Q My periods are so heavy from adenomyosis that I feel dizzy and short of breath. How dangerous is it if the anemia gets worse?
A If anemia from the heavy bleeding of adenomyosis worsens, it can progress to severe iron-deficiency anemia and strain the heart. If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, you must check your blood test (hemoglobin level), and if it is low, OB-GYN and internal medicine treatment should come first.
Detailed Answer
If the heavy bleeding of adenomyosis continues, the body rapidly depletes its iron, leading to iron-deficiency anemia. It begins with fatigue and dizziness, but when hemoglobin drops below 7 g/dL, the heart beats rapidly to make up for the insufficient oxygen, causing shortness of breath and palpitations. If left untreated, it can strain heart function. If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or a pale face, have a blood test immediately to check your levels. If hemoglobin is below 8 g/dL, an iron infusion or transfusion may be needed.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At the clinic, we address the cause of anemia by reducing the amount of bleeding, while also using blood-tonifying (bohyeol) formulas to replenish the blood depleted by anemia. However, when the hemoglobin level is severely low, emergency care together with OB-GYN and internal medicine should come first rather than Korean medicine management alone. The safe order is to begin Korean medicine treatment in earnest once the anemia level has recovered to some degree.
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