Q. My hemoglobin count is low. Could it be due to my heavy menstrual flow?
Hello doctor,
I have been suffering from anemia for over 12 years now. I am very sure that within this time frame, my hemoglobin level has never been higher than 10 g/dL. Recently, my hemoglobin was at 7.1 g/dL. I have seen many doctors and have informed them of a family history of a kidney disease, even though my RFT are always within range. All the doctors claim that the reason for my chronic anemia is due to my menstrual period. I do have a heavy menstrual cycle lasting anywhere between five to seven days, but in all honesty, it has never been a cause for concern. I have begun seeing a new hematologist since last year, and according to my lab results, it seems that I have a condition called alpha thalassemia in association with microcytosis. I also learned that I have abnormally shaped RBCs, called as poikilocytosis and the list definitely goes on.
I do not want to self-diagnose, but my theory is that there is an underlying issue. When I mention that to the doctors they do not want to think on those lines and try to convince me that it is due to my menstruation. I have a normal month and a heavier month, but it has never been a cause for concern. In looking at my recent blood work, which is not too different from my previous lab results throughout the years, I noticed that my reticulocytes percent is 1.3 %, but my absolute is within the range. I have 2 % saturation, ferritin is at 2 %, iron binding is high at 489 mcg/dL. BUN, and creatinine are fine. Platelets are abnormally high at 716 Thousand/uL. WBCs are all normal. So, my question is, should I worry about my bone marrow, my kidneys or could this truly just be my menstrual cycle?
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
- Can you forward your hemoglobin electrophoresis report to me?
For more information consult a hematologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/hematologist
Hello doctor,
Thank you for responding. As you can see, I have attached my most recent blood work as well as the one that was done last year. I am sorry that I have attached so many sheets. I hope this helps.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
- Your hemoglobin electrophoresis is fine. I have few differential possibilities.
- One is a simple iron deficiency anemia, which needs intravenous or intramuscular iron supplements, followed by oral iron tablets to keep your iron reserves full.
- The second possibility could be red cell aplasia which needs further evaluation if iron therapy is not helping.
- You may need to undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for evaluation.
- Let us first correct your iron deficiency and then reassess you in a month's time. Till you get your doctor's appointment, start on oral iron tablets.
For further queries consult a hematologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/hematologist
Thank you doctor,
I will definitely mention this at my next appointment. I am currently having IV infusions of Venofer and it seems to be helping for now.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
- Your hemoglobin levels should improve in three to four weeks.
- For immediate improvement of symptoms, a blood transfusion can be considered.
For more information consult a hematologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/hematologist
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
Can you see the attached CBC report, and let me know if there is anything serious ?
If hemoglobinopathy is suspected, then HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) can be done ... Read full
Bladder biopsy shows eosinophilic cystitis with eosinophil infiltration. Please help... through your post well. Eosinophilic cystitis has been mentioned in the case reports because of its rarety. No clinical trials have been conducted on the condition, it is treated with a course of steroids or NSAIDS and occasionally with resection ... Read full
My hemoglobin is 4 and iron is 7 with 1% saturation. Do I need blood transfusion?Hello doctor, My platelet count was 974, hemoglobin was 4, sedimentation rate was > ... Your anemia should be treated with blood transfusion as this hemoglobin level is very ... Read full
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Also Read
Coronavirus Variant Arcturus: | Omicron XBB.1.16 Variant
Arcturus is an emerging variant of the Omicron virus that causes various symptoms and spreads rapidly across the world. ... Read more»
Adrenaline Rush - Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and How to Control
Adrenaline is a hormone responsible for fight or flight response. It is also a neurotransmitter and medicine. It is also... Read more»
Fatty Liver - Types, Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
The liver is the largest gland in the body. Its primary function is to process the food and drinks we consume. and filte... Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a Hematologist Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.
