Uterine polyps are common growths that develop on the inner lining of the uterus or the cervix. These tissue overgrowths, usually benign, can lead to a variety of symptoms that impact a person’s daily life. A frequently asked question is whether these growths can cause persistent tiredness or fatigue. The answer is yes; uterine polyps can cause fatigue, and this connection is rooted in chronic blood loss. This article explores the nature of these growths, the mechanism linking them to fatigue, and other ways they can manifest.
Understanding Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps, also often referred to as endometrial polyps, are localized overgrowths of the cells that form the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus. These growths can be attached to the uterine wall by either a thin stalk (pedunculated) or a broad base (sessile). They vary considerably in size, ranging from a few millimeters up to several centimeters.
While most uterine polyps are benign, a small percentage may contain precancerous or cancerous cells, which is why evaluation is important. Polyps can occur as a single growth or appear in clusters. They are most common in people between 40 and 50 years old and those approaching menopause. The exact cause for their development is not fully understood, but they are sensitive to the hormone estrogen, suggesting a hormonal link. An overgrowth of the uterine lining in response to fluctuating estrogen levels is thought to contribute to their formation. Risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, and taking certain medications like tamoxifen.
The Physiological Link to Fatigue
The primary way uterine polyps lead to fatigue is through abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Polyps are often rich in tiny blood vessels, and as they rub against the uterine wall or the cervix, they can cause frequent, sometimes heavy, blood loss. This chronic or excessive blood loss can deplete the body’s iron stores over time, a condition known as iron deficiency anemia.
Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and organs. When the body is deficient in iron, it cannot make enough healthy red blood cells, resulting in a reduced capacity for oxygen delivery. Consequently, the lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the muscles and brain leads to weakness, exhaustion, and chronic fatigue. The degree of tiredness experienced often directly correlates with the severity and duration of the blood loss and the resulting anemia. For those with polyps, addressing the underlying cause of the bleeding is a direct step toward resolving the fatigue linked to anemia.
Other Common Manifestations of Uterine Polyps
Beyond the fatigue caused by iron loss, uterine polyps can cause several other common symptoms related to disruption of the menstrual cycle and the uterine environment. Irregular menstrual bleeding is one of the most frequent complaints, including spotting or bleeding that occurs between expected periods, known as intermenstrual bleeding. Polyps can also contribute to unusually heavy menstrual periods, medically termed menorrhagia, where the volume of blood loss is significantly increased. For some, the physical presence of the growth can lead to bleeding after sexual intercourse, known as post-coital bleeding, as the polyp is irritated.
Polyps can also interfere with reproductive health. Specifically, a polyp’s presence within the uterine cavity can hinder conception by physically interfering with the proper implantation of a fertilized egg. They may also block the opening of the fallopian tubes, making it more difficult for sperm to reach the egg. Removing the polyp is often a step taken to improve fertility outcomes.
Identifying and Treating Uterine Polyps
When a healthcare provider suspects the presence of a uterine polyp, they typically begin with diagnostic imaging procedures. A transvaginal ultrasound is a common initial test, which uses sound waves to create an image of the uterus and detect any abnormal growths. To gain a clearer view of the polyps, a specialized procedure called saline infusion sonography (SIS), or sonohysterography, may be performed.
This procedure involves gently injecting a sterile salt water solution into the uterine cavity during an ultrasound, which distends the uterus and allows the polyps to be more clearly outlined against the fluid. The most definitive method for both diagnosis and treatment is hysteroscopy. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, allowing the provider to visualize the polyp directly.
Once identified, the primary treatment for symptomatic polyps is surgical removal, called a polypectomy. This is typically performed during the hysteroscopy procedure, where small instruments are passed through the hysteroscope to excise the growth. Removing the polyp often resolves the abnormal bleeding and eliminates the source of blood loss that leads to anemia and related fatigue.