Understanding Recent Lab Results
What factors might explain my recent lab findings? I’m a 29-year-old female, and these tests were conducted while I was on my menstrual period. The complete blood count shows a white blood cell (WBC) count of 15.36, red blood cell (RBC) count of 5.3, hemoglobin at 15.1, and hematocrit at 48. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 91, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 29, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is 31, with a red cell distribution width (RDW) of 13.4. My platelet count is 459, while the mean platelet volume (MPV) sits at 10.2. There are no nucleated red blood cells detected. The differential count reveals neutrophils at 75%, lymphocytes at 18%, monocytes at 5%, eosinophils at 1%, and basophils at 1%. Immature granulocytes are absent, and the overall granulocyte count is 11.52, with lymphocytes at 2.78, monocytes at 0.77, eosinophils at 0.1, and basophils at 0.09. Vitamin D levels are at 26, iron levels are 73, transferrin is at 364, with a total iron-binding capacity of 437, leading to an iron/transferrin saturation percentage of 17. Ferritin is measured at 10.1. Urine tests show more than 40 microscopic red blood cells, 6-10 white blood cells, while epithelial cells, hyaline casts, and bacteria are not present. Urine tests for glucose, bilirubin, and ketones all returned negative, with a specific gravity of 1.010 and a urine pH of 7. Protein in urine is qualitatively 30, urobilinogen is normal, nitrite is negative, and leukocyte esterase is positive. Regarding vitamin B12, the level is 482, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is at 0.98. My sodium level is 139, potassium at 4.1, chloride at 104, carbon dioxide at 25, and an anion gap of 10. Calcium levels stand at 10.3, with glucose at 94. Total serum protein is at 8.2, albumin at 4.7, alkaline phosphatase at 69, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 32, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 17, and total bilirubin at 0.4. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 9, creatinine is 0.85, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is at 95.2. I seek clarification on what these results might indicate about my health, especially considering my menstrual cycle during the testing.
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 10:21:04 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your lab results present a mixed picture, but several factors could explain the findings, particularly given that the tests were done during your menstrual period.
Main Points
- Elevated White Blood Cell Count: A WBC count of 15.36 is higher than the average range and may be due to several reasons, including inflammation, infection, or even the physical stress of menstruation.
- Iron and Ferritin Levels: Your ferritin level of 10.1 suggests low iron stores, which could be exacerbated by menstrual blood loss.
- Urine Findings: The presence of 40+ red blood cells in the urine (hematuria) and positive leukocyte esterase can indicate some urinary tract inflammation or infection, which might need further investigation.
- Normal Blood Chemistry: Overall, your other blood parameters, including electrolytes and liver enzymes, appear to be within normal ranges.
Explanation
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): A slight rise in WBCs could occur during menstruation due to natural inflammatory responses. However, a count above the normal range might warrant investigation for possible underlying infections or stress responses.
- Iron Levels: Menstrual periods can impact iron levels. If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, this could contribute to lower iron and ferritin levels, making you more prone to anemia.
- Urine Analysis: The presence of red blood cells in your urine could suggest a variety of conditions, ranging from benign causes (like menstruation) to possible urinary tract infections or kidney issues.
- Menstrual Cycle Influence: Hormonal changes during your cycle can affect many lab results, including those for electrolytes and blood counts.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms like fatigue, unusual bleeding, or pain during urination. This will help provide context if you need to address these results further.
- Consider Dietary Adjustments: Given your low ferritin levels, you may want to incorporate iron-rich foods such as red meats, leafy greens, and legumes, along with vitamin C sources to enhance absorption.
- Follow Up on Urinalysis: Since you have hematuria and a positive leukocyte esterase, consider discussing this with a healthcare provider. They may recommend further urine cultures or imaging studies if necessary.
- Repeat Testing: Retesting your iron and ferritin levels after your next menstrual cycle can provide a clearer picture, especially if you adjust your diet to boost iron intake.
Stay proactive about your health and reach out if you encounter any new or worsening symptoms! If you have any specific concerns about these results, consider keeping a log of your symptoms and discussing it with your healthcare provider for further guidance.
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