How does iron level affect menstruation?

Iron levels can significantly influence menstrual health in several ways:

1. Iron Loss During Menstruation: Women lose iron during menstruation, and this can lead to low iron stores if not adequately replenished. Low iron levels can cause fatigue and other health issues. To combat this, it is recommended for women with low ferritin to take iron supplements every other day, especially starting from the first day of menstruation for about ten days 1.

2. Inflammation and Iron Absorption: The hormone hepcidin, which regulates iron absorption, fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle. It decreases during menstruation when iron loss occurs and increases after ovulation, which could affect inflammation and iron absorption. Hence, timing iron supplements to align with these hormonal changes can optimize absorption and maintain iron levels 1.

3. Iron Overload Risks: On the flip side, excessive iron can be harmful. For instance, excess iron increases the number of senescent cells, which are linked to aging and inflammation. This is also relevant for women using certain contraceptives that reduce the frequency of menstruation, as they might be at risk of iron overload, which can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease 2 3.

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     1

     Iron and Hormones

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     2

     Iron and Aging

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     3

     Iron and Menstrual Health

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In summary, maintaining balanced iron levels is crucial for managing menstrual health effectively. Women need to monitor their iron intake and consider supplements when their levels are low, while also being cautious of potential iron overload.