Anemia, Fatigue, and Fibroids: How to Reclaim Your Energy Naturally

If you live with uterine fibroids and feel persistently tired, short of breath with routine tasks, or lightheaded during your period, anemia may be part of the story. Fibroids can cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, which depletes iron and lowers hemoglobin—the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. The result is iron deficiency anemia, a leading, treatable cause of fatigue in people with heavy menstrual bleeding. Here’s how to understand the connection and practical, natural steps to get your energy back—safely and effectively.

How Fibroids Lead to Fatigue

Fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often cause heavier, longer, or more frequent periods. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) notes that this blood loss can lead to anemia, with symptoms including tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath. Over time, low iron stores can also cause headaches, difficulty concentrating, paleness, brittle nails, dizziness, and cravings for nonfood items (pica).

Know Your Numbers: Ask for Anemia Testing

If you suspect anemia, ask your clinician for a simple blood workup. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) to check hemoglobin and hematocrit, and a ferritin test to assess iron stores. Your clinician may add iron, transferrin saturation, and other tests to confirm iron deficiency and rule out other causes of anemia. Don’t start iron supplements without testing—too much iron can be harmful.

Natural Ways to Rebuild Iron and Energy

1) Make your plate work for you

Food-first strategies help restore iron gently and support overall health. The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) explains that iron comes in two forms:

• Heme iron (more readily absorbed): beef, lamb, pork, liver, dark meat poultry, and seafood like clams, oysters, and sardines.
• Non-heme iron (plant-based): beans and lentils, tofu and tempeh, pumpkin seeds, cashews, quinoa, fortified cereals and breads, spinach and other leafy greens.

Absorption boosters and blockers matter:

• Pair iron with vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, bell peppers, tomatoes) to enhance absorption.
• Avoid tea and coffee with iron-rich meals—tannins and polyphenols reduce absorption. Calcium supplements can also interfere when taken at the same time as iron.

Example meal: lentil and spinach stew with tomatoes and red peppers, a side of quinoa, and citrus fruit for dessert—or salmon with sautéed greens and a baked potato.

2) Consider iron supplements—safely

Diet can help, but moderate to severe iron deficiency often requires supplements to restore levels efficiently. Work with your healthcare professional to choose the right type and dose (for example, ferrous sulfate, gluconate, or fumarate) and timing. ODS notes that iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach but may cause stomach upset; taking it with a small amount of food can help. Keep iron out of reach of children—it’s a leading cause of poisoning in young kids. If you’re pregnant, follow your prenatal care team’s guidance.

3) Replenish other energy-supporting nutrients

Low vitamin B12 or folate can also cause anemia. Depending on your diet (for example, vegan) or medical history, your clinician may test and recommend supplementation. Vitamin D deficiency is common, and some studies suggest associations with fibroids, but evidence is evolving—ask what labs make sense for you.

4) Support your body’s recovery

• Sleep: Aim for consistent, restorative sleep to help your body rebuild.
• Gentle movement: Light walking or low-impact exercise can improve energy and mood while you recover.
• Hydration: Adequate fluids support circulation and may ease headaches and fatigue.

Don’t Forget the Source: Managing Heavy Bleeding

Restoring iron is only half the equation—reducing heavy bleeding helps prevent the cycle from repeating. ACOG outlines several evidence-based options you can discuss with your clinician, depending on your goals (including fertility):

• Nonhormonal medicines such as tranexamic acid (used only during bleeding days) can reduce menstrual blood loss.
• Hormonal options—including certain birth control pills and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (IUD)—often decrease bleeding.
• Procedures may be considered for persistent symptoms, such as myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroids) or uterine artery embolization in selected patients.

These are not “natural” in the strict sense, but they are highly effective medical tools that can be combined with diet and lifestyle strategies to restore energy and quality of life. Your care should be individualized.

What About Herbal or “Natural” Remedies?

Interest is growing in botanicals for fibroids. Early research suggests that green tea extract (EGCG) may help reduce fibroid size and bleeding in some people, but studies are small and more research is needed. Green tea and its extracts can also reduce iron absorption and, in rare cases, concentrated extracts have been linked to liver problems. Supplements are not reviewed by the FDA for safety and effectiveness before they reach the market. If you’re considering any supplement, especially while correcting anemia, talk with your clinician about benefits, risks, and interactions.

When to Seek Care

• Periods that soak through a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours, or bleeding longer than 7 days.
• Symptoms of anemia such as extreme fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat.
• New or worsening pelvic pain, pressure, or urinary symptoms.
• Pregnancy or planning pregnancy with a history of fibroids or anemia.

Urgent symptoms like fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath warrant immediate medical attention.

Your Action Plan

1. Schedule a visit to evaluate heavy bleeding and request anemia labs (CBC, ferritin).
2. Adopt an iron-smart plate: include heme and plant sources, add vitamin C, and separate iron from tea/coffee and calcium.
3. Use iron supplements only with guidance; ask about a regimen you can tolerate.
4. Discuss proven options to reduce menstrual blood loss so your gains last.
5. Reassess labs after a few weeks to months—replenishing iron stores takes time even after hemoglobin improves.

Bottom Line

Fibroid-related heavy bleeding is a common, fixable cause of iron deficiency anemia and fatigue. With the right combination of nutrition, targeted supplementation, and effective management of menstrual blood loss, most people can safely rebuild their iron stores and reclaim their energy. Partner with a healthcare professional for a plan that fits your body and your goals.

Trusted Sources and Further Reading

• ACOG – Uterine Fibroids: symptoms and treatment options: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/uterine-fibroids
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Iron Fact Sheet: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/
• NHLBI (NIH) – Iron-Deficiency Anemia: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/iron-deficiency-anemia
• NCCIH – Green Tea: what the science says and safety: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/green-tea
• FDA – How dietary supplements are regulated and safety information: https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements/dietary-supplement-products-ingredients