Low vit b12 and menstrual bleeding

[Mollieharry]

Hi,I was diagnosed in May last year with low vit b 12 after months of feeling really ill with a lot of the symptoms that are vit b12 related.at the time my monthly periods were going haywire too,only getting a short time between them and lasting for up to a month at a time.i was 53yrs so thought this was just a sign that I was near the menapause.6loading dose later my periods stopped and most of my other symptoms went away.i felt I had my life back.i now get the injections every 3 months.my period came back the middle of January and have not stopped although had vit b12 injection last week.i have also found the last 3 months I haven’t felt as good again some of my symptoms returning.im just wondering if it could be that my injections are too long between and all the symptoms could be connected.btw I get my bloods checked regularly and last ones came back satisfactory!?

[Nackapan]

It's very confusing

I put alot of my symptoms down to the menopause so actually got a diagnos for treatment.

is of b12 deficiency later than I'd have lkeed as treatment delayed.

Menopause is also a process that doesnt go in a linear line. I wasnt fully 'done' until 57yrs I suppose a 2 year time span.

Tiu could try 2 monthly injections as they should be easy to get??

Ones stomach acidity does decrease post menopausal. Try some it cider vinegar with meals so you absorb perhaps a few more nutrients

Also I think our bodies work harder in the winter. Check tour vit d ect to make sure you not lacking anything

[JanD236]

I feel that any problems are likely to be caused by both the menopause and B12 issues.

I’d recommend asking for injections every 2 months rather than 3 which guidelines allow.

I’d also suggest you see a menopause specialist if at all possible. It might be possible to get an nhs referral but definitely easy to arrange privately. HRT is a personal decision but with a specialist I felt that it’s the right thing for me and I haven’t looked back.

Meanwhile, I’d also see your gp about the 2-3 week period you’re having. Any unusual bleeding around the time of menopause and beyond should be checked out.

[Parksy]

I’m the same as you I went 11 months without a period then they came back and they are so heavy and long I’m now I’m anaemic yet again. Alongside the PA it dies make you feel dreadful.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

if you have a bleed that started in January and hasn't stopped then I would suggest you go back to your GP and mention it to them to rule out anything sinister going on.

I started B12 therapy in my early 50s - premenopausal. I can't really remember all the ins and outs but initially it did make my periods more regular and lighter until I hit the menopause proper. I had problems with longer bleeds towards the end. My GP couldn't find anything sinister but gave me a course or progesterone which stopped the bleeding very quickly. I used it a couple of times when I had a couple of further bleeds that went on longer than normal but still have a load left (this GP has a tendency to over-prescribe).

The progesterone wasn't entirely free from problems - it made me feel as if I'd never had any B12 in my life so I never finished the course I was given and on subsequent occasions I didn't actually take a whole tablet - but that is just me.

Please go and see your GP

[Lulabe in reply to Gambit62]

I totally relate! I will be 52 soon and have 6 uterine fibroids, crazy bleeding for at least 8 days a month and I self inject b-12 about twice a week. Since starting the b12 injections I bleed significantly less, have energy, better moods and a better life in general (weight maintenance) appetite, etc. The B-12 has been a miracle! The only downside is it is very hard for me to get...prescription required, I can not get the Methylcoblamine in Arizona for some reason. I do not understand why something so wonderful is so hard to get. No one has been able to answer that question. Bottom line, take lots of Vitamin C, iron supplements, and B-12 injections and the periods become manageable. Good Luck! I do believe going THROUGH menopause will pay off as opposed to cutting out your girl parts.

[etreas in reply to Lulabe]

Hi Lulabe, Since you appear to be in the US and looking for methyl, thought I'd pass along this website: ushcgshots.com/b12-shots This is where I purchase my B12. While I buy hydroxo, they sell both without an external prescription. Have been buying from them for several years and they have always provided a good product and reliable customer service. Best of luck!

[Lulabe in reply to etreas]

Thank you so much!

[Lulabe]

Thank you, thank you thank you!