Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop within or on the uterus. They vary significantly in size. Anemia is a medical condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of healthy red blood cells or reduced hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
How Fibroids Lead to Anemia
Uterine fibroids can contribute to anemia primarily through heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia. This excessive blood loss during periods, or sometimes bleeding between periods, gradually depletes the body’s iron stores. Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen. When iron levels become too low due to chronic blood loss, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron-deficiency anemia.
Certain types of fibroids are more likely to cause significant bleeding. Submucosal fibroids, which grow just beneath the inner lining of the uterus and protrude into the uterine cavity, are particularly associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. This can disrupt the uterine lining and lead to substantial blood loss, reducing the body’s iron reserves over time.
Common Anemia Symptoms
Anemia can manifest through a variety of symptoms. Common indicators include persistent fatigue and a general feeling of weakness. Individuals may also notice pale skin.
Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, especially during physical activity, and headaches. Some people might experience dizziness or lightheadedness, as well as cold hands and feet. These symptoms are not exclusive to anemia and can be associated with various health conditions, highlighting the importance of medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.
Addressing Fibroid-Related Anemia
If fibroid-related anemia is suspected, consulting a healthcare provider is an important first step. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), to assess hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. Ferritin levels are also checked to measure the body’s iron stores. Imaging tests like a pelvic ultrasound or MRI are often used to visualize and characterize uterine fibroids, determining their size, number, and location.
Immediate management of anemia often involves iron supplementation to replenish the body’s iron stores. Oral iron pills are commonly prescribed, and sometimes intravenous iron infusions are necessary for more severe cases or when oral supplements are not well-tolerated. Dietary adjustments to include iron-rich foods can also support recovery.
Addressing the fibroids themselves is essential to resolve the underlying cause of the chronic blood loss. Medical therapies include hormonal medications like birth control pills or progestin-releasing intrauterine devices (IUDs), which can help reduce heavy bleeding. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can temporarily shrink fibroids and decrease bleeding by lowering estrogen and progesterone levels. Non-hormonal options such as tranexamic acid can also be prescribed to reduce menstrual blood loss.
Minimally invasive procedures offer alternatives to traditional surgery. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) involves blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink. Myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids while preserving the uterus, making it an option for individuals who wish to maintain fertility. For those not planning future pregnancies or experiencing severe symptoms, a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is a definitive treatment that eliminates fibroids and prevents recurrence. Treatment decisions are individualized, considering factors like fibroid characteristics, symptom severity, and the patient’s desire for future fertility.