If your periods are heavy, it’s crucial to know how to protect yourself from anemia and iron deficiency. Heavy menstrual bleeding can take more than just a physical toll, it can silently drain your body’s iron stores, leaving you exhausted, pale, and struggling to keep up with daily life.
At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, we help women manage heavy bleeding and keep their bodies strong and healthy. Here’s what you need to know to prevent anemia and feel your best.
How Heavy Bleeding Causes Anemia
Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. When you lose significant blood each month, you lose iron too. Over time, heavy bleeding can cause iron deficiency, when your body’s iron stores run low and/or iron-deficiency anemia, when your blood can’t carry enough oxygen, causing fatigue and other symptoms.
Signs You Might Be Anemic
Anemia often creeps up slowly. You may not notice symptoms right away. Watch for:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Shortness of breath with routine activities
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Cold hands and feet
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hair loss or brittle nails
If you have heavy periods and any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. A simple blood test can check your hemoglobin and iron levels.
Steps to Prevent Iron Deficiency
- Eat iron-rich foods
Your body absorbs two types of iron:
- Heme iron – Found in animal products, more easily absorbed.
- Non-heme iron – Found in plants, absorbed less efficiently.
Good heme sources
- Lean red meat
- Chicken or turkey
- Fish and shellfish
- Liver (in moderation)
Good non-heme sources:
- Beans and lentils
- Tofu
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)
- Fortified cereals
- Pumpkin seeds
- Quinoa
- Boost Iron Absorption
Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Pair iron-rich foods with:
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
Avoid these with iron-rich meals:
- Coffee and tea (tannins can block iron absorption)
- Calcium supplements (take them separately from iron)
- Consider Iron Supplements
Some women with heavy bleeding need extra help maintaining iron levels. Your doctor may recommend:
- Daily low-dose iron supplements for prevention
- Higher doses if blood tests show anemia
Important: Don’t start iron supplements on your own, as too much iron can cause side effects and other health issues.
- Track Your Periods
Keep a journal or app to record:
- How many pads or tampons you use
- Size of clots passed
- How many days you bleed
This helps your doctor assess whether your bleeding is excessive and whether intervention is needed.
- Treat the Underlying Cause
Preventing anemia means managing your heavy bleeding. Treatments may include:
- Hormonal therapies (birth control pills, hormonal IUDs)
- Minimally invasive procedures to reduce bleeding
- Surgical options in severe cases
- Treating conditions like fibroids or polyps
Don’t Ignore Heavy Bleeding
Heavy periods shouldn’t be something you just deal with. Over time, untreated heavy bleeding can lead to significant health consequences, including anemia and reduced quality of life.
At Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists, we’re dedicated to finding the cause of your heavy periods and helping you stay strong and healthy. If you’re feeling tired, weak, or overwhelmed by heavy bleeding, reach out. We’re here to help you feel your best. Call us today at 770.720.7733 or simply schedule an appointment online.
