Iron deficiency as a mood killer: the menopause is a challenging time

Women suffer from iron deficiency more often than men due to their monthly periods. Menstruation is also the main cause during the menopause. The often heavier bleeding before the menopause can lead to iron deficiency in women. However, you can counteract this.

How can iron deficiency affect the menopause?

Iron is an essential component of red blood cells. If there is not enough iron, not enough blood pigment (haemoglobin) can be produced. This acts as an “oxygen taxi” and binds oxygen molecules to the blood. Via the bloodstream, this oxygen reaches the muscles, brain, organs and tissues, where it is used to generate energy. However, many enzymes that are responsible for a wide range of metabolic processes in the body are also dependent on iron.

As iron fulfils so many functions in the body, an iron deficiency often has far-reaching consequences. It can affect the immune system as well as mental and physical energy or slow down the metabolism. In addition to hormonal changes, an iron deficiency is often the cause of low moods during the menopause.

The causes of iron deficiency lie in the nature of women. The start of the menopause in particular is often associated with heavy bleeding in women. The hormonal changes cause benign tissue changes to form in the lining of the uterus and in the muscle layer. They are often the reason for heavy periods and can favour iron deficiency during the menopause.

Why does an iron deficiency occur during the menopause?

The causes of iron deficiency lie in the nature of women. The start of the menopause in particular is often associated with heavy bleeding in women. The hormonal changes cause benign tissue changes to form in the lining of the uterus and in the muscle layer. They are often the reason for heavy periods and can favour an iron deficiency during the menopause.

What symptoms can be used to recognise an iron deficiency?

The most common symptoms of an iron deficiency include

• Tiredness,
• Listlessness,
• Concentration problems and
• Sleep problems.
• Physical symptoms can also be signs of an iron deficiency:

• bruising,
• Headaches,
• Susceptibility to infections,
• severe menstrual cramps,
• Hair loss,
• brittle fingernails,
• Pallor or
• torn corners of the mouth.
  Ferritin is crucial for the diagnosis. This protein molecule is an indicator of how full the iron stores in the body are.

How can you prevent iron deficiency?

You can prevent iron deficiency through your diet. Plant-based sources of iron include:

• Vegetables and herbs such as watercress, onions or parsley, pulses such as lentils and soya beans.
  Nuts and seeds such as sunflower seeds or pistachios are also good sources of iron.
• Red meat and liver are also particularly rich in iron.

Which substances can hinder iron absorption?

However, there are also substances that actually hinder iron absorption.

• Polyphenols and tannins in coffee, green or black tea,
• Magnesium,
• Wholemeal products,
• Dairy products,
• Oatmeal or
• Phosphates in ready meals, cola or soft drinks

These may hinder the absorption of iron from the intestine. Such “iron robbers” should always be eaten at different times to iron sources.
In the case of heavy bleeding shortly before the menopause or increased stress such as sport, pregnancy and breastfeeding, the diet is often not sufficient to cover the iron requirement. This requires additional nutritional measures.

How can I support iron absorption?

Iron Vida can specifically support an adequate iron supply. It supplies the body with natural iron, iron-rich curry leaf extract and vitamin C. The combination of mineral and vitamin C supports blood formation, energy metabolism and the immune system. This is particularly important for women going through the menopause. Say goodbye to low moods and exhaustion and get Iron Vida from kingnature today!