What Causes Low Iron Readings Post Heavy And Painful Periods?

Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015

Question: Hi I am having severe hairfall and bruising on my skin. My facial skin is pale and is peeling off and dry. I did my blood profile and other tests and my Total Iron binding capacity came as 41.4 only.Also Transferrin saturation was 12.43. Monocytes 0.17; Basophils 0.01; total RBC 5.29; hematocrit 47.6; MCHC 30.7; PDW 16.1, MPV 12.1, PLCR 42.5. Thyroid test is normal. All other tests normal. I am also having heavy and painful periods lately and wondering if that is why my IRON readings are low this time. 1 yr back I got my hemoglobin done and it was 13. Last year I got MTP done as well. What should I do for my skin, hair and overall health?? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not to worry.Let me help you out.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thank you for posting your question.
I have gone through the entire post. I can understand your concern.

Yes the readings may be low due to the heavy bleeding.
Let me analyse the reports
1. Serum iron - low
2. TIBC - low
3. Transferrin saturation - low
4. MCHC - low
5. MPV - normal

All these point towards an iron deficiency.
Actually iron deficiency states can be divided into 3 stages.
You are actually in stage 2 which we call iron-deficient erythropoeisis when transferrin saturation drops <20.

It would have been great had you mentioned the current haemoglobin and serum ferritin values.

I would suggest you to -

- not worry
- I would start tablet Hemfer XT. Your doctor can guide on the exact dosage.
The facial skin getting pale can be due to this iron deficiency anemia.

For the bruising on the skin , it would have been great had you given the platelet count , prothrombin time, INR values.

Let me ask you
1. For how long have you been having the bruises?
2. Did you have any longstanding illness in the recent past?

Do not worry.

I would suggest you to visit a gynaecologist to review the the heavy menstrual bleeding you are having. Also visit a clinician. He/she can examine you and correlate clinically.

Hope this helps.
Write back to us with reports of haemoglobin , Prothrombin time , INR , platelet count , Erythrocyte sedimentation rate . This would help us in evaluation.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Goswami Debopom (46 hours later)

I have started taking Hemfer XT once daily before food. Can you help me understand if there are any side effects of this medication. Should i take ascorbic acid supplement or orange juice for better absorption? I shall go for BT, CT, PT ESR, Hb and Urine culture on Sunday. Is there any other test you recommend. Is it dangerous to be in stage 2? Can this anemia be because of mennorhagia or heavy periods? Should I also go fr ultrasound to evaluate fibroids etc.?

Answered by Dr. Goswami Debopom (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not to worry. Let me help you out.

Detailed Answer:
1. Yes a lemon after food will help in iron absorption. Avoid tea and coffee after meal.
2. Do not worry. With proper treatment , you will recover.
3. The low hemoglobin level may be due to heavy menstrual blood loss.
4. Yes you can go for an ultrasound to check for fibroids.

Hope this helps.
Post any other question.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T