Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?

[Ian68]

Hi all,

After suffering for months, I was recently diagnosed with menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, anemia, and iron deficiency.  I can't take testosterone until after top surgery (plan to start in early September), and I can't go on birth control, either.  My doctor has put me on iron supplements twice daily to help with the iron deficiency, but I was wondering about the anemia...  I keep bleeding through multiple layers of clothes (and pads), and feeling like I'm going to pass out. 

Has anyone dealt with this/ had a partner or friend/family deal with it?  At this rate, I may have to start T stat, because I feel like it's getting dangerous, but I'd rather find another option if possible.

Advice/experiences please.

[LordKAT]

Anemia is low iron, the supplements will help deal with that. The rest isn't real unusual either, they mean periods without a pattern and excess bleeding.

I have been where you are. The T helped but the best 'cure' was a hysto.

[Ian68]

Well, anemia is low red blood cell count, which isn't exactly the same thing as low iron, but they're related.

I have no desire to have a hysterectomy unless it becomes necessary since I'm not sure how I'll go about building a family someday. 

Maybe I just have to go on T now...

[LordKAT]

T will interfere with your having a family also. It won't guarantee infertility, but it may.

[Ian68]

True but I'll either go off of it after 12-18 months and switch to progesterone birth control, or I'll find a way to save up the money to bank.  Infertility isn't usually an issue until a few years out...

[LordKAT]

If I were in your place, I would start on T. The decision is yours though. As long as you know and are willing to assume the risks, it might just be the answer.

[FTMax]

Take a look at your diet if it hasn't been suggested already. There are a lot of iron-rich foods that could help ease the reliance on supplements.

Aside from the iron supplements, have you spoken with your doctor about a treatment plan? Do they know that you're trans?

[Ian68]

Aside from the iron supplements, have you spoken with your doctor about a treatment plan? Do they know that you're trans?

I eat a lot of meat, but I was mostly vegetarian for years - which I think caused this.  And yes, I'm completely out so, my doctor knows that I'm transgender.

I think that I'll just talk with the endocrinologist about starting T in June if I can.  It doesn't seem like there's anything else that I can do...