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Anemia: A Sign of Uterine Fibroids

Anemia is a very common condition which occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to its tissues. Anemia is also referred to as low hemoglobin or hematocrit and can affect men and women of all ages. There are many causes and symptoms of anemia, as well as different types of anemia, making an accurate diagnosis crucial to your overall health.

Uterine fibroids are just one of the many causes of anemia. Those with uterine fibroids experience greater blood loss during their periods, leading to an excessive loss of hemoglobin. The body is not always able to keep up with cell regeneration, resulting in deficiency and unpleasant symptoms.

Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia can cause a wide variety of symptoms, which can range from uncomfortable to extremely disruptive to everyday life. Mild anemia may not produce any symptoms, but as the condition worsens, symptoms will worsen as well. Common symptoms of anemia include:

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

Causes of Anemia

Anemia can be present at birth, but in many cases, anemia is acquired at some point in a person’s life. Different types of anemia have different causes, and your doctor should be able to determine exactly what is causing your low hemoglobin levels and formulate a treatment plan tailored to you. Anemia may be related to poor production of Red Blood Cells (RBC’s), excessive loss of RBC’s, or destruction of RBC’s.

Some of the common causes of anemia include:

  • Heavy periods including ones from uterine fibroids
  • Gastrointestinal conditions (ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, or cancer)
  • Use of NSAIDs or other medications
  • Lack of vitamins or minerals like Iron 
  • Frequent blood donation
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Chronic diseases like kidney disease and thyroid problems
  • Cancers
  • Inherited disorders
Consultation for Fibroid Pain
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Find out if you are at risk for Uterine Fibroids. 

How Do Fibroids Cause Anemia?

Uterine fibroids are the most common cause of heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids act as big reservoirs of blood by fostering growth of enlarged blood vessels.  During menses, these fibroids, especially ones near the surface of the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids), release excessive blood into the uterine cavity which can lead to anemia and, therefore, all of the symptoms associated with anemia, previously described.

Other causes of excessive bleeding include adenomyosis or adenomyomas, which are noncancerous ingrowth of the endometrial tissue in the inner lining of the uterine cavity into the body of the uterus.  Many women have both fibroids and adenomyosis, and the good news is that UFE’s can treat both at the same time.

How Uterine Fibroid Embolization Can Help Alleviate Pain and Discomfort

Anemia Treatment

Treatment for anemia focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the body’s lack of hemoglobin. When levels are back to normal, symptoms should resolve. The treatment path chosen by your doctor will depend on the type of anemia you have and what exactly is causing the deficiency. Treatment can range from supplements to medical procedures, like minimally invasive Uterine Fibroid Embolization.

Lifestyle Changes & Medication

For some of those with anemia, lifestyle changes may not be suitable to address the issue. For those with anemia caused by low levels of vitamins or iron in the body, dietary changes and/or vitamin supplements to increase vitamin B12 and folic acid intake may help. Your physician may recommend taking iron pills to help with red blood cell production.  Other good sources of iron include various types of meat, spinach, tofu, peas, and dried fruits.

UFE Procedure: Minimally Invasive Fibroid Treatment

If uterine fibroids are causing your anemia, Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) can help to eliminate fibroids and address associated symptoms. During this minimally invasive-image guided procedure, a small incision is made in the groin, through which a thin catheter is inserted. Tiny particles are injected into an artery to block blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die. American Fibroid Centers use UFE to treat uterine fibroids, helping reduce abnormal and heavy bleeding.

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What to Expect from Uterine Fibroid Embolization

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Preservation of the uterus
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Lower risk of complications
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No need for hospital stay
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Less invasive than major surgery
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Faster recovery time
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Reduces heavy bleeding
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Request a consultation at your nearest American Fibroid affiliated center.

Our Fibroid Specialists

Those experiencing any type of symptom associated with uterine fibroids can trust our experts at American Fibroid Centers to help them find relief. With most of our facilities in NY and NJ accredited by the Joint Commission, patients of all ages can trust our team to determine the extent of their fibroids and create a personalized treatment plan.

Our Fibroid Centers in NY & NJ

For trusted fibroid treatment in New Jersey and New York, visit American Fibroid Centers today. We provide compassionate care in a warm, comfortable environment while ensuring that all of your questions are answered every step of the way. Visit our nearest location for innovative uterine fibroid treatment with your unique needs in mind.

Brooklyn, NY
71, Carroll Street, New York, 11231
(833) 833-3973
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Queens, NY
28-18, 31st Street, New York, 11102
(833) 833-3973
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Fishkill, NY
60, Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill, New York, 12524
(833) 833-3973
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Harlem, NY
505, East 116th Street, New York, New York, 10029
(833) 833-3973
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West Orange, NJ
347, Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey, 07052
(833) 833-3973
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What Our Patients Are Saying

Learn more about our patients’ experiences at American Fibroid Centers.

You really need to identify who you are when texting.
Lt P
Lt P
17:01 21 Jun 23
Very professional and informative
Kieran McDonald
Kieran McDonald
21:48 12 Jun 23
Dr. Abadir and his staff are wonderful.
debdefran
debdefran
21:28 03 May 23
Wonderful staff very kind very thorough no waiting♥️. I’ve never been to a doctors office and treated with so much respect.. I’m looking forward to my next appointment 😇
Denise Sciarra
Denise Sciarra
16:16 17 Mar 23
The staff could not have been friendlier! I was treated so well and my procedure was a huge success!
Darcy Sala
Darcy Sala
14:44 28 Feb 23
Very friendly and hard working people. Excellent doctor and team!!!Thanks for being so helpful and encouraging!
finda jackson
finda jackson
13:37 03 Feb 23
Great experience very through staff are extremely helpful and friendly no wait time I highly recommend.
william cardoza
william cardoza
15:05 12 Sep 22
A doctor who listens, smart and personable, I liked him.
sherry svec
sherry svec
21:38 16 May 22
Went there for the first time didn’t have to fill out paperwork which constantly asked the same question. Nurses were friendly didn’t have to come back a second time to have test done did it rite then, doctor explain everything set up appointment to have procedure done and I’m very confident in the doctor
GARY DINI
GARY DINI
12:23 25 Jan 22
Excellent service. Dr. Abadir and staff were attentive and thoughtful. All communication regarding my visit were clear and concise and they took the time to listen and address all of my questions. Great visit!
dennis bernstein
dennis bernstein
14:50 21 Jan 22
I thank you very much you took good care I feel great I am very happy with you and I will be back .
Maleta Ford
Maleta Ford
14:24 02 Sep 21
Super friendly and communicative. Efficient staff in the office. A unique experience for a doctors office. Dr Abadir was concise and effective in his exam and explanations
William Silsdorf
William Silsdorf
19:56 07 Jun 21
I found the staff Extremely cordial and professional. Dr. Abidir took his time and explained what procedures needed to be doneAnd why he recommended them to establish a diagnosis.Dr. Abidir was reassuring and listened to and answered all of my questions.So far I am very pleased with the endo vascularProgram here.Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
Clare Garvey
20:39 17 May 21
Pleased with staff and doctor is very compassionate
Jose Quinones
Jose Quinones
23:57 15 Mar 21
Thank you to you and your great staff.Bill Baratta
Rita Baratta
Rita Baratta
15:07 26 Jan 21
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From the Experts

Get to know more about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and care of Uterine Fibroids.

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