What is Anemia?
Anemia is one of the most common symptoms of fibroids. It occurs when the body loses blood hemoglobin at a faster rate than it can generate new red blood cells. People who are anemic experience fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and an overall sense of weakness. If left untreated, it can lead to severe problems such as pregnancy complications, irregular heartbeats, heart murmur, an enlarged heart, or even heart failure.
How are Fibroids and Anemia Connected?
Uterine fibroids are often accompanied by a heavier menstrual flow where women lose more blood than they would normally do during their period. Often this is the result of a fibroid’s location within the inner cavity of the uterus. As the fibroid widens the uterine lining, women experience an increased loss of blood. Fibroids also cause a hormonal imbalance or disorder, prompting the uterus to contract and generate greater blood loss during menstruation.
Heavy or excessive bleeding means a woman suffering from fibroids will also lose large quantities of iron and hemoglobin, causing a depletion of oxygen in her body, which leads to iron-deficiency anemia.
Symptoms of Anemia:
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- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Chest pains
- Weakness
Treating Fibroids through Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE):
UFE is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure that blocks blood flow to uterine fibroids, subsequently shrinking them until they die. UFE has a patient satisfaction rate of over 90% and is currently the leading alternative to hysterectomy.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of anemia, as well as pelvic pain, pressure, or heavier menstrual periods, you may have uterine fibroids. To see how you can be symptom-free with UFE, contact Dr. Neel Patel at The Atlanta Fibroid Clinic to schedule a consultation.
