Anemia Concerns and Unexplained Bumps
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5'5" and weighing around 110 pounds, residing in the Midwest region of the United States. Recently, I’ve been grappling with worsening anemia despite being on iron supplements. Earlier this year, I noticed a significant drop in my energy levels, which didn’t improve despite efforts to enhance my sleep quality. This prompted a visit to my healthcare provider. After evaluating my bloodwork, she revealed that my hemoglobin was at 9.3 and my red blood cell count was 3.9, leading to an anemia diagnosis. I promptly began a regimen of iron supplements, and after three months, my hemoglobin levels improved to 12.2. However, around Halloween, I experienced a resurgence of fatigue and visible symptoms like pallor, dark under-eye circles, and dry skin. A follow-up check revealed my hemoglobin had decreased to 9.7. In response, my doctor recommended taking iron along with vitamin C and advised further dietary modifications. I am scheduled for another lab test after Christmas, but despite following her advice, I’m still feeling under the weather. Additionally, I noticed some lumps beneath the skin where my thigh connects to my pelvis. I believe this area is referred to as the groin, though I'm not entirely sure. I can feel two lumps on the right side and three on the left, arranged similarly along the crease. They’re not red or painful, which makes me wonder if they could be cysts; I had one on my hand in the past. As I am still a virgin, I am confident these are not related to any sexually transmitted infections. I’m hesitant to show a picture due to the sensitive location. The timing of these bumps coinciding with my worsening anemia feels too coincidental. I have two pressing inquiries: first, why is my anemia deteriorating despite taking supplements? Previously, I felt improvements relatively quickly. What could be causing this treatment to lose effectiveness? Secondly, could these lumps in my groin area be connected to my anemia? I’m considering seeking an earlier appointment, but I recognize the difficulty of scheduling around the holiday period. I don’t want to be alarmist if it turns out to be a benign issue such as clogged pores or something manageable at home. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 3:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm glad you reached out to discuss your anemia and the bumps you're experiencing. It's understandable to have concerns, especially given your recent health changes. Let’s address your two main inquiries: your anemia and the lumps in your groin area.
Anemia Concerns
Your anemia seems to have worsened despite taking iron supplements. There can be several reasons for this:
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Absorption Issues: The body sometimes struggles to absorb iron effectively, especially in conditions like celiac disease or other malabsorption disorders.
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Chronic Blood Loss: Conditions such as heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal issues can lead to continued blood loss, contributing to anemia.
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Dietary Factors: Even with supplements, not getting enough iron-rich foods (like red meat, beans, and fortified cereals) can also contribute to low levels. Vitamin C does help with absorption, so combining it with iron-rich foods is important.
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Alternative Causes of Anemia: Other causes, such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies, could also be a factor, as can chronic inflammation or underlying medical conditions.
Bumps in Groin Area
The lumps you're feeling in your groin area could be:
- Lymph Nodes: These can swell due to infections, inflammation, or even benign causes.
- Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can form under the skin, often harmless but can be bothersome.
- Lipomas: Non-cancerous lumps of fat tissue that often require no treatment unless they cause discomfort.
Next Steps
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Review Current Anemia Management:
- Ensure you’re taking your iron supplements as prescribed.
- Consider keeping a food diary to identify dietary gaps (focus on iron-rich foods).
- Track your symptoms, especially any signs of excess bleeding or new fatigue.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on the lumps: note their size, any changes, or new symptoms like pain or fever.
- If you notice any sudden changes or new symptoms, prioritize getting assessed by your healthcare provider.
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Schedule an Earlier Appointment:
- Given the persisting symptoms and the lumps, contacting your doctor for an earlier appointment would be prudent, especially to discuss your anemia's management and the bumps.
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Self-Care Steps for Anemia:
- Increase dietary iron with foods such as spinach, red meat, beans, and citrus for vitamin C.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support overall health.
Remember, while many changes can be benign, it’s always better to seek professional advice based on how you feel and any new or worsening symptoms. Listen to your body—it sounds like it may be time for a follow-up. If you have any more questions or need additional support as you navigate this, feel free to ask!
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