Fibroids Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Fibroids are a common women’s health concern in Grand Rapids and across Michigan. Understanding your options can help you make informed decisions and know when to see a gynecologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health.

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids (also called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas) are non‑cancerous growths that develop in the muscle wall of the uterus (womb). They can:

  • Be as small as a pea or large enough to resemble a melon
  • Occur as a single growth or multiple growths
  • Grow inside the uterine cavity, within the uterine wall, or on the outside surface of the uterus

Fibroids are very common. It’s estimated that up to 70% of women under age 50 will develop fibroids at some point, although many never have symptoms.

After menopause, fibroids often shrink and may disappear as hormone levels fall.

How Common Are Fibroid Symptoms?

About 20–30% of Women Have Symptoms

While many fibroids cause no problems, about 20–30% of women experience symptoms that affect their daily life. In Grand Rapids, this can be especially noticeable when heavy periods and anemia leave you feeling exhausted during our long Michigan winters.

Common symptoms include:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding (soaking pads or tampons, passing clots)
  • Periods that last longer than 7 days
  • Painful periods (cramping, pelvic pain)
  • Bleeding or spotting between periods
  • Iron deficiency or anemia (feeling tired, weak, or dizzy)
  • Pain during sex
  • A feeling of heaviness, fullness, or pressure in the lower abdomen
  • Low back pain or pelvic pressure
  • Frequent urination or feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder
  • Constipation or a feeling of not fully emptying your bowels
  • Visible or felt swelling in the lower abdomen

Because winter in West Michigan can already contribute to fatigue and low energy, untreated anemia from heavy bleeding may feel even more intense. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk with your Grand Rapids primary care provider or gynecologist.

Can Fibroids Affect Pregnancy?

Fibroids do not always cause fertility problems, but they can in some cases. Depending on their size and location, fibroids may:

  • Make it harder to get pregnant
  • Increase the risk of miscarriage
  • Increase the risk of premature labor or birth
  • Cause pain or pressure during pregnancy

If you are trying to conceive or planning a pregnancy in Grand Rapids, ask your OB‑GYN whether fibroid testing or treatment is recommended before or during pregnancy.

What Causes Fibroids?

The exact cause of fibroids is not fully understood. However, we know that:

  • Fibroids are sensitive to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone
  • These hormones stimulate fibroid growth
  • Fibroids tend to grow during the reproductive years (when hormone levels are higher)
  • They often shrink after menopause, when hormone levels fall

Risk Factors for Fibroids

You may have a higher risk of developing fibroids if you:

  • Have a family history of fibroids (mother or sisters)
  • Started your periods at an early age
  • Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Are overweight or have obesity
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Are of African American descent (fibroids tend to be more common and more severe)

In Grand Rapids and Kent County, obesity and high blood pressure are relatively common health concerns. Managing your weight, blood pressure, and overall health with your local healthcare team may help lower your risk or reduce symptoms.

Getting a Fibroid Diagnosis in Grand Rapids

Why Diagnosis Matters

It’s important to get a clear diagnosis if you have heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pressure. Other conditions, such as endometriosis or uterine cancer, can cause similar symptoms. A precise diagnosis helps your provider recommend the safest and most effective treatment.

In Grand Rapids, fibroids can be evaluated by:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • A gynecologist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Women’s health clinics and OB‑GYN practices throughout Kent County

How Fibroids Are Diagnosed

Your provider will usually start with a medical history, symptom review, and pelvic exam. They may then recommend one or more of the following tests:

  • Transabdominal ultrasound
    An external ultrasound done on your abdomen to look at the uterus and ovaries.

  • Transvaginal ultrasound
    An ultrasound probe is placed gently in the vagina. This test is often more accurate than an external ultrasound for seeing fibroids and their exact location.

  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
    An MRI can give very detailed images of the uterus and fibroids, helping guide treatment decisions.

  • Hysteroscopy
    A thin telescope with a camera (hysteroscope) is passed through the vagina and cervix into the uterus to look directly inside the uterine cavity.

  • Laparoscopy (keyhole surgery)
    Under general anesthesia, a thin telescope is inserted through a small cut near the belly button to view the uterus and pelvic organs.

These tests are available through major hospital systems in Grand Rapids and many outpatient imaging centers in West Michigan.

Managing and Treating Fibroids

Treatment depends on:

  • Your symptoms
  • The size, number, and location of the fibroids
  • Your age and overall health
  • Whether you want to become pregnant in the future

Your Grand Rapids gynecologist will help you weigh the benefits and risks of each option.

1. Monitoring (“Watchful Waiting”)

If your fibroids are:

  • Small
  • Not causing symptoms
  • Or causing only mild symptoms

Your doctor may recommend regular monitoring rather than immediate treatment. This may include:

  • Periodic pelvic exams
  • Occasional ultrasounds to check fibroid size and growth
  • Tracking your symptoms (bleeding, pain, pressure)

This approach is common for women nearing menopause, when fibroids may naturally shrink.

