Do I need to stop taking iron supplements during my period?

Women are more prone to iron deficiency anemia. In addition to the symptoms, the more important reason is the unique physiological characteristics of women. If calcium-supplemented anemia occurs, the best way is to take some iron supplements to alleviate the anemia, but the use of health products must be scientific and appropriate. Can I take iron supplements during menstruation?

Can I take iron supplements during menstruation?

When the human body lacks iron, it may lead to iron deficiency anemia, and sometimes iron supplements need to be taken orally. There are many iron supplements in clinical medicine, such as aluminum sulfate for patients with mild anemia, iron dextran for patients with critical anemia, and ammonium ferric citrate syrup for infants with anemia. If you want to maximize their effects as soon as possible, you can choose to take them about 30 minutes after dinner.

Take after meals to reduce irritation. Iron supplements are irritating to the digestive tract, and some people may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms after taking them. In addition, iron supplements are easier to digest and absorb under the action of gastric juice, so it is best to take it 30 to 60 minutes after a meal when gastric juice secretion is most active. This will not only increase the waiting time of iron supplements in the duodenum, but also reduce the irritation of iron supplements to the gastric mucosa.

Taking it at night will have a stronger effect. The body's physiological and clinical manifestations include autonomic nervous system fluctuations, such as blood pressure changes, hormone drug metabolism, nutrient absorption, etc. The absorption of iron supplements also has a significant day and night regularity. Most people take iron supplements at 7-8 pm, and the absorption rate is doubled compared to taking them in the morning.

It should also be noted that you should not drink strong tea or coffee during the iron supplement period. Because tea and coffee contain a lot of tannin, it can convert into insoluble precipitate with iron, hindering the absorption of iron. Milk and some alkaline foods may also affect the digestion and absorption of iron. They should be avoided as much as possible or eaten less during the iron supplement period. It is also necessary to avoid taking iron supplements at the same time as tetracycline, neomycin, vitamin E, aspirin, compound danshen tablets, calcium bicarbonate and other medicines to avoid affecting the efficacy of the medicines. If you need to use them separately, it is best to leave them 2 to 3 hours apart.

Do I need to stop taking iron supplements during my menstrual period?

There is no need to stop taking iron supplements during menstruation. Generally, people with heavy menstrual flow and frequent menstruation will suffer from iron deficiency anemia. At this time, we need to regulate menstruation and correct anemia, so iron supplementation is necessary. If you stop taking the medicine during your menstrual period, it may cause severe iron deficiency anemia. Therefore, you do not need to stop taking the medicine during your menstrual period, and you can continue to take iron supplements. In terms of diet, you should also pay attention to eating more iron-rich foods, such as egg yolks, black fungus, seaweed, etc. You can also supplement beef liver appropriately. If you usually have symptoms of dizziness and general fatigue, it means that the iron deficiency anemia is more serious and you should go to the hematology department for a follow-up visit. In addition, when correcting anemia, it is best to take short-term contraceptives to reduce menstrual flow. Only when the menstrual flow is reduced can iron deficiency anemia be corrected.

What to eat during menstruation

1. Reduce hematoma one week before menstruation

The diet should be light in taste, easy to digest and rich in nutrients. You can eat more high-protein foods such as beans and fish, increase green leafy vegetables and fruits, and drink more water to maintain smooth bowel movements and reduce pelvic hematoma.

2. Calm the pain during menarche

There is no need to intentionally eat sweets. Such as drinks, birthday cakes, brown sugar, and sugar cubes. Avoid unstable blood sugar levels and avoid aggravating various discomforts during menstruation. Eat more high-fiber foods, such as: vegetables, fresh fruits, whole grains, whole wheat noodles, black rice, oatmeal and other ingredients. Eating enough high-fiber foods can promote the secretion of cardiotonic hormone, increase the content of magnesium in the blood, regulate menstruation and calm nerves.

3. Replenish outflowing nutrients

Eat some walnut kernels, almonds, dried beans and other foods rich in vitamin B2 group between meals. Eat enough protein. You can eat meat, eggs, and more tofu, soybeans and soy protein to replenish the nutrients lost during the physiological period.

4. Some diets can adjust your mood

It can prevent blood sugar levels from rising and falling, reduce accelerated heart rate, and alleviate discomfort such as dizziness, fatigue, and irritability. Avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine, such as freshly ground coffee, tea, etc., because these drinks will increase anxiety and restlessness. You can drink barley tea or mint tea instead. Avoid eating food that is too hot or too cold.