Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids and other gynecological conditions is a major but often overlooked contributor to anemia among Indian women, said Dr. Roma Sinha, Chief Gynecologist and Director of Gynecological Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, today.Speaking at the Times Network India Health Summit 2026 at Hyderabad, Dr. Sinha highlighted how many women normalize excessive menstrual bleeding and delay seeking medical attention, often leading to severe anemia and a reduced quality of life.Fibroids And Heavy Bleeding Behind AnemiaAccording to Dr. Sinha, it is not uncommon for women to visit her clinic with hemoglobin levels as low as five or six grams per deciliter."Most of the time, it is not nutritional anemia. Women lose so much blood during their menstrual cycles that they are unable to rebuild their hemoglobin levels," she said.While national programs such as Anemia Mukt Bharat focus heavily on pregnant women, Dr. Sinha pointed out that anemia occurring during other stages of a woman's life often goes unnoticed.She said many women learn from family members and friends that heavy bleeding is "normal" and simply continue to suffer without seeking treatment.Also read: Violence Against Doctors Is A National Concern, Says IMA Dilip P. BhanushaliFatigue And Poor Quality Of Life Beyond the underlying disease, Dr. Sinha emphasized the impact heavy menstrual bleeding has on women's daily lives."Many women think they are tired because of stress, work, or family responsibilities. But often it is low hemoglobin and iron deficiency causing that fatigue," she said.The expert noted that a simple hemoglobin test can help diagnose anemia, yet many women continue to prioritize the health of their families over their own well-being.Lack of Awareness Dr. Sinha identified lack of awareness and negligence as two major reasons why women delay medical consultations."Heavy bleeding occurs only for a few days every month, so women tend to tolerate it and move on. Many don't realize that it is treatable and that ignoring it can lead to dangerously low hemoglobin levels," she said.The expert stressed the need for greater public awareness and open conversations about menstrual health."It should not be a taboo to talk about heavy menstrual bleeding," she added.Surgery Not The Only Treatment OptionRead More: Childhood Obesity Is A 'Do or Die' Crisis, Experts Warn A common fear among women, Dr. Sinha said, is surgery. Many patients avoid consultations because they assume treatment will automatically mean a hysterectomy —the surgical removal of the uterus— after which pregnancy is impossible, the top gynecologist said. However, she clarified that surgery is not the only option available for fibroids."Fibroids are largely benign tumors. Women today have choices, including medical management, non-invasive treatments, myomectomy, or hysterectomy, depending on their individual needs and preferences," she said.The expert added that modern technologies such as robotic surgery have significantly improved outcomes for women requiring treatment. Dr. Sinha also highlighted long-term research conducted on women who underwent robotic surgery for fibroids."We followed patients for ten years and found that 86.3 per cent conceived and delivered successfully after surgery," she said.The findings, she noted, should reassure younger women concerned about fertility after fibroid treatment.Early DiagnosisRead To Know: AI Cannot Replace Doctors, It Can Only Complement, Says Dr Santosh SivaranjaniWhile early detection cannot eliminate fibroids completely, Dr. Sinha said it can prevent severe anemia and improve overall quality of life. "Current treatments can control symptoms and act as bridge therapies, helping women avoid complications and delay more definitive treatment when appropriate," she explained.'Don't Ignore Heavy Bleeding'In her message to women, Dr. Sinha urged them to listen to their bodies and seek help when they notice abnormal menstrual bleeding."If you feel your periods are heavier than normal, don't ignore it. Get a simple hemoglobin test and consult a gynecologist," she said.Dr. Sinha also called on families, particularly men, to support women in seeking care and to pay attention when they complain of persistent fatigue or excessive menstrual bleeding.