Can Iron Tablets Stop Periods – Clear your Doubts Now

When it comes to periods and menstrual cycles, there are so many misconceptions about it. One of the frequently asked questions about the same from women on iron medication is, can these tablets affect their periods? The answer is no, a big fat no, taking iron tablets has no effects on your periods or the cycle. 

Can Iron Tablets Stop Periods?

Women who have iron deficiencies or suffer from low iron in their body have to often opt for iron tablets to maintain the optimum levels of iron. While the iron tablets have some side effects, however, none of them are linked with periods. There are other queries too regarding the same topic, and so I will answer all those questions in this blog and help my fellow women to be stress-free during that time of the month.

Iron Deficiency in Women 

The red blood cells in our bodies help in producing the protein hemoglobin that aids in providing oxygen to all organs and tissues of our body. The red color in these cells is due to the presence of iron in the body that helps in the production of oxygen-carrying protein. Some women suffer from iron deficiency, which means that they have a lower level of iron in their body, also called iron deficiency anemia. 

There are various reasons for this deficiency in women that also include heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Other potential factors that can lead to such deficiency is gastrointestinal bleeding, peptic ulcers, intake of food with less iron, less absorption rate of iron, etc. As women see a considerable blood loss each month, the excess bleeding during this period can also cause a decrease in the iron levels in the body. 

Can low iron affect your period

The low iron in your body does not affect your period, but it can affect your overall health. It is crucial to have optimum levels of iron as the deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, hair loss and much more. For keeping up with this level, doctors often recommend iron tablets and supplements to the women who are showing mild symptoms for the deficiency or are going through it already.

 And although low iron doesn’t affect your menstrual cycle, the periods can affect your iron levels due to the blood loss. So make sure to get yourself tested for Iron deficiency if you experience sudden dizziness or any other unusual symptom.

Side effects of taking Iron Tablets

There are many iron tablets available that one should only administer in their daily uptake after consulting with the doctor. These iron pills help in improving the iron levels but also show some side effects such as:

• Upset Stomach
• Faintness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Dark stools
• Constipation

These are some of the common side effects that have been reported by the people who take iron pills. However, it should be noted not to take more than the recommended dosage of these pills as it can lead to iron overload, which is toxic for several organs of your body. Excess iron intake can also cause iron poisoning that can also lead to death. So it is better to consult your doctor for the pill dosage and monitor your symptoms as well as iron levels.

Also, for women who are on these pills during their periods should opt for the ones that are gentle on their stomach and do not cause more trouble. The doctors also recommend eating an iron-rich diet that includes food items such as red meat, seafood, cereals and others that are fortified with iron. Along with making a change to your diet, make sure that you have a sufficient uptake of Vitamin-C enriched food items as this vitamin helps in iron absorption.

Closing Thoughts

It is pretty much clear from this article that iron tablets do not affect or stop your periods. In fact, the huge blood loss during the periods can cause iron deficiency in your body. So I would suggest you pay attention to your nutritional uptake and monitor your health. If you are on an iron medication, then don’t stop taking while on periods as these pills help you in getting more iron. Don’t believe in misconceptions and always try to read up the blogs from a trusted source regarding the questions you have to clear your doubts. I hope this article answers all your questions regarding the iron deficiency and its link to the periods.