Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Anemia?
Uterine fibroids come with many symptoms that can disrupt your everyday life.
From heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding to debilitating pain, you may find you are losing more blood than normal during periods or your periods are lasting longer than seven days and remain heavy.
Although blood loss is a relatively common symptom of uterine fibroids, too much blood loss can lead to anemia—a serious health condition resulting in a lack of red blood cells.
At Houston Fibroids, we understand the life implications that fibroids symptoms can cause. We also recognize there are advanced treatment options to end symptoms entirely and get you to a fibroid-free state with more regulated levels of iron in your bloodstream.
If you’re experiencing anemia symptoms and want to find out, “Do uterine fibroids cause anemia?” keep reading.
Let’s discuss the connection between uterine fibroids and anemia, including the definition of anemia and its associated symptoms in more detail.
What is Anemia?
Anemia is a condition in which you lack enough red blood cells and hemoglobin to properly transport oxygen to your body’s tissues.
There are various types of anemia, and they’re caused by different things, including:
- Aplastic anemia
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
Anemia can range from mild to severe and can be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.
If you have fibroids, your anemia is likely categorized as iron-deficiency anemia.
Blood contains iron within red blood cells. When your body loses blood, you also lose some iron. Women with heavy periods are at risk of this type of anemia because they lose excessive blood during prolonged and heavier menstruation.
Symptoms
Anemia symptoms differ from person to person but often include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Cold hands and feet
- Irregular cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, or starch
- Brittle nails
Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Anemia?
The short answer is, yes, uterine fibroids can cause anemia.
Although not everyone with anemia has it due to fibroids, uterine fibroid growth, which can cause heavier menstrual bleeding, can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, especially when left untreated or undiagnosed.
The good news is anemia caused by fibroids can be treated and cured through iron supplementation and comprehensive uterine fibroid treatment.
How to Treat Fibroids and Overcome Anemia
Anemia can be a serious symptom of fibroids.
A medical team must monitor and diagnose the underlying cause of your anemia to effectively care for it promptly.
If uterine fibroids are the culprit, the best treatment to end anemia and heavy menstrual bleeding may be complete uterine fibroid removal.
Removing fibroids can be done in several ways, including uterine fibroid embolization. During your personalized consultation, we’ll discuss the best way to treat your symptoms and remove fibroids based on your diagnosis.
A Team of Fibroid Experts in Houston
Do uterine fibroids cause anemia? Yes, but you don’t have to live with anemia or its uncomfortable symptoms forever. Take control of your health by opting for specialized fibroid care.
At Houston Fibroids, we recognize the negative impact anemia and heavy menstrual periods can have on your everyday life and wellbeing and we’re ready to help you overcome both with safe, effective fibroid treatments.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, contact us today.
