Anemia is a condition when the body lacks healthy red blood cells or when red blood cells don't function properly. As a result, the body's organs do not get enough oxygen, which makes people with anemia pale and tire easily. Anemia can be caused by heavy bleeding that occurs slowly or quickly.
One of the causes of bleeding that can occur in women is endometriosis. Endometriosis is when endometrial-like tissue, the lining of the uterus, grows outside the uterine cavity. Like the normal endometrium, which sheds and becomes menstrual blood, this endometrial-like tissue can also shed and cause bleeding.
Can endometriosis cause anemia?
In short: Yes, endometriosis can cause anemia and low iron levels. Anemia occurs when the body has too few healthy red blood cells. If the rate of loss of red blood cells experienced by a person is faster than the rate at which red blood cells are produced, anemia is most likely to occur.
Anemia is a sign of endometriosis. This can happen because endometriosis can trigger heavy bleeding, so the body loses red blood cells too quickly.
Endometriosis can cause anemia due to the bleeding that occurs.
What are the other causes of anemia?
The body will lose red blood cells and produce them naturally. There are two reasons why anemia can occur. Namely, the body loses red blood cells rapidly and does not produce enough replacement red blood cells. The following are some conditions that can also cause anemia besides endometriosis:
- Accidents, injuries, childbirth, frequent blood donation, heavy menstrual bleeding, heavy nosebleeds, and surgery can cause blood loss.
- Hemolysis is when red blood cells break down too quickly due to conditions such as autoimmune diseases, medications, and exposure to toxins.
- Inherited conditions, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, hereditary spherocytosis, hereditary elliptocytosis, pyruvate kinase deficiency, sickle cell disease, and thalassemia.
- Several conditions make it difficult for the body to produce red blood cells at a fast enough rate, including aplastic anemia, hypothyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, some cancers, and other diseases.
How to prevent anemia from recurring?
The cause of anemia can not always be prevented. However, some precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of developing anemia. Examples are as follows:
- Eat foods with balanced nutrition that is rich in iron, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12.
- Avoid consuming iron-rich foods with foods that can block iron absorption.
- Perform endometriosis treatment, such as hormone therapy, taking contraceptive pills, or others according to the condition. This endometriosis treatment can reduce the bleeding rate so that the loss of red blood cells becomes slower.
- Follow the advice and recommendations given by the doctor, such as taking recommended medications or supplements.
Consumption of blood-boosting supplements and medications needs to be done on a doctor's recommendation.
Chest pain, fainting, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and cold hands and feet are some examples of anemia. In addition, someone who has anemia also shows pale skin, lips, and skin. Contact your doctor or medical personnel if you have anemia or endometriosis.
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Reference :
Ferguson, S. & Henigsman, S. A. (2023). Is There a Connection Between Endometriosis and Anemia? [online]. https://www.healthline.com/health/endometriosis-and-anemia