How can severe anemia be treated?
Patient: I was severely anemic due to fibroids. Was transfused 2 units of blood. Had a hysterectomy in June. Am currently taking iron once a day. My H&H is normal and my ferritin level is now a low normal I think about 31, iron studies are normal. How long should I continue taking iron for? I feel really good when I take it; energy levels increased almost overnight when I resumed taking it again (I had stopped due to post-op sluggish bowel/constipation). I m afraid now that I m not getting my period, I may be taking too much iron; am afraid of overdosing. Doctor: Dear madam,  Duration for which iron supplementation should be given is not clear in any of the recommendations. But it is very clear that, after hemoglobin is normalized iron supplementation should be continued for certain duration, to refill our iron stores. Generally hemoglobin level normalizes after 2 months of starting therapy. I give iron supplementation for a total duration of 6 months for all my patients. I do not monitor ferritin levels or iron profile. Lack of having periods is certainly not due to iron overload, but it is because, your uterus has been removed as you had multiple fibroids. So don't worry of about not having periods.  Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. With regards, Dr. Girish Kamat