Question

A 24-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pallor and shortness of breath on exertion. Hb is 90 g/L, MCV 70 fL and ferritin is low. She has heavy menstrual periods. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Start oral ferrous sulfate and address menstrual blood loss

Answer

Refer immediately for colonoscopy

Answer

Transfuse two units of packed red cells

Answer

Start erythropoietin injections

Answer

No treatment; repeat haemoglobin in 6 months

Practice question

A 24-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pallor and shortness of breath on exertion. Hb is 90 g/L, MCV 70 fL and ferritin is low. She has heavy menstrual periods. What is the most appropriate initial management?