Addressing Uterine Fibroids and Anemia: Insights from Health Summit

At a recent Health Summit in Hyderabad, Dr. Rooma Sinha highlighted the critical issues surrounding uterine fibroids and the anemia crisis among women. With alarming statistics showing that 77% of women develop fibroids during their reproductive years, she emphasized the dangers of normalizing heavy menstrual bleeding. Dr. Sinha pointed out that many women suffer from anemia due to excessive blood loss rather than nutritional deficiencies, often overlooking early signs like fatigue. She called for open discussions about these health issues and reassured women that treatment options are available. The session concluded with a powerful reminder for women to trust their instincts regarding their health and for men to engage in conversations about women's well-being.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2026, 20:41 IST

Highlighting a Critical Health Issue

During the Health Summit held in Hyderabad, Dr. Rooma Sinha, who serves as the Chief Gynaecologist and Director of Gynaecological Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, led an important discussion on a significant yet often neglected public health issue in India: uterine fibroids and the resulting anemia crisis affecting women. She highlighted alarming statistics indicating that 77% of women will experience fibroids during their reproductive years, emphasizing that heavy menstrual bleeding has become so normalized that it poses serious health risks.

Understanding Anemia Beyond Pregnancy

Anemia That Has Nothing To Do With Pregnancy

Dr. Sinha began by addressing a critical gap in the conversation surrounding anemia in India. While many public health initiatives focus on anemia during pregnancy, she noted that it is not uncommon for women to visit her clinic with dangerously low hemoglobin levels, sometimes as low as five or six grams. This deficiency, she explained, is often due to excessive blood loss during menstruation rather than nutritional issues. Many women inherit their perceptions of 'normal' bleeding from family and friends, who may inadvertently normalize what should be considered a medical concern. This normalization can lead to years of delayed diagnosis. Fatigue, which many working women attribute to stress, is frequently an early sign of anemia that can be easily overlooked. Dr. Sinha emphasized that a simple hemoglobin test, which is not costly, can help identify the issue early.

Breaking the Silence on Heavy Bleeding

When asked why women often hesitate to seek help despite recognizing symptoms, Dr. Sinha candidly stated, "It's just pure negligence I feel," compounded by a lack of awareness that these conditions are treatable. She advocated for open discussions about heavy bleeding, asserting that it should not be a taboo topic in homes, media, or society.

Surgical Options and Patient Empowerment

Surgery Is Always A Choice

The conversation also addressed the fears many women have regarding gynecological consultations, particularly the misconception that discussing fibroids inevitably leads to a hysterectomy. Dr. Sinha clarified that most fibroids are benign and that treatment options today include medical management, non-invasive procedures, and surgery only when necessary. She emphasized that the choice of treatment should be personalized, whether a 45-year-old wishes to keep her uterus or a 23-year-old prefers a myomectomy instead of a hysterectomy. She concluded her session with a powerful message to women: trust your instincts about what feels abnormal and do not dismiss heavy bleeding as a normal occurrence. Using an airline safety analogy, she reminded attendees to prioritize their health, stating that a woman with low hemoglobin cannot adequately care for her family. Importantly, she encouraged men to check in on the women in their lives by simply asking, "How are you today?" This small gesture could lead to much-needed conversations about health that have long been overlooked.