PERI-MENOPAUSAL HEALTH: ONE ESSENTIAL NUTRITIONAL PIECE THAT CAN GET MISSED
In a word … IRON.✓
I think one reason iron deficiency is often missed in the peri-menopausal years is because iron deficiency symptoms overlap with common symptoms of peri-menopause and hormonal imbalance.
For example look at these symptoms ….
Low energy
Brain fog
Low mood
Dizziness
Hair loss/changes
Heavy periods
Restless Leg
These symptoms can be due to hormones and also can be the result of low iron. So now you see how it can get missed!
So, if you have any of these symptoms having your Ferritin levels checked (your 'storage iron') is a simple way to rule out iron involvement so you can address the iron piece if it shows up.
A little note about ‘Ferritin’. Ferritin has a pretty large 'normal' range you’ll notice (20-300). From a functional medicine/naturopathic perspective I look at lab values a little differently where nowadays anything under 60 (we used to say 30) may be suboptimal and could be contributing to your symptoms. If your levels are in the suboptimal range ,y recommendation is that you source an iron supplement that will not only bring your levels up increasing energy and decreasing symptoms but will also be gentle on your digestion.
Here's one example of a supplement that supports healthy blood production and iron levels. You can check it out to see what to look for. This one comes together with nutrients to support blood production and the form of iron in this formula is in a bis-glycinate form which is known to be a non-constipating form of iron. I also like the iron supplements that source their iron from liver.
CLICK here to Check Out The Iron Supplement I Like
So what’s happening that iron levels can get low in the peri-menopausal years?
One possibility is that in peri-menopause when the ovaries are moving towards retirement and ovulation isn't happening consistently some women experience 'flooding'. If you've experienced this you know exactly what I mean - super heavy menstrual flow!
If there is no flooding another place to explore is diet and digestion. Looking at how much iron you are getting through diet as well as how well is it being absorbed by the digestive system are important as well as making sure there is nothing more serious going on.
Iron isn’t one of those nutrients you should supplement with unless you need it. More isn’t better but food sources are well-tolerated it’s just they may not get your levels up as quickly as a good supplement if you are low.
Food can be a great place to increase your iron intake if you realize your diet has been low in it and your iron levels are not too low and your symptoms mild.
There are 2 types of iron from food that you can enjoy ….
Meat and fish provide 'heme'(blood) iron which is the type most easily absorbed by the body.
Plant sources are also great but because they provide the non-heme iron, higher amounts are often needed.
That’s it for now, I hope this helps! 😊, xo, Dr. Monika
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