Predominantly present in red blood cells, iron is essential for the transport of oxygen to different parts of the body. Iron needs vary with age and are considerably higher during the reproductive years, due to the loss of iron with menstrual blood. However, iron needs decrease after menopause and coincide with the cessation of the menstrual period. It is important to consume adequate amounts of iron, as a low intake leads to iron deficiency anemia, while a high intake results in iron overload.
Need for Iron Supplements
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, your requirement for iron is 18 mg per day between the ages of 19 and 50 years. Chances are that your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement during the reproductive years. On the other hand, the iron need reduces drastically to half the amount when you attain menopause. Iron supplementation is probably not necessary if you are eating a healthy, balanced diet. However, since individual needs vary, consult your physician to determine your post-menopausal need for iron supplements.
Iron Deficiency
Chances of iron deficiency are high in young women. The CDC reports it as the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. Iron deficiency anemia starts with a feeling of weakness, but can be quite detrimental to health over an extended period. Anemia is diagnosed by low blood levels of hemoglobin and serum ferritin, or stored iron. Consuming a balanced diet of lean meats, seafood, eggs, vegetables and beans, along with a fruit or fruit juice rich in vitamin C, ensures that the iron you are eating is absorbed.
Iron Overload
It is common knowledge that levels of estrogen decrease after menopause. A lesser-known fact is that iron levels increase in post-menopausal women due to the end of the menstrual period. Iron supplements are not necessary unless recommended by a medical doctor. Intake of iron when not required results in iron overload, or hematochromatosis. According to the CDC, serum ferritin levels of more than 300 ng per mL of blood are indicative of iron overload. This extra iron damages the tissues and organs where it is deposited.
Post-Menopausal Iron Levels
Sullivan, in the "American Heart Journal" of February 2003, quoted several studies indicating that low iron levels in menstruating women may prevent the formation of plaque in blood vessels and decrease risk for heart disease. According to the University of Maryland, high iron stores are associated with a higher of risk of heart disease, breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, in an article published in the December 2009 issue of "Antioxidants & Redox Signaling," Jian and associates hypothesized a relationship between high iron levels and hot flashes in post-menopausal women. Although high iron levels and increased risk for disease is not an established fact, it is better to avoid post-menopausal iron supplementation unless recommended by your doctor.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron: What is it?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Iron and Iron Deficiency
- "American Heart Journal"; Are menstruating women protected from heart disease because of, or in spite of, estrogen? Relevance to the iron hypothesis; Jerome Sullivan, MD, PhD; February 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Iron
- "Antioxidants & Redox Signaling"; Iron and Menopause: Does Increased Iron Affect the Health of Postmenopausal Women?; Jinlon Jian et al.; December 2009
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