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1. Regularly track your menstrual cycle.

   If you have fibroids, your bleeding may last longer than normal and be heavier than normal. If you already know you have fibroids, you should also have regular pelvic examinations and ultrasounds. This monitoring enables you to keep tabs on the size of the fibroid and determine if any additional treatments are necessary.

2. Manage pain with over-the-counter drugs.

   Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can help ease menstrual pain. Along with helping with the pain, these drugs can also reduce inflammation. However, long-term use of such drugs can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

3. Think about adding iron to your diet.

   You can develop anemia from iron deficiency if fibroids cause excessively heavy bleeding. Sometimes the smaller fibroids, usually the submucosal ones, are more likely to cause heavy bleeding than the larger ones. Some of the best foods for increasing or maintaining iron levels include clams, oysters, beef, pork, poultry and fish.