Can Fibroids Cause B12 Deficiency?

If you’re living with fibroids and struggling with symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or brain fog, you’re not alone. These issues are incredibly common among women with fibroids, and they also happen to overlap with signs of vitamin B12 deficiency.

While fibroids themselves don’t directly “steal” B12 from your body, they can create the conditions that make a deficiency more likely. 

Heavy menstrual bleeding, chronic inflammation, and the added stress fibroids place on the body can all contribute to lowered B12 levels over time.

In this article, we’ll explore the hidden connections between fibroids and B12 deficiency, how to recognize the signs, and the steps you can take to support your health and energy if you’re affected by both.

Can Fibroids Cause B12 Deficiency?

Fibroids don’t directly cause your body to lose vitamin B12, but they can absolutely set the stage for a deficiency to develop over time. The connection is indirect but important, and it’s one that many people overlook when trying to understand lingering fatigue, brain fog, or weakness.

There are a few key ways fibroids can contribute to low B12 levels:

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Leading to Nutrient Loss: Many women with fibroids experience significantly heavier periods. Ongoing blood loss doesn’t just lower iron levels; it can also drain other vital nutrients, including B12. Over time, this can increase the risk of anemia and overall nutrient depletion.
• Stress and Inflammation Impacting Absorption: Living with chronic symptoms from fibroids—like pain, pressure, and fatigue—keeps the body under constant stress. Stress and inflammation can impair the gut’s ability to properly absorb nutrients, including B12, even when intake is sufficient.
• Potential Gut Issues Affecting Nutrient Uptake: Some women with fibroids may develop secondary digestive problems, whether from stress, medication side effects, or hormonal changes. Since B12 absorption relies heavily on a healthy gut and adequate production of intrinsic factor (a protein made in the stomach), any disruption can make it harder to maintain healthy levels.

Understanding these pathways is key because if you’re only treating the fibroids and not addressing the underlying nutrient depletion, full recovery can be slower and harder.

How Fibroids May Lead to B12 Deficiency

While fibroids don’t directly cause B12 loss, they can trigger a chain reaction in the body that puts women at greater risk for becoming deficient. Here’s a closer look at the main ways this happens:

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Nutrient Depletion

One of the most common symptoms of fibroids is heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. This consistent blood loss doesn’t just deplete iron—it can also quietly drain other essential nutrients, including vitamin B12.

When the body loses blood, it also loses red blood cells and the nutrients stored within them.

Over time, monthly heavy bleeding can leave the body struggling to keep up, especially if you’re not replacing those nutrients efficiently through diet or supplementation.

Without enough B12 and iron, the risk of developing anemia increases, leading to more profound symptoms like extreme fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and even shortness of breath.

Even women who are eating a healthy diet can fall into deficiency if blood loss is chronic enough, because the physical loss outpaces the body’s ability to replenish stores.

Gut Health and Absorption Issues

Fibroids create chronic physical stress on the body, and over time, that stress can impact gut health in several ways.

When the body is under constant stress from symptoms like pelvic pressure, pain, or fatigue, it can disrupt normal digestion and absorption. Chronic stress may also affect stomach acid levels and gut motility, both of which are critical for absorbing vitamin B12.

On top of that, some medications commonly used to manage fibroid symptoms (such as NSAIDs or hormone therapies) can irritate the gut lining or disrupt the gut microbiome. A weakened gut environment makes it harder for the body to produce enough intrinsic factor, a special protein required for B12 absorption in the small intestine.

Without healthy digestion and proper intrinsic factor production, even a diet rich in B12 might not be enough to maintain adequate levels over time.

Increased Nutritional Demands from Chronic Stress

Living with fibroids often means living with chronic physical and emotional stress, and this can quietly deplete B vitamins faster than usual.

Your body uses B12 (along with other B vitamins) to produce energy, repair tissues, create red blood cells, and support your nervous system. 

Chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disruptions, and emotional strain all place heavier demands on your body’s nutrient reserves.

When you’re constantly stressed or inflamed, your body burns through more B12 than it would under normal circumstances. 

