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Anemia: The Life-threatening Risks of Blood Loss From Fibroids

ANEMIA: THE RISKS OF BLOOD LOSS EXPLAINED

Anemia is a common term heard in doctor’s offices, but the risks of anemia are rarely explained in detail. Generally, a patient may feel a little fatigued, or have difficulty focusing on a task for very long. As a society, we are all overworked and overwhelmed by distractions, so it isn’t uncommon to dismiss these symptoms. However, when the fatigue is unrelenting, and a good night’s sleep doesn’t clear the cobwebs, it’s important to know that if you are suffering from anemia, ignoring the symptoms can have serious consequences.

Heavy bleeding from GYN conditions is common, especially for women who have fibroids. Excessive blood loss can lead to iron-deficient anemia, and if the cause of the heavy bleeding is left to worsen, depleted iron reserves in the blood can become life-threatening.

Read excerpt: For many women, the feeling of being exhausted is constant, but that fatigue may not simply be a sign of being overworked. Other signs like difficulty climbing stairs, loss of concentration, or a feeling of vertigo are all signs of anemia, and if left unchecked, can lead to more severe problems.

Heavy bleeding from fibroids or other gynecological conditions can cause iron deficient anemia, but few women understand the extent of damage that anemia can cause. Potentially life-threatening complications such as congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, angina, and/or heart attack can all result from untreated anemia.

Symptoms vary depending on the cause of anemia, but may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale skin
  • A fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Dizziness
  • Cognitive problems
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Headaches

Iron deficiency in the United States and Western Europe is almost always due to blood loss. Approximately 25 percent of reproductive age women have absent iron stores, and any amount of bleeding will result in anemia for them.

Read the full article: Anemia: The Life-Threatening risks of blood loss from fibroids


CIGC is dedicated to providing information and materials for women to help navigate the complicated healthcare system. CIGC minimally invasive GYN surgical specialists Dr. Paul MacKoul, MD and Dr. Natalya Danilyants, MD developed their advanced GYN surgical techniques using only two small incisions with patients’ well-being in mind. Book a consultation at The Center for Innovative GYN Care or call 888-787-4379.