 many thank yous🙏🏾
Josi W
Josi W
22:04 12 Jan 24
Is good to be with friendly and professional staff at doctor’s offices like this one.
Dr. Joseph Sham and the entire Team were very professional, knowledgeable, informative and had incredible patience with me by answering all my questions and concerns. Great Team…Thank you all! 👍
Marion
Marion
22:17 27 Dec 23
I was treated very well. The staff was very professional and made me feel comfortable. Looking forward to my next visit.
Stephen Lapinsky
Stephen Lapinsky
20:17 20 Dec 23
This experience was great I’m so happy with everything
stephanie suazo
stephanie suazo
22:53 13 Dec 23
I love this place stuff is helpful an they all were nice. I had a wonderful experience Dr Shams was great.
Victoria Pacheco
Victoria Pacheco
22:07 17 Nov 23
Professional services
Ricky Mo
Ricky Mo
22:14 15 Nov 23
I like the doctor they were kind of pretty thorough he says that he could help me he found out the filter in my abdomen from the surgery I had in 1996 has been clogging my blood flow for 25 years and that’s causing the swelling at every other doctor told me was lymphedema it was not lymphedema it caused the lymphedema because no other doctor took the time or care enough to find out the reason for my leg swelling this doctor was the only one who finally found out and he’s going to see if you could put a stent inside the filter to open it up and and stop my legs from swelling hopefully this will all go good it hasn’t happened yet but I’ll keep you posted thankful for this docto I just pray and hope that it works otherwise I like the doctor very much
Mitchell Dedios
Mitchell Dedios
21:01 27 Oct 23
Excellent service , good customer service and friendly staff. Thanks
Raysa Polanco
Raysa Polanco
20:54 27 Oct 23
You may likely have to wait. Avoid anxiety and frustration. Schedule extra time for the visit. Allow for personal attention to your care needs once in the examination room. Friendly, nice staff and doctor puts you at ease. Bottom line: worth the wait!
Sisle
Sisle
21:49 26 Oct 23
Excellent service and staff i’ll let you feel relaxing and comfortable
kadine campbell
kadine campbell
21:01 23 Oct 23
I was given good advice about my blood circulation
Emma Bb
Emma Bb
17:04 08 Oct 23
Dr. Shams office is amazing. Whitney and Angela were AMAZING. Great sense of humor. Staff is WONDERFUL.
Sara Correa
Sara Correa
21:13 18 Sep 23
Nice office, personnel friendly, & caring, good informative information concerning my care.
Loretta Johnson
Loretta Johnson
21:26 22 Aug 23
Really like this doctor, talks in your language, just over all regular nice person.
Linda Thoomey
Linda Thoomey
22:03 21 Jul 23
I’m very satisfied of my visit for the first time, everyone was concerned about me, and Dr David was very patient to listen to my long health stories, after that He gave me good explanation for my problem, that was great 👍
Claude Jean Pierre
Claude Jean Pierre
22:38 18 Jul 23
Follow up to a procedure. Dr Mobley and his staff are great and always helpful
DanLiza Diehl
DanLiza Diehl
21:25 10 Jul 23
David monkey,MD and the grupo are excellent very kind and helpful.i will return to them.the attention.its very satisfied.thank u ..
Luis Sarria
Luis Sarria
12:16 29 Jun 23
I had a good experience with my procedure and Dr. Mobley’s follow-up calls are great. I’ve never had a doctor who has been so concerned about following up after a procedure to see how I’m doing and if there are any post-procedure problems I may have experienced (which there aren’t). I’d highly recommend Dr. Mobley.
Hey Beej
Hey Beej
16:42 23 Jun 23
Dr Mobley was so helpful, informative and made me feel secure in making my future medical plan. Supportive and kind. Highly recommended.
Amanda L Browder
Amanda L Browder
15:57 23 Jun 23
Doctor was very thorough. Explaining what the procedure is all about. Tell me what I could realistically expect. Couldn’t have asked for a better consultation. Highly recommended if you have a prostate issue
John Buric
John Buric
16:26 15 Jun 23
I was very pleased and satisfied on how Dr. David Mobley examined me and explained everything on what I need to know regarding my condition. He’s very professional and knowledgeable in all aspects of his profession. I would highly recommend him to my other friends!
Celine Parcon
Celine Parcon
23:16 07 Jun 23
Dr Shams was very attentive and explained everything in detail. The staff was very nice, the staff/nurse were all so very helpful, It was a Monday morning and I didn’t expect such happy staff.
