Low HB, iron values, had increase in count post transfusion. Normal test results. Cause?
Patient: hi there, I am 34yr old female and have a HB of 10.6 (it was at 65 in January when i was 36 weeks pregnant and received 3 units of blood ) and my iron is at 6. Since the transfusion, it climbed to 80 then 110 (ferrous fumarate 3x day) but seems there may be an absorption issue. What could be causing this? Various tests were done post transfusion, not GI or Endoscopic though. Doctor: Hi. The most common cause of anemia in females is menstrual loss which leads to iron deficiency anemia. Im not sure if your menstrual cycles are normal and that you do not have too much blood loss. If not, there may be parasitic infection in your gut which can cause blood loss. A stool for occult blood may be done to look for occult blood loss through peptic ulcers. The other condition which can cause recurrent anemia, which im not sure if you have is celiac disease. Guess you should not worry right now since your tests are normal. Thank you