What Else Can Cause Anemia
There are several different types of anemia, and each can have different causes. Some of the most common causes are:
- Low iron intake. Not getting enough iron in your diet can lead to anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can also develop if your body doesnt absorb iron properly, which can happen with certain conditions, such as Crohns disease.
Iron Deficiency Anemia And Menstruation
People with periods are at greater risk of getting Iron Deficiency anaemia due to their periods, especially when they are heavy. In fact, over 460 Million non-pregnant women worldwide suffer from Iron Deficiency anaemia. Periods can cause iron-deficiency anaemia if the iron you lose during your period is not replaced by the iron in your diet. Having a heavy period does not automatically mean that you will become anaemic if you eat an iron-rich diet.
You can also get iron-deficiency anaemia through blood loss from your digestive system or through increased iron requirements during pregnancy. Sometimes it is also because of the type of foods which you eat may be interfering with the absorption of iron.
How A Heavy Flow Can Actually Cause Anemia
If you have abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding during your menstrual period, you may have whats called menorrhagia.
Menorrhagia causes such severe cramping and blood loss that youre unable to participate in your usual activities. When you have such heavy menstrual bleeding, you can become anemic and find it difficult to cope with your period.
Dr. Walid Elkhalili, Dr. BaselBatarseh, and our team at Apex Medical Professionals provide customized treatment plans for women dealing with anemia due to menorrhagia.
We may recommend dietary changes and supplements to increase iron and B12 levels for iron or vitamin deficiency. We also offer infusions of vitamins that may help relieve anemia and its symptoms.
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Which Exercise Is Best To Get Periods Immediately
Squat Jumps: Both squats and squat jumps are effective for your periods. However, jumping squats put the additional pressure on your abdomen resulting in you getting your periods faster. Standing Twists: Standing twists stimulate the pelvic muscles to break free and help you get your periods faster.
What Causes Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding can have many causes, ranging from hormone-related issues to various medical conditions and even stress.
Hormone imbalances
The hormones that your body produces, like estrogen and progesterone, help regulate your menstrual cycle, including how heavy your periods are. Having a condition that causes your hormones to become imbalanced can lead to heavy period bleeding. Causes include:
- Birth control pills and injectables .
Failing to remove contraceptive devices when needed can also cause abnormal uterine bleeding.
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How Can I Prevent Iron
You can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia with the following steps:
- Treat the cause of blood loss. Talk to your doctor if you have heavy menstrual periods or if you have digestive system problems, such as frequent diarrhea or blood in your stool.
- Eat foods with iron. Good sources of iron include lean meat and chicken, dark, leafy vegetables, and beans.
- Eat and drink foods that help your body absorb iron, like orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables with vitamin C.
- Make healthy food choices. Most people who make healthy, balanced food choices get the iron and vitamins their bodies need from the foods they eat.
- Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals. These drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
- Talk to your doctor if you take calcium pills. Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. If you have a hard time getting enough iron, talk to your doctor about the best way to also get enough calcium.
Treating Anemia And Irregular Periods
Once the type and cause of anemia has been diagnosed, it can be treated. When iron deficiency is the cause, dietary changes and supplements are usually the solution. Whereas, anemia caused by other diseases and infections is treated on a case-by-case basis, sometimes involving blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, or additional therapies.
For menopausal women, it is important to note that irregular periods and symptoms similar to those experienced by anemia may be due to a hormonal imbalance, not iron deficiency. Click on the following link for more information about natural and effective irregular periods treatments.
- Mayo Clinic. . Many Possible Causes of Irregular Periods. Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/many-possible-causes-of-irregular-periods/
- Mayo Clinic. . Anemia: Symptoms & causes | Diagnosis & treatment. Retrieved February 28, 2019, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360 | https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351366
- Wirth, J.P. et al. . Predictors of anemia in women of reproductive age: Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anemia project. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 106, 416S-427S. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.116.143073
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How Do Heavy Periods Cause Iron Deficiency
Heavy menstrual bleeding can increase your risk of iron deficiency and makes you susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. This type of anemia is associated with several symptoms, including pale skin, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, and shortness of breath.
When you lose blood during menstruation, you also lose the iron found in those red blood cells. If your dietary iron intake does not replace the iron you lose during your period, you may develop iron deficiency anemia.7
Stages of iron deficiency:
- Iron depletion: hemoglobin levels are normal but you only have a small amount of iron stored. This stage may not cause symptoms.
- Iron deficiency: your iron stores and blood iron levels are very low. You may experience tiredness or weakness.
- Iron deficiency anemia: your red blood cells have low hemoglobin because of prolonged iron deficiency. Having low hemoglobin means your body is unable to deliver oxygen to the cells of your body including your brain. It also affects your immune system and you may become more vulnerable to infection.
