According to the Office on Women’s Health (OASH), around 20-80% of women worldwide develop uterine fibroids by the time they turn 50. Although a very prevalent complication during the 40s and 50s, several women have reported developing these complications in the 20s and 30s as well.
Although the condition is not fatal, since they are non-cancerous growth, uterine fibroids manifest as accessory symptoms, which might affect a woman’s quality of life too. Most women experience mild to severe symptoms, which get worse over time.
One of the most common questions people have is whether or not fibroids cause fatigue and if so, why is that the case? This article will explore and address all of those concerns in detail.
In this Article
What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous, benign growth in the uterus, which typically affects a woman during her childbearing age. The condition progresses silently without treatment and manifests as a plethora of symptoms by the time a woman turns 40 or 50.
Despite the prevalence of these conditions, doctors are still unsure about the causes of uterine fibroids. Typically, a genetic predisposition is considered the most common factor.
Besides that, the early onset of puberty and obesity could be triggering factors as well. One of the reasons why uterine fibroids are often diagnosed at a much later stage is because they don’t showcase any drastic symptoms in the early stages.
What are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids might be diagnosed based on multiple symptoms, including:
- Excessive bleeding during menstruation
- Painful cramps
- Discharge of blood clots during menstruation
- Lower back pain
- Spotting in between menstrual cycles
- Constipation
- Chronic vaginal discharge
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Fatigue and tiredness
Typically, fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of uterine fibroids. So, if you are wondering, “Can fibroids cause fatigue?”, the answer is yes. We will explore more on that in the next sections of the article.
Why do Uterine Fibroids Cause Fatigue?
Experiencing fatigue in day-to-day life is quite normal. It could be a sign of overworking, stress and in some cases, a consequence of uterine fibroids.
But, how do uterine fibroids contribute to fatigue?
Women with uterine fibroid growths often experience heavy bleeding during menstruation, which leads to reduced energy levels, dizziness, and weakness in several women.
However, you need to remember that excessive and uncontrolled bleeding during the menstrual cycle isn’t good for the body. Not only does it lead to fatigue, but the issue can also contribute to anemia.
Heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids often depletes the availability of red blood cells in the body, which lead to anemia. Undiagnosed or untreated anemia in the body can hamper the oxygen supply in the body, which contributes to signs of fatigue and weakness in most patients.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common issue that leads to complications of tiredness throughout the day.
You might be anemic if you are experiencing additional symptoms like dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, weakness, heart palpitations, etc. besides feeling fatigued all day.
How to Manage Fatigue Associated with Uterine Fibroids?
Nobody enjoys experiencing chronic fatigue due to heavy bleeding from uterine fibroids. More than the psychological implications, the physical toll it takes on the body is quite damaging.
Since anemia is a lingering concern, paying close attention to the treatment options and natural remedies is crucial.
Following are some of the best tips you can look into:
1. Enrich your diet with iron-rich foods
Iron-deficient anemia is the reason you are likely feeling tired from the uterine fibroids. Since anemia is progressive and will eventually take a turn for the worse if not managed, your first line of treatment is to focus on your diet.
Eating a diet filled with iron-rich foods might help. It will boost red blood cell production and cope with the deficiency that you are likely experiencing. Some of the best iron-rich foods include:
- Raisins
- Dates
- Figs
- Chicken
- Liver
- Beef
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Flax seeds
- Almonds, etc.
Include these foods in permissible amounts in your diet to cope with the deficiency and eradicate the complaints of fatigue and tiredness you are experiencing.
2. Switch to supplements
If the dietary iron intake isn’t doing much of a difference, the next step is to switch to supplements. These work proactively and can increase your iron levels substantially in a short period of time.
It is ideal to take your iron supplement twice a day – once in the morning and once at night. Pairing the iron supplement with a Vitamin C supplement can augment the absorption of iron.
For the optimal dosage and frequency of intake, talk to your doctor and get a prescription for the safe side.
3. Intravenous supply
In case the iron deficiency is alarming (and life-threatening), an immediate iron intravenous infusion is ideal. This method is also potent in patients who aren’t responding well to oral supplements.
Your doctor will prescribe the IV shots until the iron levels in the body are substantial enough to support optimal red blood cell production, and oxygen transportation in the body.
This particular method needs to be done under a doctor’s supervision, so we’d recommend discussing your options with the doctor instead of doing it yourself without any supervision.
4. Surgical interventions
If the oral supplementation or IV drips aren’t offering much help, it is ideal to move on to the next step, which is surgery.
Excision of the uterine fibroids can reduce the risks of heavy menstrual bleeding, thereby keeping chronic fatigue in check. However, uterine fibroids might recur even after surgical intervention in some cases.
It is ideal to discuss what would be right for your reproductive health with the doctor before reaching a decision.Â
FAQs
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How can I feel better with fibroids?
Proper diet, oral medications, and an active lifestyle are key to ensuring optimal quality of life with acondition like uterine fibroids.
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How does your body feel when you have fibroids?
Most women with uterine fibroids complain of feeling discomfort in the abdomen, pressure in the lower abdomen, and painful cramps during menstruation.
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What naturally kills fibroids?
Reports suggest that consuming a diet rich in milk and dairy might reduce uterine fibroids since they have a high level of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in them. However, further studies are needed to confirm the possibilities.
Conclusion
If you are wondering, “can fibroids cause fatigue without bleeding?”, the answer is yes. However, experiencing fatigue due to uterine fibroids not just affects you physically but mentally as well. Besides getting a comprehensive diagnosis, we’d recommend that you focus on getting a confirmed diagnosis first. The earlier you get diagnosed, the easier it would be for you to start a treatment regimen and fix the issues you are experiencing. Also, if something seems amiss, don’t hesitate to book an appointment and get the issue checked.
