Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: cjhcurtiss on August 31, 2011, 08:15:08 PM

Title: Thal Beta Minor and Depo Shot??
Post by: cjhcurtiss on August 31, 2011, 08:15:08 PM

Not sure if this has been answered yet or not but I was just wondering if maybe I shouldn't be on the depo shot for birth control because it makes me not have a period at all. Could that make me get iron overload? Im gonna go get my iron tests (which ones were they again?) done but I was just wondering if anyone knew. :) Oh and if anyone knows how to read a RAST test, let me know!! Thanks everyone!!

Title: Re: Thal Beta Minor and Depo Shot??
Post by: Andy Battaglia on August 31, 2011, 11:57:34 PM

It shouldn't be a problem for most thal minors, as iron absorption isn't typically an issue unless the Hb is chronically low, or there has been long term iron supplementation. The tests for iron are called an iron panel. If there is any uncertainty about the cause of anemia, iron tests should be done before taking iron. Because medical history has to be taken into account, especially any pre-existing skin conditions, it's best to have your allergist decipher the RAST test.