Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: Riahop on March 08, 2021, 10:54:48 PM

Title: Alpha Thal and Menopause, vitamins to take or stay away from, etc.
Post by: Riahop on March 08, 2021, 10:54:48 PM
Hello! I have alpha thal minor and I'm approaching menopause. I've been having joint and muscle pain off and on for the past year and my OBGYN says it's "probably not" related to menopause but admitted she didn't know enough about thalassemia's effects on menopause.  I started taking a multi vitamin but I stopped because I'm assuming the iron in it was making me constipated. I now take a few different vitamins (A, B, D, E, biotin). I've been looking up what vitamins to take and avoid as an alpha thal but there isn't a lot out there. Does anyone have any information or personal experiences? I've noticed that my heart palpitations have increased and I'm not sure why, if it's due to any of the vitamins I'm taking, iron overload or just general anxiety. I'm also considering seeing a hematologist with the hopes they would have more insight about thalassemia's effects on menopause. Thank you!
Title: Re: Alpha Thal and Menopause, vitamins to take or stay away from, etc.
Post by: Andy Battaglia on March 14, 2021, 09:33:30 PM
The best supplements for alpha thals are L-methylfolate (the natural form) and vitamin B-12 (sublingual works best). These can help the Hb level and energy levels.You might consider magnesium to address the heart palps. My own palp vanished, but it took about 2 years of magnesium supplements before it did.
Title: Re: Alpha Thal and Menopause, vitamins to take or stay away from, etc.
Post by: Riahop on March 15, 2021, 03:30:03 AM
Thank you! I will look into the B-12, I've seen others post about it. I'm currently taking a B complex but I've read that's not the best way to go. Will look into the methylfolate and magnesium. I just had full bloodwork taken last week so I can't wait to hear how wacky my results are.  :rolleyes  Thanks again this was helpful!