Iron Supplements And Menstrual Bleeding

The monthly loss of blood from a menstrual period does not usually present a problem, but women who have heavy periods, have an insufficient amount of iron in their diet or have difficulty absorbing iron may find that they are suffering from anemia. Those who are concerned about their iron levels can learn more about the condition and decide if they need to seek medical advice.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

A person who is anemic has an insufficient number of blood cells and therefore has trouble getting enough oxygen to the various parts of his body. Iron deficiency anemia stems from an inadequate amount of iron. Iron is required to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the human body.

Symptoms of Anemia

Some people with anemia have no symptoms at all. The Mayo Clinic explains that those who do have symptoms may appear pale, have low energy, have difficulty catching their breath during exertion, have an accelerated heart rate, suffer from headaches or feel cranky. Additional symptoms may include chilled extremities, a dizzy or lightheaded feeling and difficulty concentrating.

Women in Childbearing Years

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that women who have heavy menstrual periods have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia because they regularly lose large amounts of blood. The "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" states that iron deficiency anemia is most common among women during their menstruating years. The "Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide" maintains that 11 percent of all women have low levels of iron while only 4 percent of women who are not menstruating have low levels.

Sources of Iron

Some women get sufficient amounts of iron through their diet and thereby are able to avoid anemia. Many foods are good sources of iron, including almonds and other nuts, avocados, beets, blackstrap molasses, broccoli, dark meat chicken or turkey, dates, dried apricots, eggs, fish, lentils, liver and red meat. Other iron-rich foods are lima and other beans, peanut butter, peas, pork, potatoes, prunes, pumpkin, raisins, rice, seafood, soybeans, spinach, swiss chard and whole grains.

Taking Iron Supplements

The "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" says the body takes in iron best without food, but reports that if a patient gets an upset stomach from taking iron, she should consume her iron supplement with meals. Tea inhibits the absorption of iron and vitamin C encourages the absorption of iron, so it is better to take iron supplements with orange juice than with orange pekoe. The CDC warns that taking iron supplements may lead to constipation; FamilyDoctor.org recommends that those who experience constipation eat more fiber even though doing so may decrease the amount of iron absorbed by the body.

Dangers

The Mayo Clinic warns that too much iron is unhealthful and cautions people who feel they may be anemic to consult with their health care provider before taking iron supplements. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that an iron deficiency is sometimes evidence of another problem which needs attention and for this reason they also recommend seeing a medical professional.