WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for September, 1999: Re: Fibroids and Severe Anemia

Re: Fibroids and Severe Anemia

From: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu, 30 Sep 1999 18:36:06 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: Stephanie: "Fibroids and Severe Anemia"

At Thu, 30 Sep 1999, Stephanie wrote: >
>I am age 50 and have fibroids measured at 9cm; they have grown 1cm per
>year in the last two years. I am vibrantly healthy, have abundant
>energy, have no pain or problems other than one heavy menstrual day per
>month. Periods have always been normal, pain-free, regular. I have
>never had children. My problem is that repeated blood tests show that I
>am severely anemic...."severe" meaning that my red blood cells show some
>deformation. Taking an iron supplement (Hemagenics) for 6 weeks stopped
>my ice-chewing and desire to chew zinc tablets, but did not
>substantially improve my blood test.
>
>What's going on? Could the fibroids be causing internal bleeding?

One "heavy" day shouldn't make you that severely anemic without some resolution during the month with iron supplementation. Occasionally, iron should be taken 2-3 times a day. Vitamin C 500mg per dose will increase absorption of the iron dose. Don't forget that there are other reasons for blood loss, the most common being the gastrointestinal tract. This must be checked out with a stool guiac (hidden blood in stool), barium enema and upper endoscopy.

>When I
>meet with my gynecologist in 3 weeks, what tests/treatment (GnRH?) might
>I ask for? Should I try to shrink the fibroids even though menopause is
>likely within a year or two?

Some help may be from a blood count right before and right after the period to quantify how much is lost.

--
Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D. FACOG, FACS
Great Neck, New York

**Note:  Opinions expressed here are for educational purposes only
and, as such, do not constitute a physician-patient relationship.
This information is not intended to supplant the need for you to
consult with your physician prior to choosing therapeutic options
and/or interventions.

**Private emails cannot be entertained due to time constraints,
consequently no private emails will receive a response.

**Thank you for your understanding ;-)

Next message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: stumped and would really appreciate some guidance! Fever persists"
Previous message: Jenn: "Early period on BCP"
In reply to: Stephanie: "Fibroids and Severe Anemia"

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