Originally Posted by tw4sw

Yep!
I have had fibroids in the past and had them removed. They are a benign tissue growth ie tumor that occurs in the uterus. It can cause you to have heavy menstrual cycles which leads to the anemia. This then requires you to take iron supplements to replenish your iron stores to correct the anemia. The tumor(s) don't go away just get progressively bigger causing your cycles to get heavier and heavier. If you are through having children, your gynecologist may suggest having a hysterectomy. There is currently a new procedure being done where the tumor(s) can be removed laparoscopically whereby you don't need to have a hysterectomy. Your OB/Gyn can refer you to someone who does this procedure if you opt not to have the hysterectomy. I had mine removed back in 96' without doing the hysterectomy because I did want to have children. The procedure is called a myomectomy whereby the uterus is opened and the tumor is then removed. So your options are, myomectomy, hysterectomy or the laparoscopic procedure. The OB/Gyn may even place you on hormonal therapy to regulate your cycles so as to decrease the menstrual bleeding to prevent the anemia. It is not a deadly condition. Many women especially African American women have this condition.