How common are heavy periods in iron deficiency anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when the body does not have enough iron to make the haemoglobin needed to carry oxygen. Heavy menstrual bleeding can gradually use up iron stores, and low iron can then cause tiredness, headaches, dizziness, paleness, or breathlessness. Heavy periods may be both a sign of the anaemia and a reason it developed, so the source of blood loss still needs attention.

Arrange a medical review if heavy bleeding comes with unusual fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, dizziness, headaches, or a racing heartbeat. Blood tests can check haemoglobin and iron status. Treatment may include iron replacement while the bleeding source is assessed and managed. Take iron only as advised, because the right preparation and dose depend on your results and health.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding with fainting, chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, or extreme weakness. Prompt assessment is also needed when symptoms are worsening, bleeding occurs during pregnancy, or bleeding continues despite treatment.

Which blood tests do I need? Is my bleeding causing iron loss? What treatment can reduce blood loss? How should I take iron? When should my blood tests be repeated?