Women's question and might get a little tmi but I'm kinda woosy right now and really don't care.
Okay so my "ferritin" iron levels have been at 5 for over a year now. And being hypothyroid, I am used to being tired and feeling like a slug. I have been taking supplements for about 2 months, but ran out over the holidays, so it's been 2-3 weeks since taking anything. I've been trying to get my levels up so I can get a hysterectomy. Was scheduled for early Dec and now they are looking into bladder issues - IC.
Well, Dec and this current period (21 days apart and the cause of the anemia) is VERY heavy - I'm changing every hour an overnight maxi filled to the max. Last night I really thought I was going to pass out - much more so then I have ever felt. So my husband ran to the store and bought my iron supplements - he was very concerned since he had never seen me this depleted before in our 12 years. I took one last night (Slow FE) and one this morning to try to help.
I now have developed one of the worst headaches I've ever had and nothing is working on it. Would this be from the low iron levels? Should I be concerned about anything?
Thanks for any info or suggestions.

The headache can be caused by the anemia or the supplements. Some people have adverse reactions to the binders they put in the supplement. If you are flowing that heavily, you need to contact your doctor for help.

I agree with Merimac about bleeding that heavy.
Also, SlowFe is not a good one to take if you need to get your iron up faster as it is a slow release. You may have to have iron shots to do that. You should also see about getting on some birth control for awhile to get your periods slowed down.
I also wrote this on the Anemia board..

Eat foods high in iron:

red meat
fish
chicken
liver o eggs
dried fruits, like apricots, prunes, and raisins
lentils and beans
green, leafy vegetables, like spinach and broccoli o tofu o cereal with iron in it (iron-fortified)

Eat/drink foods that help your body absorb iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.

Don't drink coffee or tea with meals. These drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.

Calcium can hurt your absorption of iron. Take at different parts of the day.

Make sure you get enough folic acid and vitamin B-12 in your diet.

Hope that helps you too!
Wishing you well!

yes you have exactly what I was having where you are using overnight pads like they were going out of style. became anemic, and yes headaches headaches and headaches galore especially after exertion. and light headed ness during my heavy periods.

got on seasonale to stop my periods in fact my last period I had was the lightest I have ever had in about 15 years. am on iron supplementation too,

RR

I just wanted to post back and thank you all for your responses (and so quick). I did have to go to the doc that day for help. The iron supplements have been increased drastically and I now have a hysterectomy scheduled for Feb 16th - YEAH! There is light at the end of this tunnel.
This decision did not come lightly though. I've suffered for so many years and this last year has just wiped me out - physically and emotionally. The u/s showed that the hysterectomy is needed and I and DH both agree it's time.
THANKS again - you gals are great!

I feel a bit of a headache all the time but it's barely noticable. Only when I walk or cycle in a city or walk in the forest for more than an hour I get a headache. (if anyone knows where that comes from by the way tell me)

I have had migraines for ten years now and whenever I get blood tests I am told my iron is really low. I dont think that is the cause for them but they may have some sort of connection

I also have problems with anemia, ferretin at a 9. I also take iron supplements and get heavy periods. I recently read that you should take vitamin A also, it helps to avoid heavy periods, while taking the iron. I get heavier period while taking the iron. So, I added the A, and the periods don't seem as heavy. It's only been 2 months, but it seems to have helped me, so I'm going to continue taking it. Good Luck!

Hi,
How much vitamin A do you take? I am anemic too from heavy periods and having a marathon one this month, 17 days with no end in sight. Have had a headache every day. I am 51, so I know my hormones are causing problems, but this long on a period is new for me. I have also uped my iron supplements, so maybe that is causing this to drag out so long. Thank you for the good info, it was just what I was looking for this am. Ann

Thought I would post again since I originated the post. Long, heavy periods (and any with clots) are NOT normal. Staying anemic for long periods of time is very bad for your entire body. I am 38 with 2 kids and have been diagnosed with adenomyosis (intra-uterine endometriosis). I am getting a hysterectomy on Thurs. Feb 23rd.
Wish the rest of you the best - but I can't wait to get the anemia and headaches behind me. Don't let it go on too long - call your doctor for help.

