In short, yes. A heavy menstrual cycle is the leading cause of low iron in women. In some cases, some women can lose too much blood during their menstrual cycle.
So the answer to your question, can low iron affect your periods? is, yes. Anemia can cause a delay or irregularities in your menstrual cycle. If you are experiencing delayed or irregular periods for more than two consecutive menstrual cycles, it's best to consult a doctor to understand the issue.
In fact, deprived of iron, cells are unable to proceed from the G1 to S phase of the cell cycle[8]. Based on this data, it is likely that iron treatment can affect menstruation via increased cell proliferation in the endometrium.
The research is still developing in this area, but there is some evidence that if iron-deficient anaemia becomes severe, your body will stop menstruating in order to avoid losing more iron (your body also may stop ovulating, a key part of your menstrual cycle, if iron is too low).
Eating iron-rich foods, such as leafy green vegetables, red meat, and fortified cereals, can help regulate your menstrual cycles and reduce the risk of anaemia. Additionally, it's essential to maintain good hygiene during your period by changing your pads or tampons regularly and washing your hands frequently.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
Left untreated, however, iron-deficiency anemia can make you feel tired and weak. You may notice pale skin and cold hands and feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat and shortness of breath.
Anaemia, a condition caused by low iron levels, can also cause pink period blood. 'Iron is what gives the blood its red colour, and blood may become lighter if iron is low,' explains Dr Rosén.
Intermittent iron supplementation in menstruating women may be an effective intervention for reducing anaemia and improving haemoglobin concentrations compared to no treatment, placebo or daily supplementation. Intermittent supplementation may be associated with fewer side effects compared to daily supplementation.
Extreme fatigue. Weakness. Pale skin. Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath.
Research has found 50 per cent of women of childbearing age who have an iron deficiency will have amenorrhea. This can also be caused by eating too few calories. Low iron levels are also associated with anovulation, where the egg doesn't get released during your menstrual cycle — making trying to conceive impossible.
If your iron deficiency is caused by heavy periods, your doctor may give you hormonal birth control pills to manage excessive bleeding. Recommended daily iron intake: Teen girls (14-18 years) – 15 mg. Adult women (19-50 years) – 18 mg.
You have odd cravings for things that aren't food
While researchers are still trying to figure out why, people with severe iron deficiencies often crave non-food items like dirt, clay, cornstarch, paint chips, cardboard, and cleaning supplies, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Anemia could be a contributing cause of your anxiety and depression symptoms. Several studies link anemia, and more specifically iron deficiency anemia, to mental health problems. While more research is required to confirm the connection, for many people, these conditions go hand in hand.
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia induces weight loss and improves metabolic parameters. Clin Ter. 2014;165(2):e87-9.
You can treat iron deficiency anemia by taking iron supplements. Most people take 150 to 200 milligrams each day, but your doctor will recommend a dose based on your iron levels. Taking vitamin C helps your body absorb the iron.
While there's little scientific evidence backing this claim up, weight gain from iron pills does happen 6. One study found that individuals with iron deficiency anemia complained of weight gain during their treatment, even though oral preparations of iron aren't known to cause weight gain as a side effect.
It is not uncommon for an iron deficiency to present alongside uncomfortable gut symptoms like gas and bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Without sufficient iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to our organs and cells. Optimal oxygen delivery is need for all normal bodily processes including optimal brain function, energy and immunity.
But iron is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in high doses. If you do not have iron deficiency, don't take more than 45 mg daily. Higher doses can cause stomach side effects such as nausea and vomiting and may even increase the risk for preterm birth.
Although you won't feel the benefits of taking ferrous sulphate instantly, it won't take too long to show its effects. In most cases, people begin to see signs of improvement in iron deficiency symptoms after around 1 week. The full effects are likely to be felt within 4 weeks of taking the supplement.
Iron is an essential nutrient in blood that carries oxygen, and due to blood loss during menstruation, people who have periods are more susceptible to iron deficiency. In fact, if you have periods, we actually need to consume 18 mg per day of iron, while others only need only 8 mg per day.
Most people with iron deficiency have no symptoms, so taking iron pills may not result in any obvious changes to how they feel. A doctor can verify if the pills are working via a blood test. However, if a person does have anemia symptoms, they may notice they get better or go away entirely.