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Family Medicine (Expert Forum)
Anemia or something else.
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
Questions in the Family Medicine forum are answered by Dr. J.M. Keyes. Topics covered include general health issues, adolescence, babies, child health, eating disorders, fitness, immunizations and vaccines, infectious diseases, medical tests and procedures, and senior health.
Anemia or something else.
by shellbell25, Mar 15, 2006 12:00AM
I am a 43 year old woman, who first off have menstrual periods every 25-28 days with heavy flow and 7 days of flow. I have been getting so anxious with sweating, panic attacks, nervousness and shaking. I went to the family doc and he did a blood test with the following abnormalities
WBC - 10.5
Hemoglobin - 10.9
Hemtocrit - 33.6
MCV - 68
MCH - 22.1
Platelets - 447
=========================
The doc informs me that the readings are possibility for colon cancer and I need to see a gastro doctor. I am so scared with his comments. I thought most women are anemic at this age if they have heavy cycles. Can you offer some advise. Thank you.
WBC - 10.5
Hemoglobin - 10.9
Hemtocrit - 33.6
MCV - 68
MCH - 22.1
Platelets - 447
=========================
The doc informs me that the readings are possibility for colon cancer and I need to see a gastro doctor. I am so scared with his comments. I thought most women are anemic at this age if they have heavy cycles. Can you offer some advise. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 16, 2006 12:00AM
, Mar 16, 2006 12:00AM
The lab results are suggestive of iron-deficiency anemia (low MCV and low hemoglobin). I would obtain iron studies to confrim this.
It is true that heavy menstrual periods can cause this. However, this can also be caused by colon cancer as well.
I would rule out colon cancer first - preferably with a colonoscopy. If negative, then you can work on the menstrual cycle as a possible cause.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
It is true that heavy menstrual periods can cause this. However, this can also be caused by colon cancer as well.
I would rule out colon cancer first - preferably with a colonoscopy. If negative, then you can work on the menstrual cycle as a possible cause.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
