Heavy Period / Iron Deficiency?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-01-2004
Heavy Period / Iron Deficiency?
3
Thu, 10-23-2008 - 10:38am

Hi everyone!!!

I've got a question regarding my period..and some strange symptoms I've been having.

This month, I started back on the Pill after not being on it for about 1.5 years. I've taken the pill many times over the years and have never had a problem. Actually I liked it, because it kept my periods nice and calm, and no cramping!

Anyway, I was spotting all weekend, and knew my period was going to start. Monday AM, 4:15AM to be exact I was awoken by bad, bad cramps.....primarily on my right side. I took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol (1000 mg total) and it took a while for the pain to subside.
Then at 6:15AM I was awoken again with MORE pain! I didn't want to take 2 more Tylenol, so I just took one. At this time I was not bleeding too heavily yet....just severe cramps. After 1 hour, I was still in pain (so much so that I couldn't fall back asleep) so I took another 500mg Tylenol. So that's 2000mg of Tylenol in 3 hours and I was still in so much pain!

Finally fell back asleep for a few hours and woke back up around 800am and was bleeding and clotting very heavily at this time. Clots around the size of my index finger, cramping still...and just miserable! I cant remember ever having a period like this!

Well I survived Monday and my period and cramping HAS been getting better with each day. No more heavy bleeding....it's Thurs AM now.....and for the past 3 days I have been feeling very strange:

Headaches that will not go away, even with Extra Strength Tylenol
Sleepiness / Tired
Dizziness and Lightheaded (woke up this morning and thought I was going to pass out!)
Feeling sick to my stomach
Bouts of extreme hunger like I can't get enough food....and bouts of having no appetite at all

Has anyone else experienced this? It dawned on me that I might need iron because of the bleeding...but I've never experienced these symptoms and I thought I would ask you knowledgeable, friendly Ladies if this has ever happened to you :)

Thanks!!!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-22-2008
Thu, 10-23-2008 - 1:03pm

If it were me I would discontinue the pill immediately and be seen by a doctor. To me it sounds like it could be appendix, gallbladder, pancreas (blood sugar and appetite related) or something else. The timing could have just been a coincidence, keep that in mind. Iron deficiency may cause some fatigue and other problems but to be safe I would have them check you out.
P.S.
Sorry to sound harsh but...You do not mess around with the pill adverse reactions can be life threatening!

(I am a nurse)

Please let me know

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-01-2004
Thu, 10-23-2008 - 1:44pm

Thanks! I agree...I am going to stop with the PIll and call my doctor!

It's just so werid. I have been on the Pill other times in the past and have never had a problem like this

Thanks for your concern and the advise!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2006
Thu, 10-23-2008 - 10:26pm

Hi there,

I agree with the other poster that you should see your doctor, and in the mean time get some iron tablets to boost your iron levels.