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Suffering From Anaemia. Taking Strong Birth Control Pill. Is This A Common Disease?
Question: Hi Doc,
I had ecoli poisoning in 2002 (in Japan) and it was fairly severe. Back to today, I have anemia and my ferritin goes up with the help of iron pills but, then it goes way down after a period. I even experienced this while after my period and I'm strong birth control pills! Anyhow, my Hemoglobin always borders on low at around 115-125. Is there any way I can find out what type of anemia I have or, is this a common disease these days? I never had any iron problems before Japan. And in Japan I had an abcess on my intestine which luckily healed with IV in the intensive care unit. I have had a blood smear and it turned about normal. Any ideas about blood tests or tests that will help me out. Or do I just have to patient and wait for my hemoglobin levels to do something?
I had ecoli poisoning in 2002 (in Japan) and it was fairly severe. Back to today, I have anemia and my ferritin goes up with the help of iron pills but, then it goes way down after a period. I even experienced this while after my period and I'm strong birth control pills! Anyhow, my Hemoglobin always borders on low at around 115-125. Is there any way I can find out what type of anemia I have or, is this a common disease these days? I never had any iron problems before Japan. And in Japan I had an abcess on my intestine which luckily healed with IV in the intensive care unit. I have had a blood smear and it turned about normal. Any ideas about blood tests or tests that will help me out. Or do I just have to patient and wait for my hemoglobin levels to do something?
Hello and thank you for sending your question.
Your question is a very good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations regarding what is going on.
The most likely contributing factor to your mild anemia is your heavy menstrual bleeding. This is a very common cause of mild anemia in healthy females.
Sometimes hormonal medication might be used in order to minimize bleeding during menstrual periods. These medications may however have some side effects that you might not wish to experience.
As long as you are able to maintain your hemoglobin close to normal - a hematocrit of 32 or higher - Then I believe you can be followed conservatively with occasional hemoglobin checks every six months or every year.
The iron supplementation should continue as your body needs this due to the blood loss you are experiencing during your menstrual periods. There is no other factor going on which needs to be investigated. I do not think you have any type of gastrointestinal bleeding and your bone marrow is likely functioning normally.
Thanks again for sending your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful. If you have additional concerns please let me know.
Sincerely,
Dr Robert
Your question is a very good one and I will work on providing you with some information and recommendations regarding what is going on.
The most likely contributing factor to your mild anemia is your heavy menstrual bleeding. This is a very common cause of mild anemia in healthy females.
Sometimes hormonal medication might be used in order to minimize bleeding during menstrual periods. These medications may however have some side effects that you might not wish to experience.
As long as you are able to maintain your hemoglobin close to normal - a hematocrit of 32 or higher - Then I believe you can be followed conservatively with occasional hemoglobin checks every six months or every year.
The iron supplementation should continue as your body needs this due to the blood loss you are experiencing during your menstrual periods. There is no other factor going on which needs to be investigated. I do not think you have any type of gastrointestinal bleeding and your bone marrow is likely functioning normally.
Thanks again for sending your question. I hope you found my response to be helpful. If you have additional concerns please let me know.
Sincerely,
Dr Robert
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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