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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Cure Iron Deficient Anemia?

I m 5 4 and 24 years old..according to my age and height, I just found out I should have a weight of 150lbs and BMI between 20-25, with 18.5 being the lowest (or so I m told). HOWEVER, I weight about 104 pounds (47kg) and have probably seen 117lbs as my MAX weight ever. BMI is 18.13 now. I m down to 1 light meal a day, and have been like that for 6-8 months or so. I do not eat my greens nor meat..have even cut out chicken over the past 4 months. Generally survive on mini snacks, frozen food, or junk food. I went for blood tests in October, and I was told I have iron deficient anemia. I was at level 7 or 9 with my iron stores, should be at 12 minimum. I was given iron pills to take twice daily (Feramax 150) but I ve rarely been taking them (I forget!). I do not take or have ever been on birth control. Lately, I ve been noticing my nail are blue-ish purple and I generally DO NOT get hungry or am not motivated enough to eat at all. My meals have been as big as my snacks used to be in the past. I have been stressed lately and emotional too, dealing with anxiety (usually want to crawl away and hide, or sometimes forget how to breath and have to force myself) and haven t had motivation or inspiration to live..been looking for a reason to live at the moment and find meaning to life...still getting there slowly... This month I did not FEEL like I was getting my period (no feeling, no cramp, nothing). I had unprotective sex when I was 1 day overdue my period. He pulled out, and did not *** inside me. I worried about the sperms in the precum from foreplay. I took the Plan B after 18 hours of sex. I still have had no spotting, nor any cramps at all. It s been 2 full days since the unprotective sex, and 3 days overdue on my period. I usually always get my period on time, with a 26-28 day cycle. I had a 37 day cycle two months ago and last month was 25 day cycle. I ve taken the Plan B once before in September. Could it be that I generally just missed my period? What s the likelihood of getting pregnant when you re a day late on period with iron deficient anemia and possibly being anorexic, and he pulled out? Should I be worried? What should I do?
Mon, 3 Mar 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Without adequate iron, the body is unable to produce normal red blood cells. In young women, iron deficiency anemia can result from heavy menstrual bleeding. Non-menstruating women or men who develop iron deficiency need to have a colon exam to help identify the source of chronic bleeding.
With iron deficiency anemia, your doctor will probably recommend iron supplements that contain the ferrous form of iron, which your body can absorb easily. If you use iron supplements, remember the following cautions:
Always consult with your doctor before taking iron supplements.
Iron supplements -- like all supplements and any medication -- should be kept out of the reach of children.
Taking iron supplements with food can help prevent common side effects, which may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain.
Watch for drug interactions.
The body absorbs iron best when taken in a mildly acidic medium, so taking iron with a half-glass of orange juice or with vitamin C is helpful.
I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.
Take care
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How To Cure Iron Deficient Anemia?

Hello, Thanks for your query. Without adequate iron, the body is unable to produce normal red blood cells. In young women, iron deficiency anemia can result from heavy menstrual bleeding. Non-menstruating women or men who develop iron deficiency need to have a colon exam to help identify the source of chronic bleeding. With iron deficiency anemia, your doctor will probably recommend iron supplements that contain the ferrous form of iron, which your body can absorb easily. If you use iron supplements, remember the following cautions: Always consult with your doctor before taking iron supplements. Iron supplements -- like all supplements and any medication -- should be kept out of the reach of children. Taking iron supplements with food can help prevent common side effects, which may include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Watch for drug interactions. The body absorbs iron best when taken in a mildly acidic medium, so taking iron with a half-glass of orange juice or with vitamin C is helpful. I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query. Take care