I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and have had really erratic cycles for years, often going months between periods. To help regulate my cycle, I started on a birth control pill about 2 months ago. I started with a 4 day period, this month am on the 18th day of heavy bleeding/lots of clots (sorry if TMI). At what point do I need to worry about becoming anemic? And how long is too long? I talked to my dr on day 10 and she wasn't concerned about the length of my period, but it doesn't seem like this can be without risk. No chance that I was pregnant - divorced, no relationships in over 6 mo, tubes tied... and now bcp!!
Thanks everyone. I had problems with anemia last year and it took a long time to bring it back up. I've been so tired lately, having a hard time waking up, struggling in the afternoon while at work, and falling asleep easily at night. I've been relying on caffeine to get me through the afternoon - which sounds like it will cause a problem with iron absorption. Time for the daily vitamins, which are a good idea anyway. Really appreciate everyone's help!
More to add: My dr wants to do an ultrasound to check the uterine lining and do a blood test for anemia on friday... and of course, tonight my period seems to be stopping (of course). But I'm thinking that I need to get back on progesterone, so I need to find a naturopath or dr with experience with pcos and bio-identical hormones. If anyone can recommend someone in meridian or boise, idaho area, I'm open to suggestions!
I had a friend who had the same problem. Seems her doctor let her bleed a very long time. She did become anemic, and that's when the doctor finally did something for her. You can take iron if you're worried about it. It's no fun. I'm so sorry. I hope it ends soon.
I would agree with some of the people who suggest going to a new doc. I had this problem and my regular ob/gyn did nothing but make the problem worse - my record for bleeding was 83 days. Yeah, that was fun! I finally went to a naturopath who put me on a bio-dentical hormone and my periods were regular within the first month. This type of hormone does not have the associated risks of cancer that the synthetics do. Now my periods are only 4 or 5 days long, normal, and occur every 25-28 days. My only problem was kicking myself for not checking with the naturopath sooner! Good luck!
L.
I agree with your doc. that as of right now I wouldn't worry about being anemic. But if you keep bleeding all the time then you should be seen by your doc. and they can do a test to see if you are. I have been anemic both times I was pregnant and all I had to do was take more iron pills along with my prenatals. So no big deal. But one really good sign of anemia is feeling tired all the time and having no energy.
I know that you got lots of answers to your question and I just want to add my two cents. I was having really heavy periods and so was my daughter and we went to a doctor that specializes in hormones. He checked all of our levels and we were both low in progesterone. It was such an inconvenience before and a blessing afterward. I would find a doctor who does the bio-identical hormones and go and get your levels tested. Good luck!
I think if I were you I would get a second opinion.
I would also be concerned about at least preventing anemia now. I love Floridex and chlorohyll both can be found in health food stores. They are natural iron supplements and don't cause constipation, etc. You can also cook in cast iron and look up what foods are high in iron.
HTH,
S.
In HS biology class I asked about the clotting. It's not blood, it's uterine lining. If you're worried about becoming anemic, start eating more iron-rich foods (spinach is the only one I can think of right now) & stop the caffeine (blocks iron absorption). Take a multi-vitamin w/iron (some don't contain iron, check the label). I'd wait to bump up the iron til the doc says it's time because there is a risk of your iron being too high.
Maybe you should see another doctor, I am surprised that your is not more concerned about so much bleeding. ANother thing that you can do is to eat lots of iron rich foods and take a multi vitamin, Have a big, rare, steak and a spinich salad!
I have a girl friend who suffers from extremely heavy bleeding due to cysts. She found the only way to combat the loss of blood was with wheat grass juice. She would purchase a flat of it and then juice it, drink the juice and use the remaining pulp inside the vagina and it helped the excessive bleeding. I don't know if you want to go to this extremem but it was a godsend for her.
The wheatgrass juice is sold at helath food stores and places like jamba juice.
I remember after my second baby, I got up and felt very strange. I looked in the mirror and seemed pale. It was so weird! Because that lovely 6-weeks of lochia hadn't stopped yet, I suspected anemia. I also realized that I had been having toast for breakfast for several days instead of my usual fortified cereal and orange juice (o.j, helps your body absorb iron).
So I googled high-iron foods and found that Cream of Wheat has 50% of your daily iron requirement. I ate some for lunch (that's when I'd figured out what was wrong) accompanied by o.j. and felt better in a few hours.
I think you'd feel it if you were anemic, but it would probably be better to just prevent it by eating some iron-rich foods. Just cold cereal and o.j. will probably keep it at bay, since you don't seem to be plagued by anemia like some people. Check out the nutrition panels of other foods, too.
