Anemia during menstruation: Everything you need to know

What is anemia and what are its different forms?

Anemia or blood deficiency is characterized by a lack of red blood cells. The red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen to all organs. They are therefore essential for the smooth functioning of the entire body, which is why people with anemia often experience a general state of exhaustion.

A person suffers from anemia when the hemoglobin level in the blood is less than 12 g/l in women or 13 g/l in men. A blood count or differential blood count (complete blood count) is required for the diagnosis to determine the hematocrit and hemoglobin levels in the blood.

There are two main types of anemia:

• The central anemia, caused by a disorder of the formation of red blood cells;
• Peripheral anemia, caused by the loss or destruction of red blood cells.

One distinguishes the different types of anemia also according to their causes.

iron deficiency anemia

This is the most common form of anemia. It is due to iron deficiency or insufficient iron intake by the body. Iron deficiency anemia can occur as a result of poor nutrition or heavy menstruation. Anemia and menstruation are therefore related, as very heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency. Thus, menstruation in women with menorrhagia or hypermenorrhea can lead to anemia.

Anemia due to chronic diseases

"Inflammatory diseases, Crohn's disease, and cancer can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood. This type of anemia also affects patients with kidney failure, as the kidneys can produce less erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells."

Vitamin deficiency

If the body lacks vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid), it can no longer produce normal red blood cells. The red blood cells become deformed and larger. A vitamin deficiency anemia can be caused by insufficient dietary intake or too weak absorption in the intestine.

Hemolytic anemia

On average, red blood cells circulate in the blood for 120 days, and 1% of them are renewed daily. In the case of hemolytic anemia due to an infection (malaria), a congenital disorder (thalassemia), a genetic disease (sickle cell anemia), or autoimmune disease, an allergic reaction, or contact with toxins, red blood cells are destroyed more quickly and cannot be properly renewed.

Hemorrhagic Anemia

"It is caused by a hemorrhage, i.e., by the escape of large amounts of blood from the blood vessels. This can be the result of an injury, childbirth, or stomach or intestinal problems that lead to continuous blood loss (ulcer, intestinal polyp). However, when discussing anemia and menstruation, it is not about a hemorrhage. In fact, menstruation does not represent a hemorrhagic blood loss, even if the menstrual flow is particularly heavy."

Rarer anemias

There are also rarer cases such as aplastic anemia: here the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells. There is a deficiency of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In sideroblastic anemia, on the other hand, the blood cells are unable to incorporate iron into hemoglobin.

What are the symptoms and risk factors for anemia?

Anemia is usually manifested by excessive paleness, especially of the facial skin and the mucous membranes of the eyes. It can also occur with a premenstrual syndrome. Patients also suffer from fatigue, frequent dizziness, and headaches. They become quickly and long-term short of breath during and after exertion. This is due to a decrease in hemoglobin levels, which makes it difficult for the body to receive oxygen. Although these symptoms are relatively mild, anemia can cause more serious problems than just shortness of breath, such as heart issues or breathing difficulties. If you are anemic, amenorrhea may also occur.

"If one of the categories listed below applies to you, the likelihood of you suffering from anemia is higher:"

• "You have a heavy menstrual bleeding, which confirms the connection between anemia and menstruation;"
• You are pregnant and breastfeeding. Pregnancy and breastfeeding make us more susceptible to deficiencies.
• You are older and often suffer from intestinal absorption problems;
• You suffer from certain chronic diseases;
• You are exposed to radiation due to your profession or as a result of radiation therapy;
• "You have a severe viral disease that affects the immune system."

How can anemia be prevented and treated?

As you can see, the main cause of anemia is a deficiency. It is therefore important to maintain an adequate iron level in the body to avoid anemia. It is strongly recommended to pay attention to an iron- and folate-rich diet, especially for at-risk individuals such as pregnant women. Red meat, liver and offal in general, shellfish and clams, as well as dark green vegetables (spinach, asparagus) should be consumed more frequently.

The consumption of vitamin C, which is found in many fruits (including citrus fruits), optimizes the body's iron absorption. However, tea or milk should not be consumed during meals. These foods make iron more complex and harder to absorb. If you do not want to give up these drinks, you should consume them a few hours after meals.

If you suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding, hormone treatment can help regulate your menstrual flow. The uterine lining can also be reduced through a thermal procedure (endometrial ablation). This reduces the risk of anemia due to heavy menstruation. Finally, you can also combat the effects of heavy menstrual bleeding with a period underwear as it provides you with a reusable and high-quality menstrual hygiene protection.

The treatment of iron deficiency anemia is done with supplements. The doctor may prescribe dietary supplements in the form of tablets. In the case of anemia due to another illness, the doctor initiates a medication treatment to address this pathology and thus eliminate the cause of the anemia at its source. Now you know everything to prevent and cure this disease!

See our article about the Color of Menstrual Bleeding.