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Jenny Pierre, who holds a master’s degree in business administration and is fluent in five languages, has become an advocate for a significant yet often overlooked issue that affects numerous women: severe menstrual pain and its consequences. Pierre candidly shares her personal experiences with this struggle.
“During my toughest times, I was dealing with menstruation every 28 days. The pain was unbearable, often landing me in the emergency room multiple times,” she recalled. Despite visiting several doctors, the consensus was that her symptoms were nothing to be alarmed about.
“It was incredibly difficult. I lost a job I’d dedicated years to because I constantly ended up in the emergency room, unable to attend work,” she explained.
Finding Healing through Discovery
Hope appeared on the horizon when she consulted a gynecologist who identified fibroids as a key part of her health troubles. This discovery connected her with Dr. Steven Fein, a hematologist at HemeOnCall. He diagnosed her with fibroids and a coexisting blood clot issue, which, alongside heavy menstrual bleeding, led to severe iron deficiency and anemia.
“Iron deficiency is prevalent among many women, and it’s noteworthy that Black women are affected at rates twice that of white women. An alarming 50% of all Black women may experience this deficiency,” he stated.
Dr. Fein added that Hispanic women face comparable issues, often stemming from a general lack of awareness among healthcare providers concerning the appropriate testing for iron deficiency.
“It’s a significant issue. Many doctors overlook the need for separate iron testing since they often rely solely on hemoglobin levels. If hemoglobin appears normal, they may not pursue additional iron tests,” Dr. Fein explained.
Transformation through Treatment
After beginning regular iron infusions, Pierre’s health experienced a remarkable turnaround.
“The difference after my first iron transfusion was astounding. I woke up feeling energized and no longer on the verge of fainting,” she described her newfound vitality.
Having endured nearly two years of persistent suffering, Pierre’s life has taken a positive shift. She is now receiving ongoing iron treatments and has launched her own consulting business. Recently, she received joyful news.
“We found out we are pregnant, and it’s twins!” Pierre shared excitedly.
Pierre urges other women dealing with health issues to take charge of their well-being. “I would advise women to advocate for themselves,” she emphasized.
“It is advisable for all women to get tested for iron deficiency regularly, at least once a year, and particularly during pregnancy. Any woman experiencing fatigue or shortness of breath should seek iron testing to uncover underlying issues,” Dr. Fein advised.
He further highlighted the critical implications of these health concerns: Black women experience significantly elevated mortality rates during pregnancy, alongside an increased likelihood of premature births and stillbirths. His research has established a troubling correlation between these disparities and iron deficiency.
April 11-17 marks Black Maternal Health Week, a dedicated effort to raise awareness and champion improvements in maternal health outcomes within the African American community.
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www.cbsnews.com