Paleness - anemia?

[MaybeNotThen]

For the past month or two people have been saying I'm very pale. Poor DH occasionally drops himself in it with innocent comments about having a day without wearing make up - but the thing is, I am wearing make up, foundation and blush tint, as I normally do! I think he's right, I'm looking increasingly washed out, and as I'm very pale anyway it's not a great look...

I'm not exhausted, but then I'm not raring to run a marathon either, and possibly I am a bit tireder then I should be when I'm getting pretty good sleep. I do have horrendous periods, though - short but very heavy, I can easily go through a super plus exta tampon and a liner/towel in 2-3 hours. They're not overly painful at the moment so I'm loathe to do anything about them as I'm only allowed the Mirena, not the pill or implant, and we are thinking of ttc within the next 6-12 months. Diet wise, I probably could do with more iron-based food included as I don't like much red meat and tend to have salads rather than brocolli etc.

Does this sound like anemia? Are there any other signs I could look for? I don't really want to bother the GP just to say "I'm a bit pale at the moment" when I can just get iron supplements otc (and it means taking time off work for an appt).

Any ideas or advice gratefully received!

It sounds like it could be anaemia, it's pretty common in women specially if they have heavy periods. If it was me, I'd try to change my diet - dark green leaves are good, that can be salad or broccoli/cabbage/spinach etc, also pulses, breakfast cereals, dried fruits. Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron from food, caffeine reduces it so you'd be better having a glass of orange juice with a meal, rather than a cup of coffee. And/or buy a supplement!

When I've been anaemic, a few days on a supplement has been enough to help me feel a lot better, but it will take 6 weeks to get the full effect whether you use a supplement or just increase what you're getting from your food, as that's how long it will take your body to replace all the low-iron red blood cells you currently have with a complete set of ones with a full amount of iron.

Thanks! I'll try iron tablets and I'll stick with them as you say, rather than give up in a few days if I feel better.