First: What Is Anemia
Anemia is the reduction in red blood cells or hemoglobin within the body . Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein within your red blood cells. Hemoglobin binds and transports oxygen molecules to the cells of your body. With fewer red blood cells, your body cannot receive enough oxygen and function optimally.
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Common Symptoms Of Anemia Include:
- General fatigue
- Strange cravings
- Beeturia When your urine turns red after eating beets.
Quick Detour: Beeturia is totally a thing. You eat beets. Your pee turns red. And your freak out. Or maybe you think it is normal. It is estimated 49 to 80% of people with beeturia have iron deficiency anemia. If you see this, get tested.
Three subtle signs of anemia that women can miss are pale skin, strange cravings, and anxiety. For Nikki, she just figured she needed more sun, that her crazy desire to crunch ice was due to stress and that her anxiety was genetic.
Its amazing how often we will negotiate with our symptoms and rationalize them away. As women, weve become conditioned to dismiss our own experience and believe there must be something else to the experience. Hey, Im not judging, Im just sayinghonor your body talking to you, which is what symptoms are.
Can I Get More Iron Than My Body Needs
Yes, your body can get too much iron. Extra iron can damage the liver, heart, and pancreas. Try to get no more than 45 milligrams of iron a day, unless your doctor prescribes more.
Some people get too much iron because of a condition called hemochromatosis that runs in families. Learn more about hemochromatosis, who is at risk, and how it is treated.
You can also get too much iron from iron pills or from repeated blood transfusions.
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What To Do About Heavy Periods
Getting a diagnosis is the first step to finding relief from period-related anemia and other symptoms. Dr. McDonald and Dr. Wilson are experts in identifying common causes of abnormal bleeding.
Hormonal birth control is often a good option for women who want to have children in the future. These birth control options can regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce or even eliminate menstrual flow.
For women who dont want to have children, there are other options. Endometrial ablation is a common treatment for endometriosis, and a hysterectomy is another permanent option to eliminate menstrual bleeding.
If your period is getting in the way of your health and happiness, visit us at OB/GYN Specialists. Were here to help you understand the cause and potential complications of your heavy periods. Call our Denton, Texas, office today at 940-202-0566 for your first appointment, or send the team a message here on our website.
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How Do You Know If You Have Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding interferes with your quality of life. Many people with heavy periods assume that periods are supposed to be inconvenient and uncomfortable. They may have watched people in their families live with heavy periods without seeking care and followed their example. But periods should never cause you to restrict activities or accept inconvenience.
During your period, you should be able to:
- Wear a standard pad or tampon every three to four hours without changing it.
- Wear a single menstrual product without having to double-up at any point.
- Leave your home without having to pack extra bags of pads or clothing changes.
- Live your life as usual, without missing work, avoiding going out in public, or skipping activities you enjoy.
If your periods are disrupting your life, it’s time to see your provider.
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How Is Anemia Due To Heavy Periods Treated
Treatment options for iron deficiency anemia from heavy periods depend on the cause of the heavy bleeding.
Your healthcare provider may treat it with hormonal birth control or iron supplements and recommendations to eat more iron-rich foods.
Severe cases may require surgery, which may include:
- uterine artery embolization
- focused ultrasound surgery
- endometrial ablation, which destroys the uterine lining
- a hysterectomy, which removes your uterus
What Causes Heavy Periods
Yeah, like how did this party get started in the first place?
Yes, iron deficiency can cause heavy periods and heavy periods can cause iron deficiency. This can make it tricky to understand which came first. Lets explore some of the common reasons women develop heavy periods that can lead to iron deficiency anemia.
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What Happens If Hub Goes Undiagnosed
While some women may view HUB as nothing more than an inconvenience, it’s still important to bring up your symptoms with a health care provider. Sometimes HUB is caused by hormone imbalance or growths in the uterus such as fibroids, which might require treatment.
“Fibroids are very common. Between 50 percent and 70 percent of women have them. And of that group of women with fibroids, up to a third may have a type of fibroid called a submucosal fibroid that causes heavy bleeding,” said Duke.
What Is Low Iron
Low iron occurs when your body does now produce enough red blood cells. This can cause weakness, fatigue, and long-term health issues if left untreated. In the beginning, the symptoms of having low iron can be mild. However, as time goes on, the symptoms can become more intense.
A lack of iron in your diet can contribute to low iron. If you dont eat enough iron, you can develop insufficient levels of iron over time. Eating iron-rich foods like eggs, meats, and leafy greens can help keep iron levels regular.
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Stomach Acid And Anemia
If you have ANYTHING driving low stomach acid then you can NOT get your dietary iron free and therefore cant absorb it. Bummer.
If you take acid blockers daily or just when you feel the burn then know this could be messing with your iron absorption not to mention other vitamins and minerals.
