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Can Hemoglobin Levels Drop After A Menstrual Cycle?
Two weeks ago I had a hemoglobin level of 8.6 and I felt terrible. I started experiencing chest pain on top of a bunch of other symptoms and was told to go to the ER. At the ER, they gave me a blood transfusion with 3 units of blood. Four days after the transfusion, my hemoglobin was 16. Then I had my menstrual period which is extremely heavy for the first 3 days. After my period, my primary doctor did a complete blood count and my hemoglobin is now 11.8. I was shocked that my hemoglobin dropped from 16 to 11.8 after one menstrual cycle. Is that large of a drop normal after menstration?
Tue, 25 Nov 2014
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Heavy menstrual cycles can lead to drop in hemoglobin or anemia.
However, a single menstrual cycle cannot bring such a drastic change.
Thus, you need to consult your primary healthcare provider for clinical assessment and complete hemogram.
Besides hemoglobin, red cell counts, red cell indices and peripheral blood smear examination also need to be done to know the type of anemia.
After knowing the type of anemia, appropriate treatment can be started.
Most common cause of anemia due to blood loss is iron deficiency anemia.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Heavy menstrual cycles can lead to drop in hemoglobin or anemia.
However, a single menstrual cycle cannot bring such a drastic change.
Thus, you need to consult your primary healthcare provider for clinical assessment and complete hemogram.
Besides hemoglobin, red cell counts, red cell indices and peripheral blood smear examination also need to be done to know the type of anemia.
After knowing the type of anemia, appropriate treatment can be started.
Most common cause of anemia due to blood loss is iron deficiency anemia.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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