During menstruation, fluctuations in the hormones estrogen and progesterone cause several changes to occur in the body. Some women experience premenstrual syndrome, caused by fluctuations in the hormones, which cause symptoms such as mood swings and abdominal pain. Menstrual cycles can be light, medium or heavy. Because of excessive blood loss, women with heavier menstrual cycles need more vitamins and minerals replaced than women with lighter cycles.
Blood Loss
In an average menstrual cycle, women lose 0.5 oz. to 2.5 oz. of blood every day as stated by Merck Manual. Due to stress or medical conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroid, menstrual bleeding can be heavier than normal. Women who lose an excessive amount of blood during menstruation often complain of weakness, dizziness, cold hands, poor appetite and extreme fatigue; these are symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
Iron
Iron transports oxygen through the body and helps to produce hemoglobin. Iron is usually obtained through plant sources and animal sources, but when your body is low in this mineral you may develop symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath. Excessive iron loss due to heavy blood loss may lead to iron deficiency anemia. To prevent or treat this condition, a physician may recommend that you take iron supplements daily.
B-complex
B-complex vitamins are responsible for regulating mood, appetite and sleep as well as for converting food to energy. During the menstrual cycle, some women experience mood swings, which are normally temporary. However, some women may experience extreme mood swings that warrant medication to provide relief from them. Vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce mood swings and vitamin B12 has been shown to reduce depression in women and men with B12 deficiencies. Vitamins B6 and B12 are available in supplement form and are also obtained by eating fortified cereals and whole grains.
Considerations
If your physician recommends that you take iron supplements to treat iron deficiency anemia or to prevent it, take them along with vitamin C. Vitamin C works to increase iron uptake. It can be purchased as a separate supplement or contained within a multivitamin along with iron.
Member Comments