Heartburn and low iron? Try Digest, which supplies HCl and other digestive support to help you get the most out of your nutrients.
How Can You Increase Iron
For Nikki we needed to make shifts in her diet and add supplements that support healthy red blood cell formation. While her labs pointed to iron deficiency anemia, it isnt enough to give iron alone. Instead, I recommend increasing iron, while also bringing on methylated or active B vitamins. The easiest way to do this for Nikki was to begin with a prenatal vitamin.
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Diagnosis And Treatment Of Ida
A heath care provider can give you a simple blood test to determine whether or not you have IDA. “We check to see the total iron level in the blood and the ability of the blood to carry iron,” said Duke. “It’s a straightforward test and it’s inexpensive, even without insurance.”
Treatment of IDA is also fairly straightforward. “If it’s severe, sometimes we do sessions of intravenous iron infusions, usually over the course of four to six weeks,” said Dr. Duke. “If it’s moderate to mild iron deficiency, I start patients on an oral version of iron.”
You might need to supplement with iron regularly, especially to compensate for blood lost due to HUB. While HUB is commonnearly 25 percent of women have HUBmany don’t know that experiencing it for six months or more may lead to IDA. “Some women have to stay on iron, especially if they don’t get enough in their diet. Women who are vegan, for example, tend to have low dietary iron intake so may need long-term iron supplementation,” explained Duke.
You Have Celiac Or An Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause inflammation and damage to the digestive tract. This can lead to blood loss and problems absorbing iron, per the January 2019 paper.
In people with celiac disease, eating gluten may damage their small intestine, per MedlinePlus. IBDs cause inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Crohn’s disease affects the entire GI tract, while ulcerative colitis only affects the colon, per MedlinePlus. IBDs present symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain, ulcers, and bleeding.
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of these GI conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can increase your iron absorption.
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How Do I Know If Im Losing Too Much Blood During My Period
The most obvious sign that youre losing too much blood during your periods is simple, really — if your menstrual flow is heavier than normal, this could indicate that somethings wrong.
35-50 ml is the average amount of blood lost in a menstrual period. When the amount is over 80 ml 1744-4667SubspecialitiesSexualandReproductiveHealth” rel=”nofollow”> 10% of women experience) this is classified as heavy menstrual bleeding — otherwise known as menorrhagia.
Symptoms of menorrhagia to watch out for include:
- Bleeding for more than a week
- Blood clots that are bigger than a quarter piece
- Having to limit activities due to heavy menstrual flow
- Menstrual flow is only controlled by using double sanitary protection
- Regularly having to wake in the night to change tampon or pad
- Tampons or pads getting soaked through every hour
- Weakness, tiredness, or shortness of breath
Conquer Anemia & Menorrhagia Now
With the diet, supplements and root cause medicine you can start feeling healthier and more energetic in no time.
I invite you to explore my Period Problems Solution Course to get on a hormone-regulating regimen that will help stop heavy periods that can contribute to iron deficiency anemia.
In it we can help you unlock the cause of your heavy bleeding and anemia, so you can ditch those period problems and enjoy lighter, easier periods and a whole more more energy.
We believe strongly in using food as medicine. Here is a sample meal plan from my clinic that we use in our online programs to support women with iron deficiency anemia and menorrhagia.
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Is Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Serious
Heavy menstrual bleeding can be serious if you lose so much blood that you show signs of anemia. Anemia is a condition arising from having too little iron in your body. Anemia can be life-threatening without treatment.
Also, some of the conditions that can cause heavy period bleeding, like cancer, require early medical intervention. Speak with your healthcare provider to discuss any risks related to your period bleeding.
How Can You Keep Your Iron Levels Up When Youre Anaemic
Your doctor may prescribe you an iron supplement until you get your levels back up. These tablets should be taken 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. If you take anti-acids , these times need to be increased to 2 hours before a meal and 4 hours after a meal. Iron tablets or liquids are medications so you need to keep them out of the way of small children. Sometimes you may feel sick or constipated with the tablets. Dont stop taking them. Instead, speak to your doctor about changing the time or type of iron supplements you take.
There are also certain foods which can help you regain and maintain your iron levels.
- Leafy green vegetables such as kale
- Dried fruit such as dried apricots
- Wholegrain bread and cereals
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Anemia Due To Blood Loss
Women who suffer from heavy menstrual periods are more prone to forms of anemia where red blood cells are lost to bleeding. Women with anemia due to blood loss may be left feeling tired, weak, and possibly even out of breath. One sign your period is abnormally heavy is if youre going through a tampon or pad every hour for a few consecutive hours. Other signs include passing large blood clots and bleeding for more than seven days in a row. If youre experiencing any of these situations, you should speak with your doctor about getting tested for anemia.