Endometriosis and Anemia

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=215 BGCOLOR="#CC3366" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="06206732dkcfyw.png"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Catamenial Pneumothorax and Endometriosi"><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Catamenial Pneumothorax What is it?"><U><B>CPT - What is it?</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Catamenial Pneumothorax Treatment Optio"><U><B>Treatment Options</B></U></A></div> <div> <B> </B><A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CPT and Endometriosis Our Experiences "><U><B>Our Experiences</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CPT Images What does it look like?"><U><B>CPT Images</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Endometriosis and Hormonal Imbalances"><U><B>Hormonal Imbalances</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Endometriosis and Anemia"><U><B>Endo and Anemia</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Doing your own research"><U><B>Researching CPT</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CPT Literature References"><U><B>CPT -  Literature</B></U></A><B> </B></div> <div> <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Endometriosis Literature References"><U><B>Endo - Literature</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CPT Survey"><U><B>CPT Survey</B></U></A></div> <div> <B> </B><A HREF="id21.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CPT / Endometriosis Emotional Support"><U><B>Emotional Support</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="CPT Fact Sheet For Your Doctor"><U><B>FACT SHEET for Doctor</B></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U><B>Contact Us</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=60 BGCOLOR="#CC99CC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#993366" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B>Catamenial Pneumothorax and Endometriosis</B></FONT><B> </B></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=420 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CC99CC" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Endometriosis and Anemia</I></div> <div> Many women with endometriosis also suffer from anemia. Increased blood loss over time can decrease the available components needed by the red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. These include iron, folic acid (folate) and vitamin B-12. Anemia is an important concern because it can present symptoms which are also common to CPT, most notably <B>shortness of breath</B>, <B>dizziness</B> and <B>fatigue</B>. Other symptoms include:</div> <bR> <div> <B>l</B><B>ightheadedness</B></div> <div> <B>headache</B></div> <div> <B>pounding heart beat</B> / <B>heart palpitations</B></div> <div> <B>weakness</B> / <B>tiredness</B></div> <div> <B>a general sense of malaise</B></div> <div> <B>pale skin</B> / <B>brittle nails</B></div> <div> <B>memory loss</B> / <B>confusion</B> / <B>poor concentration</B></div> <div> <B>depression</B></div> <div> <B>irritibility</B></div> <div> <B>pica</B> (desire to eat ice)</div> <div> <B>ringing in the ears</B></div> <div> <B>restless leg syndrome</B> (unpleasant sensations in legs with the urge to continually move them)</div> <bR> <div> Iron deficiency anemia is the type most often seen in menstruating women. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be confirmed with a blood panel which can show iron deficiency as low values of serum iron, serum ferritin, hematocrit, hemoglobin and a low red blood cell count. </div> <bR> <div> Although iron levels can be easily tested, it is important to know that a serum iron level toward the low side but still within the "normal limits" can still cause symptoms of deficiency.  </div> <bR> <div> Increasing Iron levels</div> <bR> <div> Iron supplements can be taken daily as well as various foods containing iron. Iron supplements are tableted in a variety of milligrams, and can be found in the sulfate, gluconate and the carbonyl forms. The latter two are reported to be easier on the stomach. Beef liver extract supplements are also a good source of iron.</div> <bR> <div> Food sources containing iron include: </div> <bR> <div> <B>Heme-iron</B> (animal source) </div> <div> red meat</div> <div> poultry</div> <div> fish</div> <div> beef liver</div> <div> beef liver extract tablets</div> <div> egg yolks</div> <bR> <div> <B>Non-Heme iron</B> (plant source)</div> <div> raisins</div> <div> legumes</div> <div> iron-fortified cereals, oatmeal, cream of wheat</div> <div> dried fruit</div> <div> molasses</div> <div> leafy green vegetables</div> <bR> <div> It is important to note that heme-iron is more readily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron. In addition, some plant sources like spinach also contain a chemical (phytate) that inhibits iron absorption. It is also important to note that other substances when taken with iron will either increase absorption or inhibit absorption. </div> <bR> <div> Substances which increase iron absorption:</div> <div> Vitamin A</div> <div> Vitamin C</div> <div> Orange or citrus juice</div> <bR> <div> Substances which inhibit iron absorption:</div> <div> Coffee </div> <div> Tea</div> <div> Milk</div> <div> Calcium</div> <div> Fiber</div> <div> Antacids</div> <bR> <div> Another important factor to consider is that an increased iron intake may resolve deficiency symptoms within a few months, but replenishing iron stores could take from six months to one year. It is important to continue with supplements even after symptoms cease, and have your blood levels evaluated after several weeks. </div> <bR> <div> More information on Iron Deficiency Anemia:</div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="http://www.irondisorders.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.irondisorders.org"><U>Iron Disorders Institute</U></A></div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>