Why bleeding tires you out
Every period takes some iron with it, and if you bleed heavily that amount isn't small. Iron carries oxygen around in your blood; when your stores run low, tiredness and low energy are the first things you feel. The NHS counts heavy periods among the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia.
What helps
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1
Know where iron comes from. Dark-green leafy vegetables, pulses, meat, dried fruit like apricots and raisins, and fortified cereals and bread.
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2
Keep tea, coffee and dairy away from meals. Tea, coffee and dairy make iron harder to absorb. The World Health Organization says vitamin C helps absorption — a glass of orange juice with a meal.
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3
Food works while you wait. Supplements and doses are a doctor's or pharmacist's job, but eating these needs no appointment.
When it's worth a blood test
These are the signs of iron deficiency anaemia — especially if they carry on outside your period days:
- tiredness and lack of energy
- shortness of breath
- a racing heart
- paler skin than usual
- headaches
If your periods are heavy as well, mention both together; they're usually connected.
Sources
Health information, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For your own symptoms, talk to a doctor.
Your cycle, honestly.
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