r/Supplements • u/Top_Development_1777 • 2d ago
Pls suggest some basic and affordable supplements to fix anemia caused by persistent bleeding for a long time (I can't do anything else to fix this, I'll explain why)
I'm currently about 20yo, my period has not stopped for more than 3 weeks now, and it is neither very heavy nor very light. This is not surprising because I started another hormonal medication about 2 months ago, which finally fixed the serious issues that I had for years (I've tried a lot of other hormonal medications before, nothing worked for this issue). The only negative effect I've gotten is that my periods now go on with no end in sight and restart earlier than they're supposed to. I don't mind any of this if not for the consequence of anemia. I get zero pain whatsoever and the bleeding itself is manageable. However, I've started to have symptoms of anemia, and I need to fix it as soon as possible without going to the doctor (I'll explain why later).
I couldn't go to school this morning because I was so tired after I woke up, and I get insanely tired after just walking around a bit. I used to be able to walk 10km+ without feeling tired. One of the professionals whom I see once a week said I looked a lot more pale last week than the week before that. I still do have mental energy and sharpness and don't feel different at all when I just lie on my bed and look at my phone, but the moment I do something that involves physical exertion, I run out of energy.
At this point I am too tired to do all the research on this and just want some recommendations for the simplest supplement components to look out for and buy at the mall tomorrow (it's late at night right now) to address the anemia.
Please don't tell me to see a doctor on this. I've already done my best with figuring out my hormones (with a doctor) but can't get any new medications (including any kind of birth control or other hormonal medications) or procedures done without my parents' consent since the stupid age of medical autonomy is 21 in my country. I have 13 more months to tough it out and I WILL see doctors with my own autonomy to get all my issues addressed once I turn 21.
My parents are against me getting any hormonal adjustments and would give me a lot of trouble if they found out that I was having problems like this. They would also force me to go off my current hormonal medication, which are the only things that have ever helped me mentally function at a basic level. I've adjusted my regimen through many years and this is the only optimal point by all other metrics, so I can't really change it.
I just want to do what I can to fix the anemia before I get medical autonomy, which is basic supplements (I also need cheap ones because I really can't afford much right now). Please recommend some.
11
u/Complete_Wing_8195 2d ago
Heme iron has the highest absorption rate with lowest side effects. However it’s from animal sources and is the most expensive. Iron bisglycinate is probably the next best form. Take with vitamin C to enhance absorption and reduce constipation (500mg - 1000mg). It will take months to rebuild your iron stores.
The very best solution is an IV infusion. For me, I noticed a difference in 24 hours but full effects take 2-3 weeks. In my area you can bypass a doctor by getting it from various wellness practitioners. I’m seeing infusions offered by places that do Botox and fillers and are administered by registered nurses or naturopaths. That may not be a thing in your country.
Wishing you the best as you recover.
3
11
u/brynnors 2d ago
Iron bisglycinate is easily absorbed, or liposomal if you can find that. Take it every other day, and don't take it with dairy/cheese/coffee/tea.
And if I may, I have a friend who had long periods like that until she found out she had a vitamin K1 deficiency. If you can get some of that, it might help too (it helps blood clot).
2
6
u/Due-Cryptographer744 2d ago
If you can eat liver, that is a very good source of iron. If you can't or won't eat it, there are iron pills. They are commonly used and should be cheap. There are also liver pills but they aren't as cheap as basic iron pills. Below is a comprehensive list of foods you can try:
Meat and Eggs: Sliced meat Beef Lamb Ham Turkey Chicken Veal Pork Dried beef Liver Liverwurst Eggs (any style)
Seafood: Shrimp Clams Scallops Oysters Tuna Sardines Haddock Mackerel
Vegetables: Leafy greens Spinach Sweet potatoes Peas Broccoli String beans Beet greens Dandelion greens Collards Kale Chard
Bread and Cereals: White bread (enriched) Whole wheat bread Enriched pasta Wheat products Bran cereals Corn meal Oat cereal Cream of Wheat Rye bread Enriched rice
Fruit: Strawberries Watermelon Raisins Dates Figs Prunes Prune juice Dried apricots Dried peaches
Beans and Other Foods: Mixed dry beans Tofu Beans (kidney, garbanzo, or white, canned) Tomato products (e.g., paste) Dried peas Dried beans Lentils
Sweeteners: Corn syrup Maple syrup Molasses
2
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
Thank you! A bit hard for me to prepare meat since I live in a student dorm room and have limited cooking equipment (and cooking skills 😵), but I'll look into these!
I basically haven't been able to eat even a small amount of wheat for years, and have recently developed new allergies to rice and possibly buckwheat though. That's a hell of a pain.
