During periods, women lose blood which contains hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
Anemia is a condition that occurs when the body doesn't have enough red blood cells. It can be life threatening without treatment. There are many causes for anemia, but the most common is iron deficiency. Anemia can occur if too much blood is lost or not enough iron is absorbed.
Symptoms of Anemia
The symptoms of anemia are varied and can affect many areas of a person's life. Some symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, lethargy, pale skin, and trouble concentrating.
Other symptoms are headaches, cold hands and feet, and irregular heartbeats. Getting a diagnosis and treatment is important for preventing anemia.
Anemia Due To Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, is a condition that causes heavy, prolonged bleeding. It occurs when women lose more than 80 milliliters of blood per day. It is also linked to other health conditions, such as endometriosis and uterine fibroids.
These conditions can be treated with surgery or by taking iron supplements. The majority of menstruating women lose a few tablespoons of blood per month. However, some women experience heavy menstrual bleeding and need medical assistance.
Causes Of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding is caused by several conditions, including bleeding disorders, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Heavy bleeding can lead to other health problems, such as blood clots. It can also cause iron deficiency anemia.
In addition, it can interfere with a woman's daily routine and can affect her quality of life. The best way to find out if a woman has anemia is to talk with her doctor. He or she can perform a physical examination and order blood tests to determine the levels of hemoglobin and other blood cells in her blood. He or she can also prescribe a treatment to control anemia.
Treating Anemia Caused by Heavy Menstruation
Treatments can include iron supplements, blood transfusions, and hormonal birth control. Other treatment options may also be used, such as hysterectomy.
It is also possible for women with heavy periods to have blood clots larger than a quarter. In addition, a woman may experience other symptoms such as low mood, fatigue, and decreased energy.
It is also possible that menstruating women are predisposed to anemia because they lose iron during their period. In order to determine the underlying cause of heavy menstrual bleeding, a doctor may order a CBC. A CBC is a blood test that measures the levels of red and white blood cells.
A doctor can use a CBC to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Other tests may be used to rule out other causes of heavy bleeding. Heavy menstrual bleeding is also a risk factor for iron deficiency anemia.
It is important for women to talk to their doctors about the symptoms of heavy bleeding and to find out if they are at risk for this condition.
