This low level of iron in the blood can be one of the major reasons why you're unable to conceive. In fact, failing to get enough iron before conception can keep you from getting pregnant. While anaemia is very common, it is easily avoidable by taking supplements or iron-rich foods.
It can significantly impact female fertility and cause irregular periods, ovulation problems and other reproductive health issues. Furthermore, anemia can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth, so addressing this condition before conceiving is essential.
Throughout pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia adversely affects the maternal and fetal well-being, and is linked to increased morbidity and fetal death. Affected mothers frequently experience breathing difficulties, fainting, tiredness, palpitations, and sleep difficulties.
In fact, researchers estimate that amenorrhea occurs in about 50% of women of child-bearing age with iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency has also been associated with anovulation (the lack of ovulation) and ovulatory disorder fertility.
So the answer to your question, can low iron affect your periods? is, yes. Anemia can cause a delay or irregularities in your menstrual cycle. If you are experiencing delayed or irregular periods for more than two consecutive menstrual cycles, it's best to consult a doctor to understand the issue.
Anemia Due to Blood Loss
One sign your period is abnormally heavy is if you're 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.
Research has found 50 per cent of women of childbearing age who have an iron deficiency will have amenorrhea. This can also be caused by eating too few calories. Low iron levels are also associated with anovulation, where the egg doesn't get released during your menstrual cycle — making trying to conceive impossible.
As you've heard, there does seem to be a link between iron and fertility. In one study, researchers found that women who took iron supplements had a significantly lower risk of ovulatory infertility (an inability to produce healthy baby-making eggs) than those who didn't supplement.
Anemia itself doesn't directly cause miscarriage. But it could be a sign of a thyroid condition that may slightly increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Very rarely, hypothyroidism can cause anemia during pregnancy.
No. Anemia during pregnancy doesn't directly cause miscarriage, but severe anemia can cause pregnancy complications.
The connection between low iron, body weight, and hemoglobin is apparent when low energy makes exercising and burning calories difficult, causing weight gain. Conversely, iron deficiency anemia may contribute to decreased appetite, resulting in weight loss.
Although you won't feel the benefits of taking ferrous sulphate instantly, it won't take too long to show its effects. In most cases, people begin to see signs of improvement in iron deficiency symptoms after around 1 week. The full effects are likely to be felt within 4 weeks of taking the supplement.
Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9. This essential nutrient won't help you get pregnant, but it's crucial for your developing baby's health once you do conceive. Folic acid has been proven to greatly reduce the risk of babies developing serious brain and spinal cord problems such as spina bifida.
Eat foods high in folic acid, such as dried beans, dark green leafy vegetables, wheat germ and orange juice. Eat foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and fresh, raw vegetables. Cooking with cast iron pots can add up to 80 percent more iron to your food.
Since athletes who engage in intensive exercise are more likely to develop iron deficiency anaemia, it is advised to limit vigorous cardio as long as iron levels are low. Unless you want to make up for it by eating foods high in iron or taking iron supplements.
Folic acid can also be combined with: ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulphate, to treat iron deficiency anaemia.
Stress is believed to affect the vitamin metabolism in your body. So, if you are under a lot of stress, your body uses up a lot of magnesium. Again, if you are suffering from both stress and anxiety, the level of magnesium in your body might reach a minimum level, thus causing mild anaemia.
People lacking enough iron in their blood often feel sluggish, weak, and unable to focus. Though fatigue can be the sign of numerous conditions, if it does not go away with adequate rest, consider having your iron levels checked.
Anaemia, a condition caused by low iron levels, can also cause pink period blood. 'Iron is what gives the blood its red colour, and blood may become lighter if iron is low,' explains Dr Rosén.
Your menstrual cycle begins on the first day of your period and continues up to the first day of your next period. You're most fertile at the time of ovulation (when an egg is released from your ovaries), which usually occurs 12 to 14 days before your next period starts.
You can use a special thermometer to check your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. You're most fertile 2 or 3 days before your temperature rises. Your cervical mucus becomes clearer and thinner with a slippery consistency, like egg whites.