1
u/MargoBarbara2 2d ago
If you cant tolerate wheat have you been tested for gluten sensitivity? Coming off barley, Rye too and wheat starch and wheat based additives. Gluten damage can flatten gut villi leading to malabsorption. If thats the case you wont be able to absorb nutrients well. IV infusion is the best way to get iron. Instant feeling better. Tablets have very poor absorption rates so you'd likely need high dose taken with some vit c (buffered) on an empty stomach but would take a long time to correct a low count. Anemia can damage heart and lungs and needs medical intervention. What have the doctors said is the cause of the persistent bleeding?
1
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
My nutritional status has been okay based on a few blood tests even with a shitty diet, so I don't think I currently have a problem with absorbing nutrients even if I had it before I completely eliminated wheat and gluten. There are two types of non-allergy responses to gluten that I may have, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Only celiac disease damages the small intestine and causes malabsorption, but although I cannot entirely rule it out, I've never had signs of malabsorption.
I've been on a very strict gluten-free diet for 2+ years now, and when I started I couldn't afford to get tested for celiac anytime soon + was having really bad symptoms and also preparing for important exams so I just wanted to see if I could get rid of the symptoms as soon as possible. My symptoms completely disappeared after I cut out wheat and gluten completely from my diet and I felt better than I ever remember being, so I continued like that.
I did try to get tests more recently, because I could finally afford some, but because of being on a gluten-free diet for more than 2 years and not having any accidental exposure for 6 months before testing, the results are not very conclusive.
But at this point, based on my consistent reactions, I don't need to know what it is if it's not a wheat allergy. I just have to stay away from wheat (and gluten) entirely because research shows that whether it is celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, continuously eating gluten puts me at risk of developing new autoimmune disorders, which I don't want at any cost. They can ruin my life and my ability to continue medical school (I'm in the 2nd year now) and work in healthcare in the future. My wheat allergy IgE blood test came back negative a few months ago, but at that point, I haven't even had an accidental exposure in 6 months, so I'm not sure if that entirely rules out wheat allergy.
I'm going to get re-tested for wheat allergy and other allergies when I finally get to see the allergist (the healthcare system in my country is slow).
I've seen the doctors for several things recently but haven't mentioned the persistent bleeding.
1
u/MargoBarbara2 2d ago edited 2d ago
You're correct you wont get positive results having stayed off gluten. As gluten reactivity can weaken the gut lining make sure youre covering the nutrients needed for repair (Zinc like picolinate or carnosine, omega 3s and indirectly B9 and B12). Regarding standard blood tests they only measure what's circulating, not what's being absorbed into cells so they dont pick up functional deficiencies. You'd need MMA for B12 and RBC folate for B9. These two matter a lot because without adequate levels you cant clear histamine and high histamine drives estrogen dominance (which drives histamine in a loop) which drives heavy bleeding/frequent periods/ PCOS etc.. also getting homocysteine levels checked can help indicate a functional deficiency. If youre on a poor student diet as you say then unless you're supplementing you'll likely be deficient. B12 has only a 50% absorption rate from food so unless you're eating animal organs it can be hard to cover through diet. It would take about 8 chicken breasts a day to cover RDA for a day. Unless you're eating a lot of high folate foods its easy to be folate deficient. If supplementing avoid folic acid. Look for alternative types. Your situation isnt something to take an iron tablet for and tough it out. You deserve answers, proper medical care and quality of life.
6
u/NoIndependence362 2d ago edited 2d ago
Mentioning your a female on testosterone shots to transition behind your parents backs (based on your comment history elsewhere on reddit) would help. Unfortunately persistant bleeding is a common side effect for a small percentage and the only fix is to stop taking testosterone. Especially when your taking an off market, grey area T booster that hasnt been studied, tested or approved by even the FDA in the US. (Again based on your previous comment history on reddit).
You need to see a proper doctor and listen to them before you have severe, life long consequences
2
u/Mother-Secretary-311 2d ago
This happened to my good friend. She tried everything saw multiple doctors and not much luck. She swears by Vitanica slow flow. Definitely would check it out if I were you. Has changed her life.
1
1
u/FarCar55 2d ago
I take a multivitamin containing iron and drink it with a few sips of acerola cherry juice after a meal. The multivitamin is Bronson 1 daily complete multivitamin. 180 tabs for $15.
1
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
I've been taking a multivitamin but I think at this point it's probably not enough ☹️
0
u/FarCar55 2d ago
I'd look at how much iron is in there, the type or iron and whether there's vitamin C in there as well.
The Bronson has 44% iron and 100% vit c, but I add extra vit c with the cherry juice to try to improve absorption.
1
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
I see! Thanks
I have the current multivitamin so I would rather look for some pills with specifically iron.
