Does Uterine Fibroid Embolisation Affect Your Menstrual Cycle?

If you’re considering a non surgical procedure like Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE), a major concern may be how the procedure affects your menstrual cycle. The good news: UFE and menstrual cycle changes are positive for most women. Periods usually return within 3–4 weeks and mainly become lighter, shorter, and far less painful as fibroids shrink.

In this article, we’ll cover the changes in your body you should expect after your UFE procedure. We’ll explore hormonal changes, flow patterns, and long-term UFE effects. This should alleviate any anxiety you may have about the treatment.

A bit of spotting or irregular bleeding in the first month or two is common and simply reflects your uterus adjusting after treatment. This normally settles quickly.

UFE and Hormones: Will My Hormonal Balance Change?

UFE targets the fibroids, not your hormone-producing system. This means UFE and hormones rarely interact in ways that disturb menstrual regularity, especially for women under 45, whose ovarian function remains stable.

Hormonal shifts are already underway for women approaching menopause. UFE can make these changes more noticeable, sometimes causing:

Irregular or skipped periods
Early menopausal symptoms (e.g., hot flashes)

These effects are age-related, not caused by UFE itself.

Heavy Bleeding After UFE: What’s Normal?

Many women ask about heavy bleeding after UFE, and the answer depends on timing.

What’s normal:

Temporary heavy bleeding during the first one or two cycles
Spotting between periods as fibroids begin to shrink

What needs attention:

Heavy bleeding that continues beyond a few cycles
Bleeding that worsens instead of improving

Ongoing heavy bleeding after UFE can signal slow healing, hormonal shifts, or (in rare cases) fibroid regrowth. Your provider can assess whether additional care is needed.

How Your Pre-Procedure Cycle Influences Recovery

Your baseline cycle matters:

Regular periods before UFE? You’ll likely return to that pattern.
Irregular cycles before UFE? Expect a similar rhythm afterward, unless fibroids were driving the inconsistency.

UFE improves menstrual symptoms caused by fibroids but does not reset hormonal patterns that existed beforehand.

Long-Term Outlook for UFE and Menstrual Cycle Changes

When to comes to the long-term outcomes of UFE, most women (especially those under 45) experience improvements such as:

Predictable periods
Lighter menstrual flow
Less cramping and pelvic pressure

About 85% resume normal cycles within a few months. A smaller group (around 20%) may need future fibroid treatment if symptoms return.

Signs worth monitoring include:

Recurring heavy bleeding
Irregular periods
Pelvic discomfort or pressure

Tracking your cycle after UFE helps you see improvement over time and identify anything out of the ordinary early.

Frequently Asked Questions About UFE and Menstrual Changes

Will my periods return to normal after UFE?

Most women, especially those under 45, see their menstrual cycles return within 3–4 weeks. Periods often become lighter, shorter, and less painful as fibroids shrink.

Can UFE cause hormonal changes?

UFE and hormones rarely interact in younger women. For those approaching menopause, some may notice irregular cycles or early menopausal symptoms, but significant hormonal disruption is uncommon.

Is heavy bleeding after UFE normal?

Temporary heavy bleeding after UFE in the first one or two cycles is common. Persistent or worsening bleeding should be evaluated by your healthcare provider to rule out complications or fibroid regrowth.

How does my pre-UFE menstrual cycle affect recovery?

Women with regular cycles before UFE usually return to a similar pattern. Those with irregular cycles may continue to experience irregularity, though fibroid-related symptoms often improve.

How long will the benefits of UFE last?

Most women enjoy long-term improvement in menstrual flow and pain reduction. About 20% may need future treatment if fibroids regrow, but ongoing relief is typical for the majority.

Should I track my periods after UFE?

Yes. Monitoring flow, cycle length, and symptoms helps you see improvement, catch unusual changes early, and provides valuable information for follow-up care.

Can UFE bring on early menopause?

The risk is low but slightly higher in women over 45. UFE may indirectly affect ovarian blood supply, which can contribute to earlier menopausal symptoms in some cases.

Take Control of Your Post-UFE Journey

Understanding the relationship between UFE and the menstrual cycle, UFE and hormones, and what constitutes normal or concerning heavy bleeding after UFE empowers you to feel assurance during recovery.

The specialists at Minima Radiology are here to support you if you’re unsure whether your symptoms are typical or need personalised guidance. Our team provides compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs, so you can move forward with clarity and peace of mind. Start your path to lighter, more manageable periods with Minima Radiology. Book your consultation with us today.