Is the fact menorrhagia leads to anemia true?

Question

Hi doctor,

A person who suffers from menorrhagia (heavy bleeding during the period) is at a higher risk of anemia.

1. Is this true? Is there any basis to this claim?

2. What if you are already anemic and suffering from menorrhagia?

3. What complications are associated with the same?

4. What precautions should one take if suffering from iron deficiency anemia?

Please give me some tips to keep me healthy during my period.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is common for a woman to experience blood loss of 60-80 ml per menstrual cycle. In cases of menorrhagia, the blood loss is heavier and in the form of clots or in terms of using more than 6-7 sanitary napkins daily during menses. Menorrhagia easily leads to anemia over a period of time if it has been chronic and has not been investigated, controlled, or treated. Reasons for menorrhagia can be many, but the most common is progesterone deficiency in the reproductive age group. This can be easily diagnosed with a day 21 serum progesterone test and can be dealt with accordingly with cyclical progesterone.

If you are already anemic and have ongoing menorrhagia, then it is likely that you would become further anemic if you have not been taking iron supplements and adequate green vegetables and salads in your diet to maintain the iron balance. A level of hemoglobin less than 7 g/dL is severe anemia in women; any level less than 10.5 g/dL is termed anemia.

To prevent anemia, you must take green leafy vegetables in your diet and salads that are rich in iron, and keep yourself well hydrated. Also, take plenty of citrus fruits, especially those rich in vitamin C, which helps in the absorption of iron in the body and promotes red blood cell production, increases hemoglobin, and keeps periods healthy.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.