Can You Relate? anemia-depression-periods - Anemia Message Board

hapunch · 10-17-2005, 03:55 PM

I think I'm going crazy!?!? Can anyone relate that when they have their periods (not before like PMS) that their energy level plummets leaving you only to want to sleep, unable to deal with everyday chores/tasks and basically not caring about anything i.e. feeling depressed? Then, after a couple days after bleeding, you start to feel better only to find it comes back again the following month? I've recently discovered I'm anemic, but I also think I have been for some time i.e. could never donate blood due to low iron. I'm trying to get my iron up with supplements, but I understand it takes some time. Also, I have a long history of depression since the birth of my last child - which is now 10 years ago!!! Yes, I take anti-depressants. Now that I know that I'm anemic, there's part of me that says maybe my depression is being caused by anemia and loss of blood (it's not that heavy though) instead of the other reasons for depression that I've hung on to for so long. Or, maybe I'm just bi-polar II with the ups and downs and should go the mood stabilizer route. All the Drs. say is try this and then will try that... I'm 46 and getting very frustarted along with my family. Thanks for any information!!!

sdb · 10-17-2005, 06:48 PM

I can relate....I have PA, IDA, and HA....So any kind of blood loss sends me to bed...I also have depression related issues due to the anemias....However, that has gotten better, as my blood has become healthier...

MandyPandy · 11-02-2005, 10:17 AM

Hi. sorry that you have had problems with depression, I have at times to and I know it is definitely not fun. There are people that have real PMS (not just the bitchyness that a lot of women get LOL). There are now medications that doctors give for this problem. Have you talked to your doc about it?
Severe anemia can cause depression. There is also anemia that is caused or linked to a lack of B12. Severe B12 defeciencies can cause depression as well. I would definitely get your levels checked adn talk with the doc about how much Iron (Ferrous sulfate) and/or B12 you should be on. Some people that have stomach issues also have problems digesting iron and/or B12 and need to get shots for them.

Good luck,
Amanda