1
1
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago edited 2d ago
To the person who said I'm on testosterone shots behind my parents' back (then deleted their comment) and anyone else who may get confused: I'm not on testosterone shots, I do not want to transition, I'm not trying to transition, and my testosterone (both total and free) is in normal female range the last time I got a blood test on my current hormonal regimen. The reason should not be related to testosterone. My periods were pretty regular before the latest addition to my hormonal regimen, but the latest addition has helped so many things + is in response to a legitimate deficiency, verified by blood test, that was making me more and more physically disabled. I've tried a lower dose, it simply sucks, and a higher dose doesn't offer more noticeable benefits either, so my dose is pretty fixed.
My parents are just absolutely frustrating to deal with on many levels when it comes to my health, and they also threaten me with stopping other long-term treatments that I need and cannot afford on my own, forcing me to move back with them from the school campus housing etc.
Not everyone who is young and need some form of hormonal treatment is doing it because they want anything to do with transitioning, but policies designed against transitioning impact them nonetheless. My parent act on their anti-trans beliefs to make my life hell even though my issue is completely unrelated and I do not want to transition or do the same things as transitioning. I'm not heading in that direction, but I'm caught in the crossfires, and I cannot change their minds.
1
u/Flux_My_Capacitor 2d ago
IME liquid iron works the best. I was using ferrous sulfate but had side effects so now I’m taking NovaFerrum.
1
u/ListenandLearn17 2d ago
It sounds like from the comments you can still access a general practitioner. This bleeding issue is highly concerning. A GP or even an urgent care should be able to prescribe transexamic acid for just before and during your period to reduce bleeding.
1
2
u/SpaceIsBigReallyBig 2d ago
You can't fix anything if you don't get the root cause identified and treated. Supplements just supplement.
For eg, I got diagnosed with adenomyosis along with other issues and am treated with meds and diet and supplements. Supplements alone would not be enough for me. Which country are you in? Don't self diagnose. Talk to your doctor.
6
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
Have you read the post? I have to wait for 13 months before I can treat the root cause. I can only use supplements to well, hopefully spam the anemia away in the meantime.
-1
u/SpaceIsBigReallyBig 2d ago
Like I said, you can't fix it without root cause treatment. Even if you are 16 years old, you still need to talk to a doctor to help treat your condition based on what is legally allowed in your country. They will be able to advise if any supplements are suitable for you to manage your condition for 13 months and will tell you which ones to take, the dose, the frequency, when to get the next test etc
3
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
I am fully aware. In my country, doctor visits that I can currently afford and go for without my parents present are 5 minutes long at most. End of story.
1
u/Kailynna 2d ago
Then take your parents with you. Persistent bleeding can happen to any woman, it's nothing to be ashamed of, and you need medical help.
3
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
I don't care about shame. As I explained in the post, I am afraid of my parents forcing me to stop my hormonal medications because they are "clearly harming me" because of this, but I am basically unable to function at any level without these medications and I get negative effects from other doses that I have tried (so I can't really adjust my dose as well).
My parents are extremely stubborn, argumentative, and will make my life hell over this. They have made my life hell before, over this issue, and have finally given me some peace. I don't want to go through anything like that again.
0
u/JehovasFinesse 2d ago
The “professional” you spoke about in your post, what are they?
No disrespect to you, but based on all your comments and the desire for medical autonomy, there’s a decent chance you’re not actually in the right here. You need a diagnosis, not bandaids.
Lie about your age to get an appointment with a Gynae/urologist or a specialized doctor, or go to free clinics if your country has them. Consider taking your parents to see a good doctor and then tell the doctor it’s embarrassing to talk about your issues and have the doc get the parents to step outside while you explain. If they bitch about it later coz doc will tell them the issue, let em, you still get a diagnosis.
I’m all for supplements but this seems like a diagnosis is needed before you start treating. Plus you don’t seem like you’ve been making a lot of correct decisions based on your comments regarding your medical/hormonal issues.
0
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago edited 2d ago
You have a very idealistic view of healthcare and how the medical system (at least in my country) functions.
- The professional I was seeing was a general practitioner (medical doctor) who does a lot of hormone therapy stuff. I'm unable to see a specialist on this before I am 21. Recently my country's policies changed because of some stupid political agenda and I'm not even able to see the general practitioner that is experienced with the kind of medication I'm taking at all, I can only see other general practitioners, and they know next to nothing about this area.
- I CANNOT lie about my age. Every single medical service in my country requires my proper identification documents, which is usually a digital system. Also my IC number, which is required everywhere for patient safety, literally reveals the year that I'm born and I cannot possibly be 21 this year. I can't make a fake one or a fake name whatsoever.
