Can A Heavy Period Cause Iron Deficiency

Do you find that you feel tired, weak, short of breath, and lightheaded with reduced concentration and focus during your monthly period cycle?^1a,b,2a,c This could be due to blood loss and decreased iron stores in your red blood cells during this time.^1d,2a Women with a heavier period and losing more blood than average could be at risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).^1d,2a,b

Low Iron & Heavy Periods

Due to the blood loss associated with menstruation, anaemia affects women more frequently than men.^1e,3a Each month during menstruation blood loss, the iron within the red blood cells is also lost.^2a,b.d You then risk developing iron deficiency anaemia if your monthly intake and absorption of iron are insufficient to make up for the iron you lose during your period.^4c

Heavy menstrual flow increases the risk of iron deficiency anaemia in women.^1d When the average menstrual flow exceeds 80 ml, it is deemed to be excessive menstrual bleeding.^4a

Although it might be difficult to determine how much blood you lose during your period, the below symptoms could indicate excessive blood loss.^5d

• Expelling large blood clots^2e,4b
• Needing two forms of protection (using both pads and tampons at once)^2e
• Need a pad or tampon change every two hours or less^5a
• Excessive bleeding that disrupts your daily activities^4a,b
• Bleeding through your sheets or clothes despite wearing protection^5c

Blood Loss & Iron Deficiency

Except for menstruation, numerous conditions can result in bleeding, and you might not even be aware of them.^3b,8a

Blood loss during childbirth or a c-section can also contribute to the development of iron deficiency.^3b,8a Other conditions such as intestinal polyps, duodenum/gastric ulcers, and erosive gastritis can all result in gastrointestinal bleeding.^8a Blood loss can also result from endometriosis and uterine fibroids.^5b Endometriosis and anaemia are closely related.^4d

How To Curb Iron Deficiency?

Chela-fer^® is a chelated iron supplement. It contains the chelated iron salt ferrous bisglycinate chelate.^7a,b Chela-fer^® with Ferrous Bisglycinate utilises organic amino acids as carriers for the iron molecules to improve absorption in the body. Chela-fer^® also contains folic acid, a vitamin which helps to form red blood cells and assists the body in metabolising proteins.^6a

References:

1. Fernandez-Jimenez C, Moreno G, Wright I, et al. Iron Deficiency in Menstruating Adult Women: Much More than Anemia. Women’s Health Reports 2020;1(1): Available from: http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/whr.2019.0011 [Accessed 16 January 2023].
2. Women’s Health Specialists. Can heavy periods cause anemia? Available from: https://www.pro-lifeobgyn.com/blog/can-heavy-periods-cause-anemia [Accessed 16 January 2023].
3. Coad J, Conlon C. Iron deficiency in women: assessment, causes and consequences. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2011;14(6):625-634.
4. Herman MC, Mol BW, Bonger. Diagnosis of heavy menstrual bleeding. Women’s Health 2016;12(1):15-20.
5. Centre for Disease Control (CDC). Bleeding disorders in women. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/blooddisorders/women/menorrhagia.html [Accessed 16 January 2023].
6. CHELA-FER® Approved Patient information leaflet. PC3295/04 [Data on file].
7. Brady DM, Copp S. Design for health. Science first. Ferrochel® Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate. Available at: https://www.oakwaynaturals.com/content/designs_for_health/ferrochel-techsheet.pdf [Accessed 17 January 2023].
8. National Institute of Health (NIH). Iron deficiency anaemia. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemia [Accessed 17 January 2023].