If you need to change your tampon or pad every two hours or less, your period is considered heavy. And if you're passing blood clots larger than a quarter, you probably have menorrhagia, which can cause anemia.
Monthly blood loss through menstruation can cause anemia. Heavy menstrual bleeding can make you more susceptible to iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include: tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, poor concentration, lightheadedness.
Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding can lead to other medical conditions, including: Anemia. Menorrhagia can cause blood loss anemia by reducing the number of circulating red blood cells.
A heavy menstrual cycle is the leading cause of low iron in women. In some cases, some women can lose too much blood during their menstrual cycle. This blood is replaced but not fast enough. Over time, month after month of extra blood loss, iron levels decrease.
The total amount of blood loss during menstruation ranges from 30 to 180 ml, with an average of 80 ml per menstrual period. Also, it has been shown5 that blood loss of 40 ml during menstruation yields an average loss of 1.6 mg of iron.
A heavy flow can cause excessive blood loss and deplete your body's iron stores. A heavy flow can cause you to soak a pad or tampon every hour for several hours. You may experience menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than a week and is accompanied by severe menstrual cramps and large blood clots.
If you need to change your tampon or pad after less than 2 hours or you pass clots the size of a quarter or larger, that is heavy bleeding.
Anaemia, a condition caused by low iron levels, can also cause pink period blood.
Left untreated, however, iron-deficiency anemia can make you feel tired and weak. You may notice pale skin and cold hands and feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat and shortness of breath.
Iron is an essential nutrient in blood that carries oxygen, and due to blood loss during menstruation, people who have periods are more susceptible to iron deficiency. In fact, if you have periods, we actually need to consume 18 mg per day of iron, while others only need only 8 mg per day.
Iron supplements, also called iron pills or oral iron, help increase the iron in your body. This is the most common treatment for iron-deficiency anemia. It often takes three to six months to restore your iron levels. Your doctor may ask you to take iron supplements during pregnancy.
While women with well-stocked iron supplies do not necessarily need to take iron during their period, iron is definitely recommended for women with heavy menstrual bleeding and/or for those who tend to have low ferritin levels.
As mentioned, it is a misconception that taking iron supplements will make your periods heavier.
A sudden lack of energy and chronic fatigue are warning signs that you might be lacking enough iron. In order for all of the cells in your body to function efficiently, oxygen needs to be able to travel freely around the body.
Anemia could be a contributing cause of your anxiety and depression symptoms. Several studies link anemia, and more specifically iron deficiency anemia, to mental health problems. While more research is required to confirm the connection, for many people, these conditions go hand in hand.
Spotting is light bleeding that can occur between periods. It usually appears as a small amount of blood when wiping or on underwear. Possible causes include birth control, pregnancy, menopause, and more.
But, while oxidation is the most common culprit, it's not the only reason you might be seeing brown blood. If you have consume a lot of iron—either from supplements or eating a lot of red meat or leafy vegetables—your period blood might skew brown.
Thin and Watery
Some women have lighter periods. But if your blood becomes thinner or watery or you experience a watery discharge of any color, it could be a symptom of anemia or a tumor.
Heavy periods aren't usually life-threatening, but they can be if you lose too much blood. Bleeding through two or more tampons or pads each hour for two hours in a row is a sign that you should see your provider or seek emergency care immediately.
Polyps and Fibroids
Uterine polyps that grow on the cervix or in the lining of the uterus can also be a factor in heavy clotting. If you're experiencing heavy bleeding, large blood clots during your period or lower back pain, it could be a uterine obstruction like a fibroid.
Low iron levels may be an under-recognized reason for fatigue in pre-menopausal women because of the monthly loss of blood during the menstrual cycle. Women of childbearing age need 18 milligrams of iron per day; however, the average woman only consumes 12 to 13 milligrams per day.
Iron pills typically start to work within 3 to 7 days. However, your test readings won't go up right away. Hemoglobin blood levels generally go up after 2 to 4 weeks. Symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and headache should start to improve during this timeframe.