According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adolescent girls and women during menstruation are among the groups most at risk for anemia. Anemia is a condition that occurs when a person does not have enough red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin in their body.
Menstruation is a natural process in the body, characterized by vaginal bleeding that occurs every month. On average, a woman may lose about 20 to 90 ml (about 1 to 5 tablespoons) of blood during menstruation. When this period lasts longer than seven days or the length of menstruation increases, it may be a sign of menorrhagia, or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
To explore the link between menorrhagia and anemia, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr. N Sapna Lulla, Senior Consultant – Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru , who also shared ways to manage the condition.
Read also: When should you see a doctor for heavy menstruation?
What is menorrhagia?
Dr. Lola described menorrhagia as abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding that can affect a woman’s physical and mental health. The condition is characterized by periods that last longer than seven days or are accompanied by excessive blood loss, often leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and anemia due to reduced iron levels in the body.
Research shows that menorrhagia, or abnormal uterine bleeding, is one of the leading reasons women visit outpatient clinics, with 20 to 30 percent of women reporting the condition each year.
Risk of anemia associated with menorrhagia
Having a condition like menorrhagia can cause a lot of physical stress. Excessive blood loss can make it difficult to replace or restore lost iron, which is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, the protein rich in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
Iron deficiency can also lead to a decrease in red blood cell count and an increased risk of anemia.
A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that the risk of anemia was nearly double in women who had heavy menstrual bleeding.
Read also: Menstrual cramps or something more? An expert answers whether it could be endometriosis.
Common symptoms of anemia and when to see a doctor
Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, which leads to a decrease in the transport of oxygen in the body. Common symptoms include:
- Constant fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Occlusion
- Dizziness
- Heart palpitations
- Cold hands and feet
According to Dr. Lola, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if these symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrisome symptoms, such as chest pain or confusion.
How to reduce the risk of anemia during heavy menstrual bleeding?
If you have heavy menstrual bleeding and an increased risk of anemia, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle along with nutritional supplements as recommended by your doctor.
Initial focus should be on consuming iron-rich foods such as lean meats, legumes, dark leafy greens, and fortified cereals, which can significantly increase iron levels in the body. You should pair these iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, peppers, and strawberries, which can improve iron absorption.
You should also consult your gynecologist to help you relieve menorrhagia. Dr. Lola shared that hormonal treatments, including birth control pills, hormonal IUDs, and progesterone therapy, can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce bleeding. Other non-hormonal options include tranexamic acid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce blood loss during menstruation.
Most importantly, women who experience heavy menstrual bleeding should monitor their iron levels. Talk to your doctor about the type of blood test that can help and provide insight into your health. The doctor concluded, “It’s very important to stay hydrated and consider iron supplements under medical supervision.”
