Any doctors who could help please?

[Ramunea]

Please if you wouldn’t mind, would you talk me through my recent blood test results and do you see anything concerning?

Reason for test was I have prolonged heavy periods that often last for months. Last period was for 3 months (consistently heavy/ large clots and abdominal pain). Period before that was for around 4 months also. Have had irregular periods for years (10+) however the duration and intensity of bleeding has increased greatly in the last 18 months. Pain has also become almost unbareable however I don’t have pain everyday that I am bleeding.

I have a follow up appointment with my gp next week however I would love some insight. Thanks

I have been diagnosed with PCOS (10+ years ago) however no other health conditions.

I am not a doctor, but have some relevant patient experience, so I'll shove in my ha'pennyworth whilst you wait for someone who knows better.

Those two results are barely out of the reference range, and therefore unlikely to be a cause for concern at present. I would expect your GP to ask for the tests to be repeated in a few weeks to see if you remain out of range (by a similar amount, or if there is actually a trend that is taking you further out of range).

@nether
thank you so much for your help. There was more included on the blood test, do you mind if I PM you the details and you may be as to have a look please?

The FBC result says "Satisfactory, - no clinical action needed" so all seems well there.

I'd say the GP will follow up in a few weeks to get a comparison.

Other tests may be recommended for the pain etc. maybe to see if you have fibroids or something in that line.

Please relax re the bloods. See what else GP can recommend.

@CordyLines Thank you so much for your help. I understand what you mean. I suppose I’m anxious about having heavy bleeding again as it effects me so much and I feel I would love to know where the bleeding is coming from and why it keeps happening.

I will see what the GP can recommend. Thanks

In most countries they have an approach of if you’re borderline but symptomatic of something then to treat the symptoms anyway as the reference ranges are based on ‘Joe average’. Be prepared to be sharp elbowed. I know someone who had all the signs of B12 deficiency but was on the cusp of the range so her GP refused to treat her!

would anyone please be able to give some insight with the other results I have received also please.

thank you so much

Exactly my experience.
Drs in Europe ( ime) say you should be in the top quadrant of the range. My B12 was 2 points over the low in range and GP (UK) refused to treat me. A month of private B12 injections and I could walk properly again.

@AgrathaChristie
that’s a fantastic idea! Thank you

think I’m going to get myself some b12 injections. Thank you!

Have they ascertained why your periods are so long? Have you seen a gynaecologist?

There are oral vitb12 preparations.

Both your ferritin and folate levels are very low. Folate can fluctuate quite quickly but that is a pretty low result nevertheless. That level of ferritin would make me feel extremely tired.

@hopeishere
I haven’t been given a reason why my periods are so long. I did have an ultrasound late last year when I was bleeding for around 4 months and they found no fibroids and 2 very small cysts on my ovaries. But certainly nothing alarming.

I have not seen a gynaecologist yet however that is due now I have had bloods tested again recently.

@Pip1402
i do sometimes feel exhausted but not often.

thank you for the help as I feel at least I know why I do feel so tired sometimes.

If those levels continue to fall then it could lead to anaemia so it's worth trying to improve your folic acid and iron intakes.

@Pip1402 thank you so much. That is so helpful. I will get some supplements today. Thank you

You're welcome! I hope the GP is able to help with the bleeding, it sounds horrible

@Pip1402 I hope so too and it truely is a pain. I have to wear the heaviest absorbency sanitary towels plus heaviest absorbency tampons and MUST change every hour otherwise I leak. I have now resorted to wearing black clothes everyday as it happens so often and I can’t always get to a bathroom every hour when I’m at work. I have to bring a change of clothes with me everywhere I go and often a small towel or jacket I can discreetly sit on to minimise ruining chairs/ car seats. It’s such a pain and I really want answers and some relief.

thank you for your help

Everything looks well in range. Your RBC is ever so slightly low, but that’s understandable considering your symptoms. Nothing to worry about there. They need to go down another road, likely endocrinology.

I take Spatone in orange juice to support my iron levels.

@Ithurtsthebackofmyeyes Thank you so much. That is reassuring. I will suggest the endocrinology route when I have my follow up appointment. Thank you

My sister in law is a doctor and has a very similar symptom to you. She also has B12 injections, takes iron etc, and has had extensive gynae investigations. Nothing notable. She’s now pushed for an endocrinology referral, as she thinks that is the root of her issues.

If you have PCOS that would be contributing to long, gruesome periods. They haven’t tested any of your hormone levels. That’s a bit annoying. They should have tested your estrogen, testosterone, androgens, follicle stimulating hormone and thyroid hormones.(Unless they already have this info) Your iron levels are borderline low which is easily explained by the constant bleeding. Everything else is clinically normal.

@Ithurtsthebackofmyeyes thank you. I have a friend who administers B12 injections so I will enquire about having one myself. I do hope your sister can find some answers as myself.

@Fraaahnces
I have included the hormone blood test results in a previous answer. I will upload again

thank you

They’re probably going to suggest a low GI diet first. Be prepared for that. Go in fighting. Please tell them that you DO stick to a low GI diet (research now) or even better, very low carb. PCOS (being a woman’s thing) is frequently minimised. Never mind that it has serious physical and psychological symptoms that can affect your long-term health and fertility (if that is a priority) and can lead to type 2 diabetes. Let the doctor know if you have excess facial/pubic hair, depression, anxiety, weight that won’t shift, cold intolerance, dry skin (body), acne, greasy hair, seborrheic dermatitis (any skin issues, actually) numbness or pain in hands and feet, food cravings, unexplained mood swings, tiredness, hair loss, hair thinning, bloating, digestive changes, etc. Write a list.