Anemia from really long period?

[diam124]

I have been dealing with unusual fatigue since Saturday and I can't quite figure out what is causing it. The only thing that has changed is that I started on the Nuvaring after a break from BCPs. My gyn said it's unlikely the ring itself is causing fatigue, but my other side effect is spotting. I started spotting on 6/7 and then I started my period. My period basically ended last Friday the 15th, but since then I've had continuous spotting that gets heavy in the evening.

So I'm wondering if the fatigue could be from all the blood loss? I always spot for a few days before my period, but I've never had it ongoing like this afterwards. At this point it's been 14 days of continuous bleeding.

I think I'm going to try to up my iron intake (maybe eat a burger!) over the weekend and if I still feel tired on Monday I'll make an appointment with my PCP. At first I thought I was coming down with a cold, but I feel fine other than the fatigue and I don't have any swollen glands or anything like I usually do when I get sick. Has anyone else dealt with this?

[trestlegirl]

I was anemic for a while as a result of horribly long, heavy periods when I was a teenager. It sucked! I was so exhausted all of the time. I had to go on BCPs to control my periods.

Hopefully it is just a matter of your body adjusting to the nuvaring, but if the spotting continues I would call the Gyn again and try to get in to see her. Meanwhile, definitely treat yourself to a burger or a steak!

[greenbunny]

Until going on cycle-controlling BCP I was dealing with periods anywhere from 11 to 19 days on a regular basis. It definitely drains you. If you don't feel better after some rest and an increase in iron-rich foods, I'd suggest a doctor's appointment.

[diam124]

Thanks the responses - do did the fatigue usually go away once the bleeding stopped?

[greenbunny]

Thanks the responses - do did the fatigue usually go away once the bleeding stopped?

Not immediately. 3-5 days, I'd say.