[Aviza]

Should I get spinach, covers a food and iron need, or iron supplements? I still have to buy maxis, burning through overnights in 3 days. I really don't know how I will afford all this. I'm trying to slow things down by taking Ibuprofen in a major way. I skipped the iron yesterday, because I have 4 supplements left and I was surprised how much 1 day off is affecting me. I'm was low energy by 4 pm, and slept until 10:30 am, unheard of these days. I'm still trying to get enough energy to get to the store and get what I need.

Bleeding so much, I really don't know how to manage. I can't believe I'm repeating last years problem. I thought it was resolved. I'm really not sure how to afford the constant need for maxi's. They aren't cheap, I need gas to get back and forth to work. On top of that the vitamins I'm taking just to function somewhat normally. Rent is paid, had to pay my mom something, which leaves me with close to nothing.

[~Christina]

Is there a medical reason that this is happening ? Ideally you should get most of the iron needed from foods , But if your levels are low then yes a supplement is needed.

How is Ibuprofen slowing anything down? it is a blood thinner, so if your bleeding heavily taking it is only going to make matters worse..

[Yoda]

Why are you taking Ibuprofen? Did a doctor tell you to take it? How long have you been taking it?

As Christina says, you should use caution when taking Ibuprofen if you are already experiencing increased blood loss during menstruation.

"NSAIDs [such as Ibuprofen] inhibit platelet aggregation and have been shown to prolong bleeding time in some patients". https://www.drugs.com/pro/ibuprofen.html

[LA-ML]

I don't know if you have insurance but I know that if you have a problem with wetting the bed like I do the doctor can write you a prescription for poise pads. I use those for both wetting the bed and my period. Just a thought...I know you might be telling a white lie but at least then hopefully you would nt have to worry about pads
Thinking of you!

What about Planned Parenthood for a test and/or supplies?

My doctor had to give me an iron supplement because of this same thing...

[TiredPilgrim]

aviza, go see your County Health Department. They might have some samples of iron supplement pills to give you, and they might be able to help you find financial aid or medical aid. Planned Parenthood is also a good choice.
You could also go talk to your State Health Department to see what aid you might qualify for.
I agree that ibuprofen is not a good idea, especially if you are on your period. Ibuprofen makes you bleed more. Talk to a doctor about your symptoms.

Hope you can get help with this soon, in the meantime here is a link to sources of iron (spinach is actually not that high):

Spotlight on... high-iron | BBC Good Food

Plus also breakfast cereals that are fortified with iron too.

[IrisBloom]

Your doc can also prescribe iron so you can get it on your insurance. Hopefully it will be cheaper that way.