I went to the doctor today and they took blood and said I was anemic. I gave blood at the Red Cross 4 days ago and I'm on my period. Could those cause my iron levels to drop? The doctor said I was at 11.4.
2007-03-16 11:51:28 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
You are quite right to at least question the diagnosis.The fact that your Hb is 11.4g only 4 days post blood donation is normal! I assume you told your doctor you had just done this. Arrange a repeat level in about 6-8 weeks also having a ferratin (iron store) check. The result should be valid by then.
2007-03-16 12:01:17 · answer #1 · answered by Dr Frank 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, when you gave blood, they took a drop of blood and checked to see if you were anemic at that time. If you were able to donate, you weren't at a low level. If you have a HEAVY period, that will also cause your iron levels to drop. It's most likely due to your period that your iron is low.
Your dr should have told you to start eating iron rich foods or take an iron supplement (Ferious Sulfate). I am also anemic and give blood. I eat dried apricots, brocolli, spinach and take iron supplements when I can tell that I'm low in iron. (I start craving ice!)
Just be careful when taking the supplements, you can get bound up.
2007-03-16 19:03:10 · answer #2 · answered by Carol 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are just below the normal level. Normal is 12-16. Yes giving blood and your period can cause your iron level to drop. Be sure to drink lots of fluids and take it easy for a few days. If you doctor recommends it, you can get iron pills over the counter that should bring you iron level back up to normal in a few weeks.
2007-03-16 18:58:55 · answer #3 · answered by T W 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
any time you lose some blood your iron level will drop. I guess they're calling anything under a hgb of 12.0 anemic. If you live at 11.4, that's not so bad.
Under 10 is low
Under 7 is critical
I had a patient the other day who was 6.3 after surgery, and she felt fine and declined a transfusion.
2007-03-16 19:19:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is easy to become anemic when you are menstruating, especially with a heavy flow. Eat some iron rich foods, such as leafy greens, raisins, have a steak if that's what you like.
2007-03-16 18:57:25 · answer #5 · answered by sleepingliv 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
maybe but you shouldnt have given while on your period because you loose to much blood. maybe that is what caused your iron levels to go down? ask your doctor.
2007-03-16 18:54:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It may or may not. Try taking iron tablets for a while and have your blood tested again.
2007-03-16 18:55:56 · answer #7 · answered by msknowitall 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