Anemia and Periods: Can Heavy Periods Cause Anemia

Many women nowadays suffer from a very heavy period flow or heavy menstrual bleeding. This has been recognized as a medical condition, and different kinds of treatment are directed toward decreasing the symptoms. 

Anemia is generally seen as a condition that directly affects the red blood cells and the hemoglobin status in the body. Anemia can cause serious issues due to a lack of iron which is crucial in the creation of hemoglobin in the body. As hemoglobin is the protein located in the red blood cells, which is responsible for supplying organs and tissues in the body with oxygen, it is imperative to regularly monitor the state of red blood cells in the body. 

As one of the most common disorders regarding blood-related conditions, there has been further research on the causes and treatment paths of this problem. Luckily, anemia can be temporary, but it can also stay long-term, and the symptoms affect people in various ways. In short, if you are suffering from anemia, your red blood cell count is low, and there is insufficient hemoglobin to supply your organism with oxygen. 

The direct correlation between menorrhagia (heavy period flow) and anemia is relatively simple. Since you lose a lot of blood during your period, the body cannot manage to produce enough red blood cells to replace the lost ones. Because of this, your body cannot supply enough hemoglobin, so the organs cannot get enough oxygen. 

If you start experiencing issues such as anemia during period, you need to look for a gynecology specialist in Boca Raton, Florida. Many different experts can help you deal with anemia period symptoms; it is just very important to make the right choice when selecting your doctor. The team at Women’s Healthcare of Boca Raton comprises experienced experts in their respective fields, and you will undoubtedly find it worth your while to check them out. 

Can Heavy Periods Cause Anemia?

Research has shown that anemia is most often caused by loss of blood, a low number of red blood cells, or a high rate of their destruction. The type of anemia people suffer from the most is called iron deficiency anemia, which means that your body does not have enough iron to function normally. As mentioned, without iron, hemoglobin cannot be made, making this an essential mineral for the healthy development of our bodies. 

Women suffer from a lack of iron more than men. The main reason this occurs is either heavy periods, pregnancy, a diet that does not include iron, folate, or vitamin B12, or some health conditions such as genetic diseases, chronic illnesses, etc. 

Every fifth woman in the US suffers from a heavy period flow. As mentioned, the body is not fast enough to produce that many red blood cells, which are lost due to heavy vaginal bleeding during your period, and anemia period symptoms start appearing. 

The symptoms to look out for are: 

• Changing period pads or tampons every hour
• Wearing double pads to absorb the flow
• Hourly changing of pads or tampons throughout the night
• Bleeding which lasts longer than seven days
• The appearance of large clots and clumps
• Physical exhaustion during the period 
• Inability to perform everyday duties 

People often ask whether heavy periods cause anemia, and the answer is definitely yes. The severity of the condition depends on different factors, including diet and overall health. If our diet consists of enough iron and other essential minerals and vitamins, then deficiency anemia can be prevented. 

Low levels of hemoglobin and iron in the body, which can cause anemia during period, can be manifested through:

• Exhaustion
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Short breath 
• Dizziness
• Headaches 
• Paleness 
• Yellow skin 

It is important also to mention that the causes of a heavy menstrual flow are various, from uterine fibroids, polyps, and endometriosis, to adenomyosis, scar tissue, and ovulation problems. Whatever the cause, it is of immense importance to contact your doctor as soon as you notice that you feel dizzy or weak, that you are unable to perform your everyday activities, or any of the other symptoms mentioned above. 

Heavy Periods and Anemia: Diagnosis 

When it comes to iron deficiency anemia, it is diagnosed through a couple of steps. Your chosen doctor first reviews your medical history and your family medical anamnesis. Afterward, a physical exam is done, including a pelvic examination if you suffer from a heavy flow. 

The most common test for anemia is the complete blood count test. The provider takes a blood sample and performs a blood count test to count the red blood cells. This test also gives information on the iron stored in the cells. 

If other information is needed to make a complete diagnosis, additional tests are done, but usually, this is enough to make a diagnosis. 

Heavy Periods and Anemia: Treatment Path 

When it comes to anemia and periods, there are different treatment plans your doctor can suggest. This depends on many different factors, but most importantly, it is reflected in the severity of your condition and its causes. 

Most often, medical professionals recommend hormonal birth control and iron supplementation, with an additional emphasis on an iron-rich diet. That said, some cases are considered severe and demand one of the following surgeries: 

• Focused ultrasound surgery, where ultrasound is used to help with the shrinking of uterine fibroids 
• Uterine artery embolization which is used to prevent the blood supply to the uterine fibroids 
• Endometrial ablation, used to destroy the lining of the uterus 
• Hysterectomy, used when the patient agrees to remove the whole uterus 

Anemia and Periods: Prevention 

As with any other condition, people often wonder if there is any way to prevent anemia when it comes to periods. Experts say that there are ways, and most of them include your diet and change in certain daily habits: 

• Eat food that is considered an excellent source of iron, such as red meat, shellfish, turkey, spinach, quinoa, and legumes.
• Eat food that is good for the absorption of iron, such as vitamin C, which can be found in kiwis, broccoli, lemons, kale, oranges, strawberries, etc.
• Avoid consuming coffee and tea during meals because these make it hard for the body to take the iron from the food.
• Limit your calcium intake because it can interfere with the ability of the body to absorb iron, so speak to your doctor about the dosages of calcium you can take.

To avoid any complications and side effects, if you wish to take iron supplementation, please speak first to your doctor and agree with them on the next steps. 

Contact Us!

If there is anything left unclear after this article, and if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our clinic. Our staff is ready to answer any of your inquiries, and we are happy to welcome you and help with anything you might need regarding heavy periods and anemia. Call us today!