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Fibroids and Iron Levels: A Connection Many Western New York Women Miss

Published May 20th, 2026 by Great Lakes Medical Imaging

For many women across Buffalo and Western New York, persistent fatigue and low energy can feel like part of a busy modern life. Long workdays, family responsibilities, and the demands of an active lifestyle can all contribute to feeling tired. But for some women, ongoing fatigue may have a quieter, less obvious cause: iron deficiency related to heavy menstrual bleeding from uterine fibroids.

The connection between fibroids and iron levels is one that often goes underrecognized. Understanding it can help women advocate for themselves in conversations with their healthcare providers. At Great Lakes Medical Imaging (GLMI), advanced imaging and minimally invasive interventional radiology services support women throughout Buffalo, Williamsville, Cheektowaga, Orchard Park, and surrounding WNY communities.

A Quick Refresher on Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or on the muscular wall of the uterus. They are most often diagnosed during a woman’s reproductive years, and they can vary widely in size, number, and location. Some women with fibroids have no symptoms at all, while others experience significant changes in their menstrual cycle and overall comfort.

The dedicated Fibroids page on the GLMI site outlines what fibroids are and how they may be evaluated.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Fibroids

One of the hallmark symptoms of fibroids is heavier or longer menstrual periods. Signs of heavier-than-typical bleeding may include:

Soaking through pads or tampons every hour for several hours
Needing to use multiple products at once
Bleeding that lasts longer than seven days
Passing large blood clots
Planning daily activities around heavy flow days

While many women have learned to adapt to these patterns, repeated heavy bleeding over months and years can have downstream effects on overall health.

How Heavy Periods Can Affect Iron Levels

Menstrual blood contains iron. When bleeding is heavy or prolonged, the body loses more iron than it normally would. Over time, that loss can outpace what is being replaced through diet, leading to lower iron stores. In some cases, ongoing iron loss can contribute to iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia means that the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen efficiently to tissues. This can affect energy, focus, and overall well-being.

Common Symptoms of Low Iron

Symptoms of iron deficiency or anemia can be subtle, especially when they develop gradually. Common symptoms may include:

Persistent fatigue
Weakness
Pale skin
Shortness of breath with exertion
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Cold hands or feet
Headaches
Difficulty concentrating

Because these symptoms have many possible causes, evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider is essential. If your provider recommends imaging as part of your evaluation, you can contact GLMI to learn more.

Why the Connection Is Often Missed

Many women normalize heavy periods and persistent tiredness, treating them as separate, unrelated issues. Women may bring up fatigue with their primary care provider without mentioning their menstrual cycle, or they may discuss heavy periods with their gynecologist without connecting the dots to their energy levels.

Recognizing that heavy periods and persistent fatigue can be related is an important step toward a more complete evaluation. Talking openly with your healthcare team about both symptoms can help support better care.

Imaging’s Role in Evaluating Fibroids

When fibroids are suspected, imaging plays a key role in confirming the diagnosis and assessing their size, number, and location. Common imaging studies include:

Ultrasound: Often the first imaging study performed, ultrasound provides real-time images of the uterus.
MRI: MRI provides highly detailed images that can support treatment planning, particularly for minimally invasive procedures.

Through a comprehensive range of Imaging Services, GLMI supports women across Western New York with the diagnostic information needed to make informed decisions about their care.

Treatment Options for Fibroid-Related Heavy Bleeding

Treatment for fibroids depends on symptoms, fibroid characteristics, and personal goals. Options may include observation, medication, or minimally invasive procedures performed by a board-certified Interventional Radiologist.

One option is Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce blood flow to fibroids. Over time, this can help reduce fibroid size and may improve symptoms such as heavy bleeding. Learn more on the Interventional Radiology Fibroids page.

Working With Your Healthcare Team

If you are concerned about heavy periods or persistent fatigue, here are some helpful steps to take:

Track your menstrual cycle, including flow and duration
Note specific symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath
Share both menstrual and energy-related concerns with your provider
Ask whether iron testing or further evaluation is appropriate
Discuss whether imaging or referral to an interventional radiologist is recommended

Your healthcare provider can interpret these patterns in the context of your overall health.

Lifestyle Considerations

While lifestyle changes alone do not treat fibroids, supporting overall nutritional health may benefit women managing fibroid-related symptoms. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains supports general well-being. Specific dietary recommendations should be discussed with your healthcare provider.

The FAQ page answers many common questions about preparing for an imaging or interventional radiology visit.

Convenient Care Across Western New York

As Western New York Minimally Invasive Specialists, GLMI offers patients multiple convenient locations:

If your provider has recommended evaluation for fibroids, you can schedule a visit at the location nearest you.

Don’t Dismiss Persistent Fatigue

For women who experience heavy periods and ongoing tiredness, the connection between fibroids and iron levels is worth knowing. Bringing both symptoms to a healthcare provider can lead to a more complete evaluation and a clearer path to feeling better.

For women across Buffalo and Western New York who want to better understand what their bodies are telling them, the team at GLMI is here to help. Visit our Imaging Services overview or contact GLMI today to learn more.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or appropriate diagnostic testing. Individual health circumstances vary, and decisions about imaging or treatment should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.

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