I have period irregularities with breathlessness and palpitation due to anemia. How to correct it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am in my mid-30s, morbidly obese and taking Lamictal. My Hb is always low due to iron deficiency and I have been short of breath. My period has been thrown off from time to time but this month I have shortness of breath and my heart has been pounding. My period was four days late and I engaged in some sexual activity. I had been cramping before that day and it has been constant for about 23 days. I am not quite aware of what to do because I have a history of heavy to missed periods.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your description and would help you for sure.

Your period irregularities are mostly a consequence of hormonal disturbances associated with your obesity, which could be even a part of a lifestyle disorder called PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). This needs to be evaluated thoroughly. Do you have any excessive acne or unwanted facial hair growth problems? As per your anemia, it could have been either the consequences of the heavy periods that you mentioned or due to nutritional iron deficiencies which again needs thorough evaluation to treat it appropriately. As you are facing breathing difficulties and palpitations, it would be better to check a fresh hemoglobin level. If it is less than 6 g% you may need blood transfusion or parenteral or intravenous iron therapy, or else you may develop congestive heart failure, which could be life-threatening of anemia progresses. Please act quickly and get the anemia corrected. Also, you need to definitely work on your weight reduction and lifestyle modifications to get your periods regularized to avoid anemia in the future.

I hope this helps.