Anaemia is a global health problem that affects an estimated 40% of children (6–59 months of age), 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women (15–49 years of age), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Among the female population affected by anaemia, menstruating adolescent girls and women are some of the most impacted groups. This is because heavy menstrual bleeding can impact the RBC levels in the body, as per Dr Subhaprakash Sanyal, Director-Haematology, Haemato-Oncology, and BMT, Fortis Hospital, Mulund. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sanyal discussed the association further and shared how it can be treated.
What Is Anaemia?
Anaemia occurs when you do not have sufficient levels of haemoglobin or have very few RBCs in the body.
Haemoglobin, a protein found in the RBCs, helps carry oxygen throughout your body. Low levels of haemoglobin, or RBCs, can therefore make it difficult for oxygen to reach different tissues in the body, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Also Read: Anemia: Do's and Don’ts To Manage The Blood Disorder
Many factors, including nutritional deficiencies, infections, chronic diseases, gynaecological conditions, and inherited RBC disorders, can cause anaemia. However, the most common nutritional deficiency that causes anaemia is iron deficiency, as per the WHO. Other deficiencies include folate and vitamins B12 and A.
Can Periods Cause Anaemia?
“Heavy menstrual flow can cause anaemia,” said Dr Sanyal, adding that these are mostly iron deficiency anaemia due to blood loss.
A study published in the BMC Women's Health found that iron deficiency anaemia is a common occurrence in women who have heavy menstrual bleeding. The pilot study looked at 44 premenopausal African American women, of whom 68.2% were iron deficient, whereas 18.2% were anaemic.
“Women should know the details of their period,” said Dr Sanyal.
He added, “If any cycle lasts more than 5 days or there is excessive passage of clots, then the patient should contact the doctor. Simple Complete Blood Count (CBC) serum iron study and ferritin give us the diagnosis and check-up of thyroid status, and abdomen sonography gives the cause of heavy flow.”
Treatment
According to Dr Sanyal, iron deficiency anaemia due to heavy flow can be treated with newer-generation iron injections like ferric carboxymaltose or iron isomaltoside.
“They are safe and can be administered easily in daycare in 15–30 minutes. The patient will require two doses in a two-week interval,” he said.
Additionally, correcting thyroid status in hypothyroidism and decreasing the blood flow with the help of antifibrinolytic and hormonal manipulation helps, the doctor shared further.
However, it is extremely important to consult with a doctor and get a proper medical evaluation to determine the proper course of treatment.
Also Read: Iron Deficiency: How To Maximise Iron Absorption Through Foods And What To Avoid
How To Prevent Anaemia During Menstruation?
If you're someone who is prone to developing anaemia during menstruation, you can load up on foods that are rich in iron. These include:
- Red meat
- Seafood
- Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
- Dried fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes
- Tofu
- Iron-fortified bread and breakfast cereal
If you have a severe form of iron deficiency anaemia, you can consult your doctor or healthcare provider for supplementation recommendations.
Conclusion
Anaemia is a significant health concern affecting a considerable number of women worldwide. The condition can result from excessive blood loss during menstruation, leading to a depletion of iron stores and subsequent anaemia. Experts recommend loading up on iron-rich foods, such as red meat, seafood, nuts and seeds, and green leafy vegetables. However, if the symptoms still persist, consulting a healthcare professional may help.