Anemia

Anemia: An Indicator of Uterine Fibroids

Anemia is a common condition that arises when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen to its tissues. It is also known as low hemoglobin or hematocrit and can affect individuals of any age and gender. With various causes, symptoms, and types of anemia, precise diagnosis is essential for overall health.

Uterine fibroids are among the many potential causes of anemia. Individuals with uterine fibroids often experience increased blood loss during menstruation, leading to a significant reduction in hemoglobin levels. The body may struggle to regenerate cells quickly enough, resulting in deficiency and associated symptoms.

Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia can lead to a range of symptoms, from mildly inconvenient to severely disruptive to daily activities. While mild anemia might not cause noticeable symptoms, the severity of symptoms tends to increase as the condition progresses. Typical symptoms of anemia include:

Frequent headaches
Chest Pains
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Trouble concentrating
Pale skin
Fatigue
Fast or Irregular heartbeat
Weakness, feelings of faint
Cold hands and feet

Causes of Anemia

Anemia can either be present from birth or develop later in life. The causes of anemia vary depending on its type. Your doctor will identify the specific reason behind your low hemoglobin levels, and create a personalized treatment plan for you. Anemia can be linked to insufficient production of red blood cells (RBCs), excessive loss of RBCs, or the destruction of RBCs. Some common causes of anemia include:

Heavy menstrual bleeding, including that caused by uterine fibroids
Digestive issues such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, or cancer
Utilizing NSAIDs or alternative medications
Deficiency of vitamins or minerals such as iron
Frequent blood donation
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Chronic diseases like kidney disease and thyroid problems
Cancers
Inherited disorders

Do You Experience Symptoms of Fibroids?

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How do fibroids lead to anemia?

Uterine Fibroids are the most frequent cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. These fibroids function as large reservoirs of blood by promoting the growth of enlarged blood vessels. During menstruation, particularly for fibroids located near the uterine cavity’s surface (submucosal fibroids), they release excessive blood into the cavity, potentially leading to anemia and its associated symptoms.

Other factors contributing to excessive bleeding include Adenomyosis or Adenomyomas, which are benign growths of endometrial tissue within the uterine lining. Many women experience both Fibroids and Adenomyosis, but the good news is that Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can treat both conditions simultaneously.

Anemia Treatment

Anemia treatment aims to address the root cause of the body’s hemoglobin deficiency. Once normal levels are restored, symptoms typically improve. The specific treatment plan your doctor selects will depend on the type of anemia and its underlying cause. Options can vary from supplements to medical procedures, such as minimally invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

Lifestyle Changes & Medication Options

For some individuals with anemia, lifestyle changes alone might not be effective in resolving the problem. In cases where anemia results from deficiencies in vitamins or iron, dietary adjustments and vitamin supplements to boost intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid can be beneficial. Your doctor might suggest iron supplements to support red blood cell production and improve energy levels. Additional sources of iron include different types of meat, spinach, tofu, peas, and dried fruits, along with iron-fortified cereals and legumes, which can further enhance iron intake when consumed regularly.

UFE Procedure: Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

If uterine fibroids are leading to anemia, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can be an effective solution to remove the fibroids and alleviate related symptoms. This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure involves making a small incision in the groin and inserting a thin catheter. Through this catheter, tiny particles are delivered into an artery to cut off blood supply to the fibroids, which causes them to shrink and eventually die. UFE is used by Fibroid Clinic partnered physicians to treat uterine fibroids and decrease abnormal and excessive bleeding.

What to Anticipate from Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Conservation of the uterus
Reduced likelihood of complications
No hospital admission required
Less intrusive than major surgery
Quicker recovery period
Minimizes excessive bleeding

Fibroid FAQ

Can fibroids develop into cancer?

Uterine fibroids are generally non-cancerous, with cancerous ones being extremely rare, occurring in fewer than one in 1,000 cases. The rare cancerous fibroid is called uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS). Most women with fibroids do not show symptoms, and only a small fraction will need medical intervention. Having uterine fibroids does not increase your risk of developing a cancerous fibroid or other uterine cancers.

In what ways can fibroids impact pregnancy?

Small to medium-sized fibroids that don’t cause symptoms typically won’t impact your ability to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy. However, fibroids can enlarge during pregnancy due to higher hormone levels and increased blood flow to the uterus. If they do grow, it’s usually within the first trimester. Generally, surgery is not required or done during this period. If you have fibroids and become pregnant, consult your doctor.

Can fibroids reappear after undergoing Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

UFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment designed to obstruct blood flow to the fibroids in your uterus, leading to their gradual shrinkage. The effectiveness of UFE can differ based on factors like the fibroids’ location and number, as well as your general health. If the fibroids do recur, they typically grow at a slow rate. Nevertheless, research indicates that most women find their fibroids do not return after this procedure.