Over time, this increased nutritional demand, without matching intake and absorption, can lead to significant deficiencies that leave you feeling even more exhausted, foggy, and depleted.

Symptoms of B12 Deficiency to Watch for If You Have Fibroids

Because fibroids can create conditions that make B12 deficiency more likely, it’s important to recognize the signs early. Many symptoms of low B12 can overlap with the general fatigue and discomfort that fibroids cause, making it easy to miss the connection.

Here’s what to watch for:

• Fatigue and Low Energy: One of the hallmark signs of B12 deficiency is persistent, deep fatigue that isn’t improved by rest. If you’re feeling constantly drained—even after a full night’s sleep—low B12 could be part of the problem.
• Brain Fog and Memory Issues: B12 is essential for healthy brain function. A deficiency can lead to trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and mental sluggishness, often described as “brain fog.” These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life, making work, conversations, and decision-making more difficult.
• Pale Skin, Dizziness, and Shortness of Breath: B12 plays a key role in red blood cell production. When levels are low, oxygen delivery to tissues drops, which can cause your skin to look pale or washed out. You may also feel dizzy, lightheaded, or notice shortness of breath during everyday activities.
• Numbness or Tingling in Hands and Feet: Another red flag for B12 deficiency is nerve damage. Tingling, “pins and needles” sensations, or numbness in your hands, feet, or legs can occur when B12 levels stay too low for too long. If left unaddressed, this nerve damage can become permanent.
• Mood Changes Like Depression or Irritability: B12 is closely tied to neurotransmitter production, meaning it impacts mood regulation. Deficiency can lead to symptoms of depression, increased anxiety, or irritability. If your emotional health has noticeably worsened alongside physical symptoms, low B12 could be a contributing factor.

If you’re managing fibroids and recognize several of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to investigate your B12 status with your healthcare provider. Early detection and correction can prevent more serious complications down the line.

Diagnosing B12 Deficiency

If you’re experiencing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or dizziness—and especially if you also have fibroids—it’s important to find out whether a B12 deficiency could be part of the picture. Fortunately, diagnosing low B12 is relatively straightforward with the right blood tests.

• • Blood Tests to Confirm B12 Status: The most common starting point is a serum B12 test, which measures the amount of B12 circulating in your blood. However, serum B12 alone doesn’t always give a complete picture, especially if levels fall into a “low-normal” range. Additional tests that can offer deeper insights include:
    • Methylmalonic acid (MMA): Elevated levels suggest a true B12 deficiency at the cellular level.
    • Homocysteine: Higher-than-normal levels can also indicate poor B12 (or folate) availability.
    • Testing both MMA and homocysteine alongside serum B12 can help catch deficiencies that might otherwise be missed.
  • Checking for Signs of Anemia: Because B12 is essential for red blood cell production, it’s also wise to check for anemia-related markers:

• Iron levels (serum iron and ferritin)

• • Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC can reveal whether you have fewer or smaller red blood cells than normal, which is a hallmark of anemia. Many women with fibroids already have low iron due to heavy periods, and a B12 deficiency can compound the problem, leading to more severe symptoms.
• When to Talk to Your Doctor About Testing: If you’re noticing persistent fatigue, cognitive issues, numbness, or mood swings—and especially if you have known fibroids or heavy bleeding—it’s a good idea to request B12 and iron testing from your healthcare provider. Early diagnosis matters: untreated B12 deficiency can worsen over time, potentially leading to irreversible nerve damage or worsening anemia. The sooner you identify and address the problem, the easier it is to reverse the symptoms and restore your health.

How to Support B12 Levels If You Have Fibroids

If you’re managing fibroids and struggling with low B12 levels, the good news is that there are clear, actionable steps you can take to support your recovery. Addressing both the underlying causes and the deficiency itself can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Treat Heavy Bleeding: Medications, Surgical Options, Supplements

Because chronic blood loss can drain nutrients like B12 (and iron), it’s critical to manage heavy periods effectively.

