Does Iron Treatment Result In Prolonged Periods?

Posted on Fri, 25 Mar 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 Answered on

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : if we take iron treatment periods will be prolonged?

Answered by Dr. Jagdish (2 hours later)

Hi

I request you elaborate your history.

1. How old are you?
2. What is your cycle length now (e.g 28 day) and what was it earlier?
3. How many days do you menstruate now and how many earlier to Iron supplements?
4. How many pads you change per day?
5. Did the doctor mention the cause for anemia?

Prolonged bleeding (Menorrhagia) is caused by many conditions. Some are : hormonal factors-hypo and hyperthyroidism, high prolactin; uterine fibroids, polyps in uterus; infections of genital tract infections.

I recommend you get vaginal examination by Gynecologist. You also need CBC, Iron studies, PT, PTT, TSH, Prolactin, LH, FSH, and Ultrasound of the abdomen.

Prolonged bleeding can cause anaemia /low haemoglobin. To treat anaemia, iron tablets are given. Iron supplementation will not cause prolonged bleeding, but prolonged bleeding may require Iron supplements.

I can be more elaborate if you can answer my questions above.

Regards,
Dr. Jagdish

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar