Uterine fibroids and anemia are closely connected, especially for women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, and can significantly impact your health by causing complications such as anemia. One of the most common complications is anemia from fibroids, which occurs when the body loses more blood than it can replace.
Anemia is a condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells. When there aren’t enough blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues, you might start to feel fatigued, lightheaded, and dizzy. For some women, this can cause excessive blood loss each month from uterine fibroids can lead to chronic fatigue and worsening anemia symptoms.
What Is Anemia?
Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. With low hemoglobin, your body can’t properly carry oxygen to your tissues, causing tiredness, weakness, and mental fog.
There are several types of anemia, but iron deficiency anemia is the most common for women with heavy periods. Iron is critical in producing hemoglobin, so when iron levels drop, hemoglobin production decreases as well.
Common anemia symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or dull-looking skin
- Headaches or difficulty concentrating
These symptoms of anemia can range from mild to severe, depending on how low your hemoglobin levels are.
What Causes Anemia?
Anemia can develop for several reasons, but the most common causes of anemia include:
- Blood loss: Including heavy menstrual bleeding, this is one of the leading causes of anemia in women with fibroids
- Low iron intake or absorption: Not getting enough iron through diet or having difficulty absorbing it
- Underlying medical conditions: Certain chronic illnesses or disorders can interfere with red blood cell production
When anemia is linked to blood loss, it’s often referred to as blood loss anemia or iron deficiency anemia.
Why Can Fibroids Cause Anemia?
Fibroids do cause anemia if they lead to heavy or prolonged periods. When the body loses blood during a normal menstrual cycle, it also loses some hemoglobin and iron. However, with uterine fibroids, the blood loss can be so severe that you lose too much hemoglobin and iron. This is where the problems start.
Here’s how uterine fibroids can cause anemia:
- Hemoglobin is a molecule that carries oxygen throughout the body and removes carbon dioxide from the body. There are hundreds of millions of hemoglobin molecules in every red blood cell.
- Iron is needed to form hemoglobin, and about 70% of the body’s iron is actually stored in hemoglobin.
When heavy bleeding occurs month after month, your body may not have enough iron to create new hemoglobin. This decrease in hemoglobin leads to iron deficiency anemia.
Since uterine fibroids can cause low iron, adding more iron through supplements or your diet makes sense. However, these anemia symptoms may persist if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Common Symptoms of Anemia from Fibroids
The connection between fibroids and anemia is often overlooked, especially since fibroids can cause anemia without heavy bleeding. In cases where common fibroid symptoms might not be noticeable right away, it’s easy to overlook them as signs of anemia until they worsen.
The most common symptoms of anemia from fibroids are fatigue and weakness.
Other signs of fibroids and anemia include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- Bleeding between cycles
- Pelvic pressure or abdominal bloating
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
As anemia progresses, additional symptoms may appear, including:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Pale skin
- Brittle nails
- Cold hands and feet
- Mouth sores or tongue soreness
In more severe cases, anemia can lead to heart palpitations or unusual cravings (such as ice or non-food items).
If you’re dealing with heavy bleeding and fatigue, it may be time to evaluate whether anemia and fibroids are connected. At USA Fibroid Centers, our doctors can assess whether you are experiencing uterine fibroids symptoms. Schedule an appointment with a specialist near you today to find out what’s causing your symptoms.
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Fibroid Treatment for Heavy Periods and Iron Deficiency
If fibroids are causing anemia, it’s important to treat the symptoms of anemia and the underlying cause.
To improve iron levels, your doctor may recommend:
- Iron supplements
- A diet rich in iron-containing foods such as red meat, leafy greens, beans, and dried fruits
- Increased vitamin C intake to support iron absorption
While these steps can help restore iron levels, they may not fully resolve symptoms if heavy bleeding continues.
That’s why many women explore non-surgical treatments such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). UFE is a safe, FDA-approved outpatient procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply. Over time, UFE also reduces heavy menstrual bleeding and improves other anemia symptoms.
Unlike major surgeries like a hysterectomy, UFE preserves the uterus. UFE also offers a shorter recovery time and avoids general anesthesia, making it a popular choice for many women.
When to Seek Care for Anemia Caused by Fibroids
Many women experience anemia and fibroid symptoms, which is why it’s important to seek medical evaluation for both conditions.
You should consider seeking medical evaluation if you experience:
- Heavy periods that last longer than a week
- Soaking through pads or tampons frequently
- Ongoing fatigue or weakness
- Dizziness or shortness of breath
- Symptoms that interfere with your daily routine
If you have anemia from fibroids, or if you’re experiencing other symptoms of uterine fibroids, it’s important to see a fibroid specialist to treat the underlying cause for longer-lasting relief. An experienced fibroid doctor can diagnose your symptoms and discuss your treatment options.
USA Fibroid Centers is a national network of fibroid treatment centers with over 40 locations nationwide. Our doctors provide personalized care and non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids, helping women experience relief from fibroid symptoms without surgery. Schedule a consultation at a fibroid center near you today.
FAQs About Anemia and Fibroids
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Common anemia symptoms include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and yellowish or pale skin.
How do you know if you are anemic?
You can’t always tell if you are anemic based on symptoms alone, so a blood test is the most reliable way to diagnose anemia. Doctors typically measure hemoglobin levels to determine if they are below normal.
Should I take iron if I have fibroids?
You can take iron supplements to help with low iron levels and improve anemia symptoms. If fibroids are causing the heavy bleeding, treating them is essential for long-term relief.
What deficiency causes fibroids?
Nutrient deficiencies do not cause fibroids, as hormonal and genetic factors play a role. However, deficiencies such as low vitamin D levels may affect overall reproductive health.
Can heavy periods cause anemia?
Heavy periods are a common cause of iron deficiency anemia, as excessive blood loss can deplete iron stores, potentially leading to fatigue and dizziness.