Blood test when on period?

[Christmascracker0]

A quick question!

I had a blood test last Thursday and on Friday the GP rang to ask if I had been on my period at the time - I said I was but at the end of my period. They called again today to ask for another blood test be done when I’m not menstruating.

Is there any reason why it would make a difference? I have had loads of blood tests but never been asked this before and I’m pretty sure I’ve had bloods taken when on my period!

It was full bloods but specifically to check my iron and B12 levels.

TIA ☺️

Yes your iron levels dip when on your period due to the blood loss. So presumably your result was borderline so they want to check whether the level improves when you're not on your period.

That’s weird.

I had horrendous periods, like could not leave the house heavy, and remember sobbing on the phone to the dr asking for an iron blood test and full bloods one time and she commented that I’d only had them done last month and it really won’t be affected that quickly. The did the blood test, she was right.

It will be interesting to see if there is any difference in my levels I guess!

As an update, it wasn’t the iron that was a problem. My serum CA125 was checked and high so the dr rechecked because this can be a sign of ovarian cancer and my mum has ovarian cancer. Still higher than normal in the second test so I’ll go for an ultrasound for reassurance. It can also be a sign of endometriosis which I’ve actually suspected I’ve had for a while so we’ll see!

A worry for you I’m sure.
I hope all looks well on the scan.

I was asked to have a blood test on day 2 of period, so they could see results at a specific point in my cycle