General Discussions => Health => Topic started by: Ian68 on May 12, 2015, 06:46:08 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: Ian68 on May 12, 2015, 06:46:08 PM
Post by: Ian68 on May 12, 2015, 06:46:08 PM
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.
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.
Title: Re: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: LordKAT on May 12, 2015, 06:54:19 PM
Post by: LordKAT on May 12, 2015, 06:54:19 PM
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.
I have been where you are. The T helped but the best 'cure' was a hysto.
Title: Re: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: Ian68 on May 12, 2015, 07:14:59 PM
Post by: Ian68 on May 12, 2015, 07:14:59 PM
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... :(
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... :(
Title: Re: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: LordKAT on May 12, 2015, 07:16:10 PM
Post by: LordKAT on May 12, 2015, 07:16:10 PM
T will interfere with your having a family also. It won't guarantee infertility, but it may.
Title: Re: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: Ian68 on May 12, 2015, 08:00:43 PM
Post by: Ian68 on May 12, 2015, 08:00:43 PM
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...
Title: Re: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: LordKAT on May 13, 2015, 06:19:34 AM
Post by: LordKAT on May 13, 2015, 06:19:34 AM
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.
Title: Re: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: FTMax on May 13, 2015, 10:52:49 AM
Post by: FTMax on May 13, 2015, 10:52:49 AM
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?
Aside from the iron supplements, have you spoken with your doctor about a treatment plan? Do they know that you're trans?
Title: Re: Menorrhagia+dysmenorrhea - Iron supplements?
Post by: Ian68 on May 13, 2015, 01:31:50 PM
Post by: Ian68 on May 13, 2015, 01:31:50 PM
Quote from: ftmax on May 13, 2015, 10:52:49 AM
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...