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Please help explain decrease in iron lab?cause?
What could cause a decrease in iron from 41 to 21, hgb: 12 to 11.2 in 3 months? Labs were taken 3 days before start of menstrual cycle, no blood noted in stools? Any thoughts?
Sorry, the only way I know to control the heavy periods are BC pills.
I would try to continue the iron supplements and try eating foods high in iron as well. It is not unusual for women to be low in iron; anemic. I was having trouble with iron levels at one time too. Another suggestion, cooking with iron skillets as well.
I would try to continue the iron supplements and try eating foods high in iron as well. It is not unusual for women to be low in iron; anemic. I was having trouble with iron levels at one time too. Another suggestion, cooking with iron skillets as well.
So I had my GI visit yesterday and everything came back clean besides a small hiatal hernia (which I am told is not a big deal) Now I am wondering what my next step should be. I am fairly sure the low iron level is related to heavy periods, is there anything that can be done to decrease them? I know my MD mentioned birth control pills, but I would prefer to stay away from them if at all possible? Or should I just continue to attempt the iron supplements. I am able to keep them (iron) down about 50% of the time, which is better than I have done in the past but that is only 1 a day. It just stinks that the only thing that will make me feel better (more energenic, not so tired) makes me feels so sick! Thanks for all the help and support!
Thank you for the advice with the full glass of water, it worked for the past two days! Not as much nausea! :-)
its not a bad idea at all to get the EGD .... if you get light headed or feel like you are going to pass out... go to the ER
Thanks for the info, I will definetly try it. Ecspecially the full glass of water. I appreciate it!
Do you take them with a full meal and a full glass of water? Eat your meal and drink the water and THEN take the pill. Don't take them at night before bed.
For the constipation, you can try eating prunes, raisins, fruits with skins (apples) and green leefy veggies. Increase your water intake.
Try these suggestions if you have not already.
For the constipation, you can try eating prunes, raisins, fruits with skins (apples) and green leefy veggies. Increase your water intake.
Try these suggestions if you have not already.
I have been trying to take the iron supplements, but they make me very sick. (this has been a history for me with iron supplements) Today I didn't have it down for more than an hour and I was vomitting. I took it with food, tried taking them at night but the nausea is awful. If I am able to keep them down, I become extremely constipated. I am now going to try to take them 1/2 tab at a time. Any other suggestions on how to stop the GI distress would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.
I don't think the physician is being exaggerated; he/she is being prudent. Your GI system would have been my next choice to rule out blood loss.
Are you taking iron supplements?
Are you taking iron supplements?
My periods are on the heavy side, last 5 days first 3 days are heavy. I do not take aspirin. (do take ibuprofen tho) Went to MD today, she wants me to go in for an EGD and a colonoscopy. Also need to do an occult stool test. Do you think this is a bit of an exaggeration? Or should I be worried? Overall I feel fine, tired at times,(but whose to say what tired is when you are 32, with two young boys and a fulltime job?) occasionally light headed if move too quickly?
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I would take the advice of the two above posters. Normally, this is due to heavy periods, internal bleeding, or taking too much aspirin. My iron is high at times, so, I donate blood, but, you are the opposite. I would ask your doctor about this or even the lab tech.
As Londres stated, the primary cause is blood loss. In a female, generally from a period.
Presumeably, you have taken an occult stool test. You wouldn't necessarily "see" the blood. You need the test.
Aspirin causes a loss of about a teaspoon of blood for every 325 mg tablet.
Go back to your physician and keep a close watch on the situation.
Presumeably, you have taken an occult stool test. You wouldn't necessarily "see" the blood. You need the test.
Aspirin causes a loss of about a teaspoon of blood for every 325 mg tablet.
Go back to your physician and keep a close watch on the situation.
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way off the beaten track!, BC
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