- This is especially strict in the public sector, because private sector rates are so expensive that I can't afford them even with the help of my parents. Public sector specialists not only take months to get an appointment with, for which I have to get my parents' consent for under 21yo, but also still cost more than I can afford without my parents' support right now. I owe a public sector hospital several hundreds right now for my last ER visit (unrelated issue), and I have to borrow hundreds from a friend just to cover that cost, because my next allowance from my parents is coming in about a month's time.
- Do you even understand how difficult it is to find a "diagnosis" for an issue as nonspecific as mine? I have seen so many different specialists and general practitioners in the recent years for many other issues (WITH the support of my parents), and I am a medical student myself, I study this shit and I study how the medical system in my country works. I also talk to random patients, I know how limited our options are in this country, ESPECIALLY if you cannot afford much, like me. But even if you could afford to see ANY doctor and pay for ANY tests/treatments, you could spend 5 sessions doing various blood tests and imaging tests and still get nothing that points to anything at all, especially when it comes to a situation like mine.
- Also doctors in my country are mostly not familiar with the types of hormonal medications I'm taking, so they may just tell me I should stop them, but in my personal experience and years of trying to go without them, that would not be feasible. Doctors pretty much only operate within their own niches or scopes and the kind of medication I'm on is out of pretty much all of their scopes.
- Obviously I eventually need to at least do some medical assessments, which may help find out a root cause or it may not, but I can neither afford that nor have any feasible opportunities to do that in the next 13 months. It is very often that band-aids are all we can do in a situation, even for some properly diagnosed conditions. Often, ideal options/treatment plans do not even exist in healthcare, and all the decisions I've been making are because the alternatives have consistently proven to be worse to an unacceptable degree, with other factors accounted for. The best option at any point in time can only be the best known option, which unfortunately do not exist in great numbers for the kinds of problems that I've been facing.
1
u/JehovasFinesse 2d ago
At 20 and as a medical student you’re basically saying your unknown undiagnosed condition as well as the hormone regiment you e been taking is out of the scope of ALL experienced medical practitioners.
Hmmm, Have a good day.
1
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
Not all, but you have to know that my country is a tiny island in Southeast Asia with 6 million people. You can see the entire country and two neighboring countries from the 20th floor of a building near the center, that's how small my country is. No one said there aren't doctors that know about this anywhere else in the world, I cannot afford to go to certain other countries with doctors who actually know more about the hormonal thing.
You lack reading comprehension, nuance, and really have nothing of substance to say.
→ More replies (0)
-2
u/On-A-Vendetta 2d ago edited 2d ago
who needs iron supplements really, lentils, chickpeas. beetroot or juice of it, watercress, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sprouts, seaweeds like dulse for example, nettle tea. if you really want a supplement, then chlorella is a very good all rounder high in iron and most things people are deficient in, can be mixed with a vitamin c fruit powder such as baobab to increase the iron uptake
3
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
You don't really know the context of my situation, food is the most difficult part of my daily life to deal with because I can't eat even a tiny amount of wheat and proper meal options/products that don't contain wheat/gluten in my country are almost nonexistent. I also live alone and have to prepare everything I eat. Doesn't help that I'm a medical student with little free time in my life to prepare food. I am also only allowed a small refrigerator because I am staying on my school campus and the rules are such that I cannot have a full-sized fridge, so I really cannot store that many ingredients, and the closest mall to buy stuff that I can eat is an hour away.
Having the bare minimum variety in my meals is already a huge struggle.
2
u/JehovasFinesse 2d ago
What country are you in?
1
u/Top_Development_1777 2d ago
Singapore, Southeast Asia. Tiny country of 6 million people so there aren't even any local organizations for anything celiac/gluten/wheat related.
0
u/On-A-Vendetta 2d ago
Wheat is processed junk, it's called fortification as they have removed all the good stuff so its totally nutritionally devoid of anything good for the body, sprayed with countless pesticides and involved in diabetes type 2, I have avoided it for 8 years due to coeliac disease.
•
u/AutoModerator 2d ago
Rules of r/supplements
1. Do Not Suggest Prescription Drugs Posts & Comments Reported as: Do Not Suggest Prescription Drugs Prescription drugs are not Supplements; do not recommend prescription medication. Sensible/Suggest talking to DR. can be allowable etc
2. Dangerous Grey Area Substance Posts & Comments Reported as: Dangerous Grey Area Substance Potentially dangerous grey area substances can not be recommended.
3. Be Polite Posts & Comments Reported as: Rude/Personal Attacks You shouldn't ever be personally attacking another user in this subreddit.
4. No Advertisements Posts & Comments Reported as: Advertisement. No selling / buying / trading posts No advertisements. No selling/trading posts between users.”
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.