Stacy Lebeau
Stacy Lebeau
21:22 06 Jun 23
He puts his patients before himself, returning calls and e-mails quickly. Not only is he kind and considerate, he is an excellent physician. I had to have a procedure that requires me to be awake, and he talked me through it and kept me at ease. If I could give him more stars, I would.
Super friendly, tentative, once in the procedure rm the sx staff made you feel comfortable, easy,+ answered all questions. David mobley, MD answered all my questions, very informative, caring. I felt confident in his care
Thais Bini
Thais Bini
21:22 30 May 23
Great doctor. Everyone is so kind and caring. Great place to go
Joan Jurica
Joan Jurica
14:46 30 May 23
Good service!
Veronika Shopina
Veronika Shopina
21:09 24 May 23
There is a friendly atmosphere, fast medical attention and an advanced medical equipment !!!The Staff is very knowledgeable and the best care possibly !!!100 % Satisfied !!!
Cruz Figueroa
Cruz Figueroa
03:06 08 May 23
Whole staff was very friendly and professional. I feel confident that I came to the right place for treatment.
Rudy Padilla
Rudy Padilla
02:08 13 Apr 23
The best in Astoria I recommend Dr mobley and staff 100 percent
michaela1951
michaela1951
21:25 30 Mar 23
Knowledgeable , experienced, great bed side manners
mohamed hamed
mohamed hamed
10:09 30 Mar 23
I am pleased w/my experience @ endovascular. I hope they can save my foot.
Margo A Williams
Margo A Williams
19:19 29 Mar 23
This has been the best medical experience I’ve had in over thirty years. I was nervous to have a procedure after only knowing about my condition a year ago. They made this process so easy for me that I’m in shock that I had no pain, no discomfort thanks to an excellent doctor and professional staff! Thank you all and best of luck to your practice.
Stacey Marius
Stacey Marius
14:16 29 Mar 23
The doctor was very nice and professional. He explained the tests that I need and why I need them.
Judith AndersonNeal
Judith AndersonNeal
22:12 27 Mar 23
This was the best experience I have had in such a long time and I have had quite a few procedures in the past both in patient and out including the procedure I was currently present for. No other surgeon has been so kind, transparent, and gentle. Not only did he personally come out beforehand to provide me with education on my procedure, but he talked me through every step of the way and made me feel so comfortable and relaxed. Not to mention his amazing staff! Despite being extremely nervous they kept me smiling and laughing throughout the whole process. 10/10 would recommend. Thank you so much guys!!
Riah L.
Riah L.
13:49 22 Mar 23
Excellent bedside manners and the procedure was a breeze.
sen-pei hsia
sen-pei hsia
18:26 20 Mar 23
Los mejores/ the best💖🙏
Ruthy Ochoa
Ruthy Ochoa
04:17 03 Mar 23
Excellent, Patience, don’t Rush you to be finished. The Doctor explains everything and answers your questions. I would Recommend Dr.Sham service anytime, they are. Great!
Debra Farmer
Debra Farmer
00:16 01 Mar 23
I went with my mom who just had a hip surgery. The whole team was very caring, nice and very professional. I did appreciate that the surgeon took the time to explain to me what was wrong with my mom’s arm and what he did to fix it.
mouna khalyat
mouna khalyat
14:37 24 Feb 23
Very good and very responsive.
James Young
James Young
19:33 22 Feb 23
Although I didn’t meet with the doctor, the receptionist, assistant and nurse were great.
Theresa Gaines
Theresa Gaines
13:25 13 Feb 23
Every thing and the process are being done properly ..Terissa you are very Carey ..thank you so much every body are very polite and very professional.. Thank you so much to Dr.Mobley..God blessed you all .🙏🙏🙏👍
Remigio Ruda
Remigio Ruda
03:28 31 Jan 23
Very knowledgeable, personable and professional. I came to Dr. Mobley to correct another surgeons work and I was pleased with the outcome. There is a Hispanic woman that runs things in the O.R.She is great! The whole staff is wonderful and caring.Highly recommend
Lakesha Kingdom
Lakesha Kingdom
15:57 17 Jan 23
I had a wonderful PA take care of me, & the nurses were very sweet. I was happy with my visit
Aurora Anello
Aurora Anello
19:20 10 Jan 23
Everything always goes well.staff are very caring.
Lillian Rodriguez
Lillian Rodriguez
19:00 11 Dec 22
Excellent Doctor he explains the procedure process so that it is understandable and comfortable for the patient!
T. J.
T. J.
14:48 06 Dec 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

Why Are My Uterine Fibroids Growing
Schedule an Appointment

Schedule an appointment at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.