According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world. Research has shown that up to 80 percent of the world’s population has low amounts of iron in their bodies. Low iron can cause brittle nails, pale skin, and headaches.
But can low iron affect your period?
What is Low Iron?
Low iron occurs when your body does now produce enough red blood cells. This can cause weakness, fatigue, and long-term health issues if left untreated. In the beginning, the symptoms of having low iron can be mild. However, as time goes on, the symptoms can become more intense.
A lack of iron in your diet can contribute to low iron. If you don’t eat enough iron, you can develop insufficient levels of iron over time. Eating iron-rich foods like eggs, meats, and leafy greens can help keep iron levels regular.
Can Low Iron Affect Your Period?
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. This blood is replaced but not fast enough. Over time, month after month of extra blood loss, iron levels decrease. This is because there are not enough red blood cells in the body to produce enough iron.
What Else Can Affect Your Period?
Iron deficiency and pregnancy aren’t the only things that can affect your period. Many factors can affect your period, such as:
- Physical or psychological stress
- Over exercise
- Birth control
- Not enough nutrients
How to Treat Low Iron Levels
Luckily low iron can be treated.
How Can Low Iron Levels Be Treated?
- Supplements
Supplements are a great way to get iron levels back to normal levels. Check with your doctor to see which supplements are best for you.
- Diet
Eating a diet rich in iron will help keep your red blood cell levels where they should be. Red meat and leafy vegetables are a few iron-rich foods. More foods with high iron include:
- Chicken
- Lamb
- Leafy greens
- Raisins
- Eggs
- Seafood
Do You Think You Have Low Iron?
Do you think you have low iron? MYCHN offers primary medical services. We provide a holistic, patient-centered approach to care. Please visit our website, or call (281) 824 – 1480 to learn more.
Bottom Line
Iron deficiency is the leading nutritional disorder in the world. Most people on the planet do not have enough iron in their blood. This could be because many people are not getting enough iron from their diet. A diet with foods full of iron will keep your iron levels at an average level.
There is a link between periods and iron deficiency. Heavy periods can cause low levels of iron in women. It’s the number one cause of iron deficiency in women. Talk with your doctor if you think your iron levels may be low.
Resources
Iron Deficiency Anemia Secondary to Inadequate Dietary Iron Intake (healthline.com)
