Anemia vs. Exhaustion: Could Excess Bleeding Be Causing Your Exhaustion?

Anemia vs. Exhaustion

How do you know if you’re tired just because you haven’t gotten enough sleep, or if you’re tired because there’s something wrong? If you experience heavy bleeding and period exhaustion, you may want to look out for signs of anemia due to uterine fibroids

Anemia is a medical condition in which you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. One potential cause of anemia is uterine fibroids, a type of non-cancerous growth that commonly develops in or on the uterus. Other fibroid symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between cycles, severe cramps, lower back or leg pain, a protruding abdomen, frequent urination, low energy, and painful sex.

The reduced level of oxygen in the blood that results from anemia can cause a variety of undesirable and potentially problematic effects. Symptoms of anemia include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Chest pain
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Headaches

If you’re still not sure if your symptoms match, we’ve compiled some useful information about uterine fibroids, anemia, and exhaustion. The good news is that minimally invasive, outpatient fibroid treatment can help you gain control over fibroid-related anemia, along with alleviating other painful and inconvenient symptoms. 

ANEMIA AND FIBROIDS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Why Do I Feel Exhausted All The Time?

We understand that it can be confusing to know whether you are suffering from normal exhaustion or from fatigue due to anemia. After all, women of childbearing years (who are most commonly affected by fibroids) often experience nightly sleep interruptions. Plus, let’s face it, many are burning the candle on both ends while attempting to balance family, work, and other responsibilities. Is it really any surprise that exhaustion can sometimes set in?

That said, it is also possible that there is more going on than just the daily grind. This is especially true if you have fibroids. If you experience heavy or abnormal periods, don’t feel rested even after a decent night’s sleep, and notice other anemia symptoms like weakness or shortness of breath, we recommend seeking out further medical evaluation. Fortunately, your doctor can easily order a complete blood count test (CBC) to measure your red blood cells and determine if you have anemia.

normal blood vs anemic bloodAppropriate treatment for anemia depends on its underlying cause. If your doctor suspects that fibroids are involved, they may also order an ultrasound or MRI imaging to confirm their presence. Once diagnosed with fibroids, we recommend visiting a fibroid specialist to learn about your full range of treatment options. 

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Can Anemia Make You Feel Tired?

Anemia can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. If you regularly feel tired or experience additional signs of anemia, we recommend contacting your doctor as soon as possible. 

Whether you experience exhaustion before periods, after them, or during your period, we suggest taking note of the timing of your fatigue and sharing this information with your provider. It can help them determine what is going on with your individual situation.

How Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Anemia?

We know that the more you bleed, the more red blood cells you lose. The most common symptom of uterine fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding. In other words, blood loss from heavy periods caused by fibroids can lead to anemia. 

How Can I Stop Feeling Tired From Fibroid-Related Anemia?

If you’re frustrated by constantly being tired due to fibroid-related anemia, you may be wondering what treatment options are available. Although you may wish to discuss the benefits of getting enough sleep, eating an iron-rich diet, and vitamin supplementation with your doctor, we also want you to know that only fibroid treatment can address the root cause of your fatigue: eliminating these common benign growths. 

While many believe that a hysterectomy is their only available fibroid treatment, this isn’t true. At USA Fibroid Centers, we offer a minimally invasive, outpatient treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). UFE can quickly shrink your fibroids and alleviate symptoms like heavy periods, severe cramps, low energy, and anemia. Our innovative, FDA-approved solution does not involve surgery, general anesthesia, a hospital stay, or a lengthy recovery period. Most women are back to their normal daily activities within only seven to 10 days.

Schedule a UFE Consultation With USA Fibroid Centers Today

If you are concerned about period exhaustion, anemia, and uterine fibroids, we encourage you to reach out to us for help. At USA Fibroid Centers, our leading fibroid specialists are available to evaluate your symptoms and make personalized treatment recommendations. 

We usually recommend treatment if your fibroids cause you to miss work, cancel social engagements, avoid intimate situations, or experience low self-esteem. If your heavy periods lead to anemia-related fatigue, you may also be a good candidate for Uterine Fibroid Embolization. 

When you are ready to set aside your anemia and exhaustion and take back control of your life, schedule an appointment with one of our experts to learn more about UFE. We provide state-of-the-art, non-surgical treatment in dozens of clinic locations nationwide. We also offer convenient virtual doctor visits. However you choose to book your initial consultation, we look forward to helping you discover freedom from exhaustion, pain, and other symptoms. 

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