yes I do think that you could have a headache from the lack of iron. It could also be because you are bleeding so much. Make sure you are not only taking the iron but drinking your water!!! If you are dehydrated you can get intense headaches.

hope you feel better soon,
Amanda

I take a teaspoon of carlson cod liver oil every day, as I am D deficient also. But, I will look at my books later when I get back from taking the kids to school and see if I can find the exact amount. Also try doing a web search on vit A, because too much can be toxic, just like iron.

Cruisers, Also have your thyroid levels checked, as these problems are symptoms of low thyroid. And, at menopause is when a lot of women are diagnosed with it. It might be worth getting tested for if you haven't already been checked.

Here is what I found: for heavy menstral periods, particularly during perimenopause, try the following daily: vitaminE 100 to 400 IU, and vitamin A, 5,000 to 10,000IU. Vitamin A appears to help regulate excessive estrogen levels;vitamin E prevents excessive clotting and helps maintain a more normal flow. Doses of vitamin A as high as 100,000IU per day can be given if limited to three months-otherwise, there is a risk of toxicity.(Though 5,000-10,000IU of Vit A is well within the safe range, it is best not to use this if you are trying to get pregnant. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (500mg per day) and vit A have also been shown to decrease menstrual blood loss. I also recommend a good multivitamin-mineral supplement that has adequate levels of all the vitamins, since they tend to work synergistically. This is what a found in a book on Women's health, by Christiane Northrup,MD. Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. I'm still looking for the site or book that talks about using Vitamin A with Iron to control bleeding. Oh, and it has to be vitamin A, not beta-carotene, as some people, can't convert that to vit A. Hope this helps!

Vitamin A Requirement One study found serum retinol levels (a measure of vitamin A levels) to be significantly lower in women with menorrhagia than in healthy controls. 92% of those with lower levels experienced either complete relief or significant improvement after 25,000 IU of vitamin A was taken twice per day for 15 days. Here is one other thing I found online. Maybe it will help!

Thanks so much for the info. I will try the vitaminA,C and E. I Have had a full blood work-up 2 months ago with a pelvic ultrasound and CT scan. Only showed functional ovarian cyst, no fibroids. That's why I am pretty sure it's my hormones. I appreicate all the feedback. I learn more here than at the doctors! Thanks again.

Did you ever have your thyroid levels checked? I am hypo, and having trouble with hormones too. I just turned 50. Low thyroid can cause heavy bleeding and mimick menopause. It can also cause anemia, but it sounds like your heavy periods are to blame. Have you tried using some progesterone cream? Anyway, I hope the Vitamin A helps!

Best of Luck,
Shonks 5

Yes, I had my Thyroid levels checked with the blood work done several months ago. All ok. My GYN started me on BCP. I really hate having to take them at 51, but I can't go on forever with this bleeding. It's the pits to get old! All the people I work with are sailing thru menopause, no anemia, hot flashes or any of the other wonderful problems. I appreicate your input.

I just turned 50, and am having the problems of menopause too. My mother in law, while going thru menopause, never even broke a sweat! I don't get it! Have you tried progesterone cream to counter the build up of the uterus? It did help me a while until my estrogen bit the dust. Now I'm trying to balance the progesterone and estrogen, cause I'm back to having heavier periods again. They say once you get them balanced you will feel better, that is until you can find a type of replacement that works for you. What a fun ride!!!!! Well, anyway, I hope you have some luck with it all, and I hope you feel better soon!

Shonks5

Hi,
I tried the Natural Progesterone cream for several months, but didn't notice much difference. I started it because of the headaches, but in hind sight I think the anemia was more of the problem than the perimenopause. I started the BCP Sunday, and things are slowing down today, finally. Come join us on the menopause board, I was amazed at the similar symptoms alot of us were having! I always say I learn more from the great ladies on these boards than anywhere else. Have a good day, Ann