My platelet levels are low?

Question

My doctors office called me up today to give me the stats of my labs. She told me that my platelet levels were kind of low. They were at 84 and need to be around 120-130. The nurse told me this and asked her what this meant. She really didnt give me any info. She just said that platelets were my clotting factor. I went into the doctor in the first place because I was periods everyday for months on end. I don't understand anything. What causes platelet counts to be low and what are the risk factors that can happen and what can help me get them back up?

Answer 1

You can take a few different types of meds to bring them up. BUT the important thing is to find out why they are low. The low platelets are probably the reason for the excessive menstrual bleeding. I would go see an hematologist, who can also look at your other blood cells to get a bigger picture of what is going on.

Answer 2

I am a medical student and hope to provide a simple answer. First, don't be alarmed. Your condition is easily corrected in most cases. Platelets are the part of your blood that help you stop bleeding, they help your blood "clot". There are several different things that can give you low platelets, but i will tailor my discussion toward your case. Anytime you bleed, as you are doing with your period, platelets get "used up" to stop the bleeding. You can think of them as teeny tiney bandaids that stop you bleeding. Now, since you say that you have been bleeding more than usual, this is the likely reason your platelets are low. What does this mean? Not much, as long as you get the bleeding problem corrected. You didnt say what kind of doctor you went to, but you need so see an OB/GYN if you are having bleeding that is not normal for you. There are many causes for abnormal uterine bleeding that your OB/GYN can discuss with you on the visit. In the mean time, call your OB/GYN and schedule a visit soon. Most clinics have an "Acute clinic" for semi-urgent issues that come up. ALSO, get a copy of the labs from your doctor. This will be helpful to the OB/GYN and may prevent more bloodwork from being drawn. So what should you do in the meantime? Keep track of how much you are bleeding. This will be helpful to the OB/GYN. If you are using more than 12 pads or tampons in a day, AND you feel weak or faint, you should seek help soon, like the emergency room. Otherwise, keep an eye on your blood loss amount, schedule that appointments, and dont get too worried. MOST LIKELY this is benign (nothing to worry too much about) and it can be treated and corrected with a visit to the OB/GYN. Oh, and finally, don't tell your doctor that you got advice online from a medical student. He or she will probably roll their eyes. But hey, you asked, I thought I could help. Best Wishes
ALSO, the post above recommends seing a hematologist... I would start with the OB/GYN. AMY is right, low platelts CAN cause bleeding, but it almost always happens the other way around. You have been bleeding so your platelets are low. Now, If you have big bruises everywhere and you have bruised easily for quite some time, then yes, low platelets may be causing your bleeding.

Answer 3

You can have a very low platelet level and still be asymptomatic.
Platelets clump together to make blood clots which stops the bleeding.
When they are low, sometimes it can be caused by medications, virus, or just be idiopathic meaning no identifiable cause.
When your platelts are very low, this can cause some problems with bleeding such as when you brush your teeth, have you monthly menses or nick yourself shaving. You have to apply pressure and wait for the bleeding to stop.
Usually a hematologist takes care of low platelet problems.
Pts who have low platelets are usually transfused with immunoglobulin IV and if this doesnt work and you are requiring transfusions of platets, they can remove your spleen and it cures it. If your platelt cound it 83, you are a long ways away from worrying about that. It sounds like a medication reaction or a viral syndrome causing it. Just wait it out and I am sure you are fine.
RN

Answer 4

It could be due to a multitude of reasons. You may not be producing enough platelets or your body could be destroying your platelets at a faster rate. Your doctor should tell you your options.