2. Medical (Non‑Surgical) Treatment

Medications can help control symptoms or temporarily shrink fibroids. Options may include:

  • Hormonal birth control (pills, patch, ring, hormonal IUD)
    Can reduce heavy bleeding and cramping, though they may not shrink fibroids significantly.

  • Progesterone‑only medications
    May help control bleeding.

  • GnRH agonists or antagonists
    These medications lower estrogen levels temporarily, which can shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding. They are often used short‑term, for example before surgery.

  • Nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    Such as ibuprofen, to help with pain and cramping.

  • Iron supplements
    To treat or prevent anemia from heavy bleeding.

These medications are commonly prescribed by OB‑GYNs and primary care providers in Grand Rapids. Keep in mind that when you stop certain hormone therapies, fibroids may grow again.

3. Radiological (Non‑Surgical) Procedures

Some women can avoid major surgery with minimally invasive radiology treatments. In Grand Rapids, these are typically performed by interventional radiologists at large hospital systems.

Common options include:

  • Uterine artery embolization (UAE or UFE)

    • A small catheter is inserted into an artery in your groin or wrist.
    • Tiny particles are injected to block the blood supply to the fibroids.
    • Without blood flow, fibroids shrink over time.
    • This is usually done under sedation or light anesthesia and does not require large incisions.

  • MRI‑guided focused ultrasound

    • Uses high‑intensity ultrasound waves, guided by MRI, to heat and destroy fibroid tissue.
    • Only suitable for certain types and locations of fibroids.
    • Availability may be limited; ask your Grand Rapids provider if this option is offered locally or through referral.

Radiological treatments can be a good option for women who want to avoid major surgery but are not planning future pregnancies, although this depends on individual circumstances.

4. Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be recommended if:

  • Fibroids are very large or numerous
  • You have severe symptoms that don’t improve with other treatments
  • Fertility is affected
  • There is concern about another uterine condition

Types of surgery include:

Myomectomy (Fibroid Removal)

A myomectomy removes fibroids while preserving the uterus. It can be done in different ways:

  • Hysteroscopic myomectomy

    • Performed through the vagina and cervix using a hysteroscope
    • Best for fibroids inside the uterine cavity

  • Laparoscopic (keyhole) myomectomy

    • Several small incisions in the abdomen
    • A camera and instruments are used to remove fibroids

  • Open (abdominal) myomectomy

    • A larger incision in the lower abdomen
    • Used for very large or numerous fibroids

Myomectomy may be recommended if you want to maintain or improve your chances of pregnancy.

Hysterectomy (Removal of the Uterus)

If you have large or multiple fibroids, are finished having children, or other treatments haven’t worked, your specialist may recommend a hysterectomy.

  • Removes the uterus (and sometimes the cervix and/or ovaries, depending on your situation)
  • Permanently ends periods and the ability to become pregnant
  • Can be done through the vagina, with laparoscopy, or through an abdominal incision

Hysterectomy is a major decision. Your Grand Rapids gynecologist will discuss:

  • Recovery time
  • Long‑term effects
  • Alternatives, if any
  • How it may affect your hormones, sexual health, and overall well‑being

Living With Fibroids in Grand Rapids

Fibroid symptoms can be especially challenging in a climate like West Michigan’s, where:

  • Long, dark winters can worsen fatigue and low mood
  • Icy conditions may limit outdoor activity and exercise
  • Seasonal changes can make it harder to keep regular medical appointments

To manage your health:

  • Keep regular check‑ups with your primary care provider or OB‑GYN
  • Treat anemia early with diet changes and iron supplements if recommended
  • Maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure
  • Stay active indoors during winter (home workouts, gym, walking at malls or indoor tracks)
  • Track your periods and symptoms with a calendar or app

Local Resources for Fibroid Care in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you may have fibroids, you can start by contacting:

  • Your primary care provider or family doctor
  • Local OB‑GYN practices affiliated with:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

Public health resources:

  • Kent County Health Department – information on women’s health, screening, and local clinics
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – may help connect you to low‑cost or sliding‑scale care if you are uninsured or underinsured

If you need a specialist, ask for a referral to a gynecologist or interventional radiologist experienced in fibroid management.

Key Points About Fibroids

  • Fibroids are non‑cancerous growths of the uterus and are very common in women under 50.
  • About 20–30% of women have symptoms such as heavy or painful periods, anemia, and pelvic pressure.
  • Certain factors, including family history, early first period, PCOS, obesity, and high blood pressure, increase fibroid risk.
  • Diagnosis may include ultrasound, MRI, hysteroscopy, or laparoscopy.
  • Treatment options in Grand Rapids range from monitoring and medications to radiological procedures and surgery (myomectomy or hysterectomy).
  • It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss all options with a qualified Grand Rapids healthcare provider to choose the best plan for you.