What women should know about Menstrual Period and Anemia

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 30 December 2022

Anemia The most common reason for iron loss is in monthly cycles. According to research, women of reproductive age require up to twice as much iron every day as males. The typical menstrual cycle lasts between two and five days. According to estimates, 220 to 250mg of iron are lost per pint of blood during menstruation. Due to changes in iron reserves, shifting contraceptives, the use of intrauterine devices, or certain drugs, this can fluctuate during a woman's lifespan.

The most prevalent blood condition is anemia. The symptoms might change depending on the type of anemia you have and how severe it is, and it can be a short-term or long-term illness. If you have anemia, your body lacks the necessary hemoglobin and red blood cells to provide oxygen to all the tissues and organs. Your bone marrow makes the protein hemoglobin, which is then stored in your red blood cells. Its function is to move oxygen from your lungs via your blood vessels to every region of your body.

Typically, anemia has three basic causes:

a blood loss
inadequate red blood cell synthesis
high red blood cell destruction rates

It has been shown that among nulliparous women, menstruation is primarily responsible for anemia and iron deficiency. For women who are menstrual, a preventive dosage of iron and folate supplements may be advised to reduce the negative effects of menstruation on hematologic status. Iron deficiency anemia, which can occur if your body doesn't have enough iron, is the most prevalent kind of anemia. Hemoglobin is made from iron. Women are more likely than males to get iron deficiency anemia.

Red blood cells may be lost in excess of what your body can produce if you lose a lot of blood during your period. The quantity of iron in your body may decrease as a result. Your body will thus struggle to produce the hemoglobin required to transport oxygen throughout your body. Anemia brought on by excessive monthly flow, however, is influenced by a variety of variables, including your nutrition and general health. Consuming an adequate amount of iron and other minerals may help avoid iron deficiency anemia.

Your healthcare professional will first get a medical and family history in order to identify iron deficiency anemia. A physical examination will follow. If you have frequent periods, a pelvic exam will probably be part of this. A complete blood count is a primary test for anemia. Your doctor will take blood and perform a test to determine your red blood cell count. Your doctor can learn how much iron your cells store from this test. Usually, these tests are sufficient to provide a diagnosis. You might need additional tests, though, depending on your symptoms and the type of anemia your doctor suspects you may have. Depending on what caused the heavy bleeding, there are many treatment options for iron deficiency anemia following heavy periods. Your doctor may prescribe hormonal birth control, iron supplements, and advice to consume more foods high in iron to manage it.

Anemia caused by a lack of iron can be avoided by watching what you eat. Try to do the following in particular:

Consume meals that are rich in iron. Red meat, spinach, lentils, seafood, turkey, and quinoa are among the foods high in iron.
Consume meals that promote the absorption of iron. Your body may absorb iron more easily with vitamin C. Guavas, kiwis, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, lemons, strawberries, oranges, and kale are some foods that are rich sources of vitamin C.
At mealtimes, keep coffee and tea to a minimum. These drinks might make it more difficult for your body to absorb the iron it needs from food.
Watch out for calcium supplements. Calcium may prevent your body from absorbing iron. If you take calcium supplements, check with your doctor to be sure you are getting adequate iron and calcium.

Due to the significant blood loss seen with heavy periods, anemia from iron deficiency can result. This kind of anemia is typically curable, either by treating the underlying reason for heavy periods, by taking more iron, or by using hormonal birth control. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you experience heavy periods or the signs of iron deficient anemia. They can identify the underlying reason and collaborate with you to choose the most effective course of action.

ZDS DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas, RND

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