Low iron and heavy periods

[luciemule]

Hi - I have just taken this quotation from another thread:

"somewhere I once read that being anaemic can actually make you bleed more paradoxically but don't know how it works medically."

Basically, I have just had my blood test results back saying I have a low iron count. My periods happen every 3 weeks (it was always 4 until after DD was born) and I was wondering, can low iron actually make you bleed more frequently, rather than the other which I thought, frequent/heavy periods can cause low iron? Which is the most common?

I'm seeing the doctor next week to discuss the results but really wanted to up my iron without tablets (make me constipated).
I was just goign to do the usual - apricots/broccoli/pork etc.

Ask GP to refer you to a consultant gynae; this needs further investigation. Apart from anything else the day to day quality of life gets affected and you should not have to put up with this.

Both endometriosis and fibroids can cause heavy bleeding.

It's really annoying having it bang on the 3 week point. It cacks up holidays, my ability to do a job (due to flooding) and makes me have no energy. I just want to curl up in bed most afternoons - but don't so feel even worse once the kids get home from school.

I said that on the other thread. I've had fibroids for 10yrs & crap periods for most of that so I've done a lot of reading & picked up info on it. Can't remember where I read that but it stuck in my mind as it's counter-intuitive.

You can take iron compounds that are non-constipating,like iron bisglycinate, check in a health shop. The liquid supplements are usually much better. The GP will likely tell you that iron from meat is the best source of dietary iron. I am veggie so no good for me so I just supplement.

I have had a short cycle in the past 21-24days. This is actually good for getting pregnant as you are fertile more of the time! However, I prefer longer as less hassle & find my cycle gets longer if I eat better & exercise, & also take the herb Agnus Castus (aka Vitex) which is a hormone regulator, also helps with PMT symptons. It is very commonly used for period issues & I don't think it has any side effects. Can take 3-6mths to show any effect tho.

The lesser known adenomyosis can also cause heavy bleeding.

Thanks for that elvis - very useful tips :)

I read on NHS website that taking ibroprofen can reduce heavy period flow by about 30%.

Have started to take it myself on first couple of days of period as I too have the same problem. Could you try it whilst waiting for a referral?

I've been taking Floradix tablets, which haven't made me constipated. The flooding thing is just hideous, isn't it? I'm a teacher and I spend too many days a month wearing black trousers because I'm too scared to risk anything else. Will try the ibuprofen idea.

Ibrupofen is a type of drug called as NSAID (non-steroid anti-flammatory drug). Prescription versions called mefanamic or tranexamic acid are available to specifically help reduce bleeding during periods. They have to be taken as soon as bleeding starts to be effective (ie do not wait until bleeding is heavy). I assume ibrupofen is not as concentrated, also it may contain other things for pain-relief so check that you wouldn't be dosing up on other stuff too.

If you are flooding best to be checked for underlying gynae issues & for blood clotting disorders of course.

Oh - didn't know tranexamic acid is a type of ibuprofen - really don't think that's good for the stomach lining.

Belligerent- that's the reason I still haven't applied for a TA job. I know teachers/TAs get so little chance to leave the classroom to go to the loo. I don't use tampons either so it's more obvious as to flooding as well. It feels like I'm having to sqeeze it all in until there's a chance to go loo!

sorry - squeeze not sqeeze!