B12 injections and vaginal bleeding.

[susieflooz]

Hi all, I am new here and I would value some imput. I'm 68 and recently discovered that my B12 is too low. I received six B12 injections from a nurse at my surgery (and scheduled for three monthly for further injections). One week after the injections and I have experienced some vaginal bleeding. Do you think there any connection to the B12 injections? Has anybody had anything similar happen? Any help or comments would be greatly appreciated. 😊

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I'm not medically trained. I think you should report the bleeding to your GP.

NHS link about Postmenopausal bleeding

nhs.uk/conditions/post-meno...

NHS link about bleeding between periods

nhs.uk/common-health-questi...

Good luck with finding answers.

[Sleepybunny in reply to Sleepybunny]

A bit about B12 deficiency

What do your GPs think has caused your B12 deficiency?

Risk Factors for PA and B12 Deficiency

pernicious-anaemia-society....

b12deficiency.info/what-are...

b12deficiency.info/who-is-a...

Have you been tested for PA (Pernicious Anaemia) and coeliac disease?

"I received six B12 injections from a nurse at my surgery (and scheduled for three monthly for further injections)."

That's a UK treatment pattern for B12 deficiency without neurological symptoms.

Do you have any neuro symptoms?

If yes, link below describes UK treatment for B12 deficiency with neuro symptoms.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

Link about "What to do next" if B12 deficiency suspected or recently diagnosed

b12deficiency.info/what-to-...

Unhappy with Treatment (UK info)?

Letters to GPs about B12 deficiency

b12deficiency.info/b12-writ...

Point 1 in above link is about being under treated for B12 deficiency with neuro symptoms present.

If you have a PA diagnosis or suspect PA then worth joining and talking to PAS.

PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society)

Based in Wales, UK.

pernicious-anaemia-society....

There is a helpline number that PAS members can ring.

PAS membership is separate from membership of this forum

Testing for PA

pernicious-anaemia-society....

NICE CKS guidance - B12 deficiency and folate deficiency

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/anae...

Local Guidelines

If you have the time and energy, I think it's useful to find out what's in the local B12 deficiency guidelines for your ICB (Integrated Care Board) or Health Board.

Two useful B12 books

"What You Need to Know About Pernicious Anaemia and B12 Deficiency" by Martyn Hooper

Martyn Hooper is the chair of PAS (Pernicious Anaemia Society).

"Could it Be B12?: An Epidemic of Misdiagnoses" by Sally Pacholok and JJ. Stuart (US authors)

Some forum members have met health professionals with poor understanding of PA and B12 deficiency

Misconceptions about a B12 deficiency

(From Dutch B12 website - units, ref ranges, treatment patterns may vary from UK)

stichtingb12tekort.nl/engli...

There is more information I could pass on, just let me know if you'd like me to post more.

[susieflooz in reply to Sleepybunny]

Thank you for your reply and for all the info Sleepybunny.

[Orchard33]

I had this condition, spoke to GP, saw consultant, whizzed into surgery, polyps removed all within a month. Nothing to do with B12 shots. See your doc without delay.

[susieflooz in reply to Orchard33]

Thank you Orchard33.

[HeartyGilly]

Any vaginal bleeding post menopause should be referred to your GP straightaway. It may be nothing, but it must be checked out.

[Pollyanna23]

It’s possible I would say. Going by a family member who had severe side effects though not bleeding but did affect her whole body plus sensitivity to light she has since been under the eye hospital .We think it was the case she was given to much B12.I would speak to your GP hopefully you might get some answers.

[MrsTuft]

not related but must be checked.

[FlipperTD]

Scientist, not medic.

Do it now. Get referred. Without delay.

[susieflooz]

Thank you everyone for your advice.......much appreciated. I have a GP appointment on Monday.

[B12life]

I agree with sleepybunny, report this! I have not experienced any vaginal bleeding and have been injecting every day for 2.5 years now.

What was your b12 level?

[RHCinSF]

Hi. 14 days after receiving B12 injections I started vaginal bleeding. I'm 56 and have not had a period in 6 years. I will be going to the doc, but wanted to reach out to you as it does seem like maybe there is some correlation between the B12 and the bleeding.

[susieflooz in reply to RHCinSF]

Hi, Yes, I went to my GP to discuss the "coincidence" of having the six injected loading doses of B12 and subsequent vaginal bleeding. He advised me to wait a little while and see what happened and actually after that two day occurrence of bleeding, it completely stopped and has not happened again, thank goodness. That was five months ago. I have since had my B12 injection every 12 weeks, and as I said, so far so good, no sign of any further bleeding. From what I have read since I posted on here, there have been some reports of B12 injections increasing oestrogen levels in post-menopausal women and therefore triggering vaginal bleeding. I would be very interested in knowing what your doc advises you? Wishing you all the best. Susie

[RHCinSF in reply to susieflooz]

Hi! Ok Seeing doc this Monday. I'll get back to you.

[Susiegriff in reply to RHCinSF]

Hi RHCin SF, I wondered what your GP advised you, if anything? Regards Susie

[RHCinSF in reply to Susiegriff]

Good morning! Well, I have been through it! A lot of exams and prodding. GP did a manual pelvic exam and then referred me to an OBGyn who did another exam. Then went and had a pelvic ultra sound. All exams were negative of any issues. The very light bleeding stopped after 7 days and has not returned. Not one doc suspected that the bleeding came from the B12 injections! I emailed with the natural doctor at the B12 office to find out if she knew of any post menopausal women with similar reactions and was told no. I had a B12 injection last Tuesday and no bleeding. So, I cannot confirm nor deny that the B12 was the bleeding cause! How have you been?