Recognizing the Connection Between Uterine Fibroids and Anemia
Many symptoms associated with uterine fibroids can interfere with your daily life.
In addition to heavy bleeding and prolonged periods of pain, blood loss during periods may be higher than normal, or your periods may continue to be heavy for more than seven days. A lack of red blood cells is a serious health condition.
Our team at Dallas Fibroid Center understands the life-altering effects associated with symptomatic fibroids. Furthermore, we acknowledge that advanced treatment options can end symptoms and regulate iron levels in your bloodstream, ridding you of fibroid symptoms and even fibroids.
If you suffer from anemia and believe fibroids could be a contributing factor, you should schedule an evaluation immediately.
Let's explore the relationship between anemia and fibroids and the effects of anemia's symptoms.
What is anemia?
Anemia is when you are deficient in enough hemoglobin and red blood cells to deliver oxygen to tissues throughout your body.
Anemia comes in many forms, and each form has its own cause. Different forms of anemia include the following:
- Aplastic anemia
- Idiopathic aplastic anemia
- Iron-deficiency anemia
- Megaloblastic anemia
- Pernicious anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Thalassemia
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
Mild to severe anemia can last for a short period or be chronic, depending on the cause.
Anemia caused by fibroids is probably related to iron deficiency.
Red blood cells contain iron. Whenever you lose blood, some iron is lost as well. Women who menstruate heavily are more likely to suffer from this type of anemia due to increased blood loss during heavy and lengthy periods.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
There are a variety of symptoms associated with anemia, but they usually include the following:
- Brittle nails
- Chest pain
- Cold hands and feet
- Cravings for substances without nutritional value, like dirt, ice, or starch.
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Headaches
- Irregular heartbeat
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
Can uterine fibroids cause anemia?
Fibroids that contribute to extremely heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to anemia. However, anemia can have many causes that aren't necessarily fibroid-related.
Anemia is a serious medical condition that could predict major health issues. If you have symptoms of anemia, it's important to have a thorough medical evaluation to rule out significant health disorders before attempting treatment.
If you believe you are experiencing anemia symptoms that could be due to uterine fibroids, there is hope. Fibroids can be addressed successfully through minimally invasive procedures that require no hospitalization. Moreover, anemia symptoms might resolve after fibroid treatment supplemented with dietary iron.
How are fibroids and anemia treated?
Anemia is among the most serious fibroid symptoms, requiring effective treatment and management to overcome.
At Dallas Fibroid Center, our team of specialists will provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether uterine fibroids cause your symptoms. If fibroids are discovered, several treatment options might be recommended depending on your health and goals. One of the most effective solutions is the removal of fibroids.
There are several fibroid removal options, but uterine fibroid embolization is a non-surgical fibroid treatment that offers the greatest chance of total fibroid removal without requiring hospitalization or invasive intervention. Based on your diagnosis, we'll work together to determine the optimal strategy for your fibroid treatment.
Trusted Fibroid Experts in Dallas
If you have symptomatic uterine fibroids and anemia, the team at Dallas Fibroid Center is ready to help. We offer dedicated uterine fibroid care that delivers impressive results for a diverse population of patients.
At Dallas Fibroid Center, we understand how fibroids can affect a person's physical and emotional wellness. We can help rid you of uncomfortable and debilitating fibroid symptoms through safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatments.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today at 469-341-5997.
