Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin that is required by the body in order to make healthy red blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B12 deficiency may be due to lack of intake of foods containing the vitamin or lack of intrinsic factor, a protein found in the stomach that helps remove vitamin B12 from foods, according to MedlinePlus. Vitamin B12 leads to several symptoms including menstrual irregularities.
Pernicious Anemia
The main symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency is a form of anemia called pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the body cannot properly absorb vitamin B12, according to Health and Human Services. The body uses a protein known as intrinsic factor which is found in the stomach in order to absorb vitamin B12 from foods. Surgeries that reduce the size of the stomach cause a decreased production of intrinsic factor which leads to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Decreased Menstrual Blood Flow
Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency may experience decreased menstrual blood flow due to decreased production of healthy red blood cells, according to Health and Human Services. Vitamin B12 helps in the formation of healthy red blood cells, a major component of blood.
Nerve Damage
Vitamin B12 helps in the maintenance of the central nervous system. A deficiency in B12 can result in nerve damage that can cause tingling and numbness in the patient's hands and feet and mental changes that range from confusion and irritability to severe dementia, according to Health and Human Services.
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