1. Community
  2. Blood & Immune System
  3. Pernicious Anaemia

Could it be the pill?

Posted , 3 users are following.

frances1987
frances1987

I have had a blood test that shows my B12 levels are very low, my doctor initially suspected Celiac disease however a test for this came back negative. I am currently awaiting the results of a test to see if my intrinsic factor levels are normal as my doctor now thinks 'some other autoimmune disease' is causing the low B12.

I am trying not to dwell on the possible cause however I suffer from anxiety, depression and OCD (seriously I've got the lot!) and waiting for the result is agonising!

I have seen a couple of studies that suggest a link between low B12 and taking oral contraceptives. This seems to be one of the most recent studies: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410054/ there is also quite a lot of anacdotal reports of a link on the internet.

I have been taking the pill for around 12 years, for the majority of that time I have been taking it 'back to back' with only two breaks a year. I have checked with various doctors and have always been told that this was ok to do. I am now wondering if taking the pill this way for such a long period of time could actually be the cause of the B12 deficiency.

Has anyone else had any experience of a link between oral contraceptives and B12 deficiency?

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • M1954
    M1954 frances1987

    Posted

    I don't have any answers regarding the pill but i'm with you on the anxiety.  I just cant stand waiting for results I always think the worst I wish I wasnt like that I know we are not alone.  Good luck I hope your tests turn out well

  • clivealive
    clivealive frances1987

    Posted

    Certain contraceptives can have an adverse effect in B12 levels as too can medications such as antidepressants, antibiotics, antacids, proton pump inhibitors etc. Stress and woory may also "use up" B12 and could excessive exercise.

    Was your Folater tested at the same time as the B12? The two are essential to help your iron to make red blood cells. . A deficiency of one may be "masked" by excess of another so the three must always be in balance. 

    Does your diet include sufficient "animal products" to source Vitamin B12 naturally?

    Come back and let us know the results of the I.F. Test.

    I am not a medically trained person beut I have had P.A. (a form of B12 deficiency) for over 45 years so believe me it is treatable.

    I wish you well

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.