[Ultra Darkness]

My last period was two weeks late, and it only lasted about two days instead of four or five, which is normal for me. The flow was also lighter than normal. I already know I'm anemic, so my question is whether anemia can have this affect or not. I'm 18, so there's no age-related answer that I know of.

[Travelinglady]

I would think that would be possible, but I suggest you talk to your doctor about it.

[yellowted]

in all reality, definitely as lacking iron will affect the production of blood. if your body is struggling to produce blood it certainly will hold on to that which it produces. so will only let the minimum amount needed to flush out the tubes to be lost through your period. hence a light quick period.

[Ultra Darkness]

I don't have a doctor, nor do I like them.

Wait till next period in that case. May be it gets normal. I experience delays sometimes.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Ultra Darkness

I don't have a doctor, nor do I like them.

You might not like doctors, but there is no way to get regularly scheduled blood tests without doctors, and since you are anemic, you need to have your hemoglobin levels monitored on a regular basis.

Anemia can lead to a broad range of negative consequences, including depression.

What are you doing to raise the iron level in the blood?

[Ultra Darkness]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

You might not like doctors, but there is no way to get regularly scheduled blood tests without doctors, and since you are anemic, you need to have your hemoglobin levels monitored on a regular basis.

Anemia can lead to a broad range of negative consequences, including depression.

What are you doing to raise the iron level in the blood?

I don't know. Eating. I know which foods have iron in them.
Anyway, I've never had regular check ups of any sort. I have no memory of ever even going to the doctor's. My dad went to the hospital a couple years ago, and it took him forever to get over it. Not encouraging.

[hamster-bamster]

how do then know that you anemic? Is the inside of your lower eyelid not red? How did you tell?

[hamster-bamster]

Basically, you should stop thinking that your father's experience characterizes the state of helahtcare, make an appointment at your local planned parenthood and have the professionals there check you, test you, advise you, prescribe birth control (even it is a non issue now, it will eventually become onne and unless you smoke, it won't hurt you to stay on the Pill a little in advance of needing it), etc. A girl your age should have regular health checkups. There is nothing wrong with obtaining info off the web, but you still need checkups.

[Fresia]

Weight loss or being underweight, poor nutrition, stress, and other illnesses can cause the symptoms you describe, not just anemia. That it is why it is considered a great imitator and often other things are misdiagnosed as anemia. There is no way to diagnose anemia without a blood test as other things have similar symptoms and can appear like anemia; so without a doctor to order this, it would be difficult to know the actual diagnosis. It is also dangerous to take additional iron if you are not anemic and harmful not to take iron if in fact you are anemic, a very precarious balance. Please see about getting to a health care provider for some sort for a check-up; your health is too precious to go unchecked. Please take good care of you!!!

[Ultra Darkness]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

how do then know that you anemic? Is the inside of your lower eyelid not red? How did you tell?

That, and my blood was really light in color.

[Ultra Darkness]

I really don't see why I would need regular checkups. My mother is the only one in my family who has them, and she's never said anything to me about
it.

[Anika.]

Maybe not regular check ups per say. But if you suspect anemia you ahould have blood work done. The consequenses of leaving it untreated are great including organ damage and death. Not all anemia is diet related. Kind of important to know what type of anemia you are dealing with in order to treat it. I have anemia that is not corrected from iron rich foods or supplements. I get rounds or iron shots to keep it at a decent level.

But if you suspect anemia its worth getting it checked. Also not all low iron is anemia either. It's quite a vast area. If you get the blood tests done and do have anemia and know the source then you can choose appropriate treatment weather that is with a medical doctor, natural dr or whatever you choose. But without that knowledge it would be hard to treat anything.

[Anika.]

Ahh and yes sorry.. your question. Anemia can cause very light and short periods. Mine lasts about 1 day and the second day is barely anything at all. Which creates problems in other areas of health.

[Ultra Darkness]

Originally Posted by Anika.

Maybe not regular check ups per say. But if you suspect anemia you ahould have blood work done. The consequenses of leaving it untreated are great including organ damage and death. Not all anemia is diet related. Kind of important to know what type of anemia you are dealing with in order to treat it. I have anemia that is not corrected from iron rich foods or supplements. I get rounds or iron shots to keep it at a decent level.

But if you suspect anemia its worth getting it checked. Also not all low iron is anemia either. It's quite a vast area. If you get the blood tests done and do have anemia and know the source then you can choose appropriate treatment weather that is with a medical doctor, natural dr or whatever you choose. But without that knowledge it would be hard to treat anything.

I'm almost positive it's from nutritional deficiencies of some kind. I'm a little underweight, and my diet isn't very diverse.

As for doctors, health care professionals, etc? I just can't afford any kind of medical help, even if I wanted it.

[Anika.]

Hmm the underweight part can also highly contribute to shorter light periods ir none at all. Basically creates lack of estrogen. I am a recovering anorexic. I was not total bones but kept my weight below enough for so many years that I ended up with more damage than one might figure. In the last few months I have developed stress fractures along my shin. Result from being underweight, low estrogen production which creates terrible bone density. Eventually osteoporosis. This is linked to anemia as well as a contributing factor. Basically I'm just saying that if you leave these things they can cause major problems.

I'm not american, not sure if you are ..so I have little knowledge of how to afford medical help when you need it in the states. I would think there would be some way around that issue but I wouldn't have the slightest.

Well keep a watch on your following periods and hopefully this may resolve. Periods can fluctuate quite a bit over time. Kale if you dont eat it is amazing for iron and amazing for other nutrients..you can't really beat it. And its not expensive. I would not add iron supplements without knowing where your iron level is as that can be quite dangerous. Other than that maybe try to bring your weight up a little if you can..I dont know the circumstances around your weight but suspect that is the root of the problems.

Hopefully someone else can be more useful about the medical care part..

[Ultra Darkness]

Don't worry, I don't take supplements, and my weight has come up a little since I originally posted this. I'm doing fine right now.

[hamster-bamster]

Have you called Planned Parenthood?

They might be free or sliding scale, but if you do not call, you will never find out and will continue to live under the assumption that you cannot afford medical help.

Planned Parenthood clinics normally offer a wide range of non-reproductive health services, including vaccinations, blood tests, etc. But you need to be proactive - they will not chase you down.

[Ultra Darkness]

Not to be rude, but I highly doubt my town has a Planned Parenthood clinic.
I am wondering, though, why did you mention the Pill earlier?

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Ultra Darkness

Not to be rude, but I highly doubt my town has a Planned Parenthood clinic.
I am wondering, though, why did you mention the Pill earlier?

You can do a search on the PP site. Doubting is not productive when information is available. The Pill would be appropriate per your age.

[Ultra Darkness]

Ok, I checked. The nearest clinic is about a hundred miles away.

[Jan1212]

It's common to have irregular periods once in a while. But if it continues, you should visit a gyno clinic. A couple of people mentioned stress , hormone changes, BC pills, can cause period irregularities. I had two 8-day periods in one month.

Anemia is the result of an underlying disease, blood cells carry oxygen, so you would feel very very tired, depending on the severity and especally on your period. It may be other way around..heavy periods can cause anemia in many women and it does so. the most common cause is diet. Even tho we don't have signs of anemia until the iron storage is depleted, however iron isn't easily absorbed, especially if you take it with food/milk and if you have a genetic anemic disease. Vit C helps with absorption (ie green tea with lemon). What event suggested that you have anemia?

[Ultra Darkness]

I told my mom about my period being light, and she said that was probably it.

My latest period just started a couple days ago, btw, and it's a bit more normal this time.