Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of muscle and tissue that develop in or on the uterus. While many individuals with fibroids experience no symptoms, others can have various effects. Uterine fibroids can contribute to fatigue, often arising from their impact on the body, particularly related to blood loss.
How Fibroids Can Cause Fatigue
The primary way uterine fibroids contribute to fatigue is through heavy menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia. When fibroids cause prolonged or excessive blood loss, the body can lose iron faster than it can be replenished. This can result in iron-deficiency anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to its tissues. Anemia symptoms include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath, as cells do not receive sufficient oxygen.
Submucosal fibroids, which grow into the uterine cavity, are known for increasing the uterine lining’s surface area, leading to heavier and longer menstrual bleeding. This increased bleeding can significantly deplete hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells responsible for oxygen transport. Substantial blood loss limits oxygen supply to vital organs and tissues, manifesting as fatigue. Additionally, the physical burden of large fibroids or persistent pain can contribute to tiredness. Chronic pain can interfere with restful sleep, leaving individuals drained.
Other Common Signs and Symptoms
While fatigue is a notable symptom, uterine fibroids can manifest through various other signs, with their presentation often depending on the fibroid’s size, number, and location. Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding is a common symptom, sometimes so intense that it disrupts daily life, requiring frequent changes of sanitary products or leading to the passage of large blood clots. Pelvic pressure or pain is another frequent complaint, described as a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the lower abdomen, which can range from a dull ache to sharp pains. This pressure can sometimes be significant enough to cause abdominal bloating or an enlarged stomach area.
Fibroids located near the bladder can lead to frequent urination or difficulty completely emptying the bladder. Similarly, if fibroids press on the rectum, they can cause constipation or a sensation of rectal pressure. Some individuals also experience pain during sexual intercourse, often depending on the fibroid’s position. Less common symptoms include lower back or leg pain, which can occur if fibroids press against nerves or muscles in those areas.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosing uterine fibroids typically begins with a pelvic exam, where a healthcare provider may feel for abnormalities. Imaging tests are then used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the fibroids’ size, number, and location. An ultrasound, performed either abdominally or transvaginally, uses sound waves to create images of the uterus. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers more detailed images, helping to distinguish fibroids from other conditions and aiding in treatment planning. Hysteroscopy involves inserting a small, lighted telescope through the vagina and cervix to view the inside of the uterus.
Treatment options for fibroids aim to alleviate symptoms, including fatigue, and vary based on symptom severity, fibroid characteristics, and the individual’s desire for future pregnancy. Watchful waiting may be an option for small, asymptomatic fibroids. Medications can help manage symptoms; for instance, iron supplements address anemia caused by heavy bleeding. Hormonal therapies, such as oral contraceptives or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, can reduce bleeding and sometimes shrink fibroids. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and reduce bleeding.
Minimally invasive procedures and surgeries are also available. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) involves blocking 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 those who wish to maintain fertility. In cases of severe symptoms or when fertility is not a concern, a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, offers a definitive solution for fibroids.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe fatigue, especially when accompanied by other symptoms that significantly impact your daily life. Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, particularly if they cause you to soak through sanitary products frequently, warrant medical attention. New or worsening pelvic pain, a feeling of pressure in the abdomen, or any changes in urination or bowel habits should also prompt a visit to a doctor.
Seeking medical advice is important for proper evaluation and personalized guidance. Healthcare professionals can determine if fibroids are the cause of your symptoms and discuss the most suitable diagnostic and treatment strategies for your situation. Self-diagnosis is not recommended, and a timely consultation can help manage symptoms effectively and improve overall well-being.