• Medications like hormonal birth control, tranexamic acid, or GnRH agonists can help reduce bleeding.
• Surgical options such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or myomectomy may be recommended if bleeding is severe and impacting your quality of life.
• Supplements like iron and B12 are often necessary during this time to replenish what’s been lost and prevent worsening anemia.

Getting bleeding under control isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your nutrient reserves and energy levels long-term.

Support Gut Health: Probiotics, Gut-Healing Foods, Stress Management

Since fibroids and chronic stress can weaken digestion and nutrient absorption, supporting gut health is key for improving how your body absorbs B12.

• Probiotics can help restore healthy gut flora, which plays a role in nutrient absorption.
• Gut-healing foods like bone broth, fermented foods (yogurt, sauerkraut), and collagen-rich meals can strengthen the intestinal lining.
• Stress management practices like deep breathing, gentle exercise, or mindfulness can also improve digestion and reduce inflammation that impairs absorption.

A healthier gut environment makes it much easier for your body to utilize the B12 you’re taking in.

Choose the Right B12 Supplement: Methylcobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin, or Injections for Severe Cases

If you’re found to be deficient, not all B12 supplements are created equal.

• Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are the most bioavailable (usable) forms of B12. They’re often better absorbed and more effective than cheaper forms like cyanocobalamin.
• For severe deficiency or if gut absorption is compromised, B12 injections may be needed. These bypass the digestive system completely and deliver B12 directly into the bloodstream for faster replenishment.

Work with your healthcare provider to find the best form and dosage for your situation.

Eat a B12-Rich Diet: Meat, Fish, Eggs, Fortified Foods

Food sources can be a powerful tool for rebuilding your B12 levels:

• Animal products are the richest natural sources of B12, especially beef, liver, salmon, tuna, sardines, and eggs.
• If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, fortified foods like nutritional yeast, plant milks, and cereals can help provide additional B12. (However, supplementation is usually still needed for significant deficiencies.)

Eating a B12-rich diet consistently helps maintain your levels once you’ve corrected a deficiency and can prevent future drops.

Final Thoughts: Can Fibroids Cause B12 Deficiency?

While fibroids don’t directly cause B12 deficiency, they can absolutely create the conditions that make one more likely. 

Heavy menstrual bleeding, stress on the body, digestive disruption, and increased nutrient demands can all quietly drain B12 stores over time, leading to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes that many women mistakenly chalk up to “just having fibroids.”

Addressing both the fibroids themselves and any resulting nutrient deficiencies is critical for full recovery. 

Supporting your B12 levels doesn’t just improve your energy—it can sharpen your memory, improve your mood, and help your body heal more effectively overall.

If you suspect that low B12 might be contributing to how you feel, don’t ignore it. With the right support, it’s possible to reclaim your energy, stabilize your health, and feel much stronger moving forward.

FAQs

Can heavy bleeding from fibroids cause anemia and B12 deficiency?

Chronic heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia, and over time, it may also contribute to B12 depletion, especially if blood loss and nutrient intake aren’t balanced.

How do I know if my fatigue is from fibroids or B12 deficiency?

Fatigue from fibroids often comes with heavy bleeding and anemia symptoms. Fatigue from B12 deficiency tends to include brain fog, numbness or tingling, and mood changes. Blood tests for iron, ferritin, and B12 levels can help pinpoint the cause.

What’s the best form of B12 to take if I have absorption issues?

Methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin are the best oral forms for absorption. If gut absorption is severely impaired, B12 injections bypass the digestive system and may be recommended by your doctor.

Can treating fibroids improve B12 levels naturally?

Yes. Managing heavy bleeding can reduce the loss of nutrients like B12 and iron. Once bleeding is controlled and gut health is supported, B12 levels can often improve more easily with diet and supplements.

Are there natural remedies to help fibroid symptoms and nutrient absorption?

Some natural approaches like anti-inflammatory diets, stress reduction, and certain supplements (like iron, B12, and probiotics) can support better overall health. However, it’s important to work with your doctor to manage significant fibroid symptoms safely.