A silent condition that makes millions of women exhausted but very few people realize it – Sharing from a doctor in the US
“I slept enough but why am I still tired?”
“I drink coffee but my mind is still foggy.”
“I’m not as focused and quick as I used to be.”
Many women attribute this feeling to simply work, children, stress, or age.
But there is a very common cause that is often overlooked. It is iron deficiency due to blood loss through menstruation.
What many people don’t know is that you can have an iron deficiency even if you’re not anemic.
Iron deficiency and anemia are not exactly the same
Iron is a necessary ingredient for the body to create hemoglobin – the component in red blood cells that helps transport oxygen.
Our body has a stored amount of iron. When more iron is lost than is replenished, this reserve gradually decreases.
In the early stages, hemoglobin tests may still be normal.
In other words, you are not anemic yet, but your body’s iron stores are low.
1. How can iron deficiency manifest?
Not everyone with iron deficiency has the same symptoms. Some common symptoms include:
* Prolonged fatigue.
* Lack of energy.
* Difficulty concentrating or feeling less clear-headed.
* Reduced ability to move or exercise.
* Headache or dizziness.
* Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath when exerting yourself.
* Hair falls out more than usual.
* Brittle, easily broken nails.
* Feeling restless or uncomfortable in the legs, especially at night.
These symptoms are not specific to iron deficiency. They can also appear in many other conditions such as lack of sleep, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, depression, anxiety, chronic illness or medication side effects.
So don’t self-diagnose just based on feeling tired.
2. Why are women susceptible to iron deficiency?
The most common reason in women of menstrual age is the menstrual period every month.
Each menstrual cycle, the body loses a certain amount of blood and iron.
If blood loss is large, prolonged, or occurs frequently, the amount of iron absorbed from food may not be enough to compensate.
The risk of iron deficiency is high in women who:
* Having heavy or prolonged menstruation.
* Frequently change sanitary napkins or tampons every 1–2 hours.
* Must use multiple products at the same time to avoid spillage.
* There are large blood clots.
* Waking up at night to change sanitary napkins.
* Have uterine fibroids, polyps, endometriosis or adenomyosis.
* Recently given birth or pregnant multiple times.
* Be vegetarian or eat very little iron-rich foods.
* Donate blood regularly.
* Exercise with high intensity.
Heavy menstruation can lead to iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, and is sometimes a sign of a gynecological problem or blood clotting disorder that needs to be evaluated.
3. Should I buy iron pills myself?
You should not take iron for a long time just because you feel tired.
Iron tablets can cause:
* Nausea.
* Stomach-ache.
* Constipation or diarrhea.
* Dark stools.
More importantly, not all cases of fatigue are caused by iron deficiency.
Taking iron incorrectly can delay finding the real cause, and too much iron can be harmful.
If iron deficiency is confirmed, the doctor will choose the appropriate dosage and supplement method. Treatment also needs to address the cause that causes the body to continue to lose iron, especially when the patient has excessive menstruation.
4. When should I go see a doctor?
You should talk to your doctor if:
* Fatigue lasts a long time and affects daily activities.
* Menstruation becomes more frequent or lasts more than 7 days.
* Dizziness, nervousness or shortness of breath when exercising.
* Significant hair loss.
* Bleeding between periods or after sex.
* Pregnant or have just given birth.
* Black, tarry stools, blood in the stool, or signs of blood loss elsewhere.
If you have shortness of breath at rest, chest pain, fainting, a very fast heartbeat, or heavy uncontrolled bleeding, go to the emergency room.
Don’t assume that fatigue is normal for women
Women are often too familiar with having to try to overcome the feeling of fatigue.
We say to ourselves:
“Probably everyone who is a mother is the same.”
“Maybe because I’m not strong enough.”
“Just try a little more and you’ll be fine.”
But persistent fatigue is a symptom worth listening to.
Sometimes the cause is iron deficiency. Sometimes it’s a completely different matter. The important thing is not to self-diagnose, but to realize that your body is signaling and you deserve a proper evaluation.
Don’t just keep drinking another cup of coffee to cover up your exhaustion. Find out what your body is really missing.
What do you think about these shares? Please comment to let me know.
Please share if you find it useful!
Dr. Christina Nguyen
Phoenix Medical Academy
Note: This article is only intended to provide general health information, not a substitute for direct examination, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor. Do not arbitrarily supplement iron for a long time without appropriate evaluation.
