Iron, Heavy Periods, and the Fatigue Nobody Explains

Heavy bleeding is common, not normal

Soaking a pad or tampon every hour or two, passing clots larger than a coin, or bleeding longer than seven days all count as heavy. Many women are told this is simply their normal. It is common, and it still deserves attention.

Signs your iron may be low

• Fatigue that rest does not fix
• Breathlessness on stairs you used to manage easily
• Pale inner eyelids, brittle nails, hair shedding
• Restless legs at night or unusual cravings for ice
• Racing heart, dizziness, or fog in the days after your period

What to ask for

A full blood count alone can look normal while your stores are empty. Ask specifically about ferritin, which measures stored iron, and mention how heavy your periods are.

Supporting your levels

Pair iron rich foods with vitamin C, keep tea and coffee away from meals, and never begin high dose supplements without testing first. Too much iron carries its own risks.