Periods & Iron Deficiency: What Every Menstruating Person Should Know
If you menstruate, you've probably been told at some point to “keep an eye on your iron levels.” But what does that actually mean? And why is iron deficiency so common among people with periods?
Let’s break it down.
🌡 What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron is a mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin—the protein in red blood cells that helps carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. When you don’t have enough iron, your body struggles to make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
Common signs of iron deficiency include:
Constant fatigue, even with lots of sleep
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Pale skin or dark circles under your eyes
Shortness of breath during simple tasks
Brain fog or trouble concentrating
Cold hands and feet
Increased heart rate or palpitations
🩸 The Period Connection
Each time you get your period, your body loses blood—and with that, iron. People with heavy periods (clinically called menorrhagia) are especially at risk. In fact, according to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people with heavy periods has iron deficiency anemia.
If your period lasts more than 7 days, requires frequent pad or tampon changes, or includes large clots, you might be losing more iron than your body can replenish through food alone.
🥦 Diet Isn’t Always Enough
Yes, iron is found in leafy greens, beans, lentils, red meat, tofu, and fortified cereals. But even with a healthy diet, menstruating bodies sometimes struggle to absorb enough iron—especially if:
You have a heavy flow
You’re vegetarian or vegan
You have gut issues like IBS, celiac, or low stomach acid
You’re pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding
This is where supplements or infusions come in.
💉 When to Consider an Iron Infusion
If your iron stores are very low, oral supplements might not cut it. Iron infusions—administered through an IV—can quickly restore your levels and provide relief from symptoms that may have crept up slowly over months (or even years).
Some people notice improvements in their energy, focus, and overall wellbeing within days or weeks of treatment. It’s a game-changer for those who’ve been feeling “off” for a long time without realizing why.
🧠 What You Can Do
Track your period: Note how long it lasts, how heavy it is, and how it impacts your day-to-day life.
Advocate for bloodwork: If you're constantly tired or feeling unwell, ask your doctor to check your ferritin, hemoglobin, and iron saturation levels.
Fuel your body with iron-rich foods: Especially during and after your period.
Talk to your healthcare provider: If diet and supplements aren’t working, ask about iron infusions or other options.
🩷 You’re Not Just "Tired"
If you’ve been pushing through with low energy, blaming it on stress, work, or life in general—it might be your iron. And if your period is contributing to that deficiency, you deserve support, not dismissal.
Iron is essential. So is feeling like yourself again.
