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

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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

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. Additional sources of iron include different types of meat, spinach, tofu, peas, and dried fruits.

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

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