What to do if you don't have your period after taking folic acid

One thing most women should know is that they need to take folic acid before preparing for pregnancy, which is what we often call the preparation period for pregnancy. Because taking folic acid can prevent fetal malformations, taking folic acid is very necessary, and men can also take folic acid. However, taking folic acid may sometimes affect the arrival of women's menstruation, so women must pay special attention. What should I do if I don’t have my period after taking folic acid?

1. What to do if you don’t have your period after taking folic acid?

Folic acid is used to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus and has no effect on menstruation. There is no need to worry that folic acid supplementation will not affect the menstrual cycle. Emotional and mental factors may cause irregular menstruation. It is recommended to relax and not be overly nervous.

2. The role of folic acid

1. Prevent anemia in pregnant women: The body of a pregnant woman needs folic acid to produce normal red blood cells. The prevalence of anemia among women of childbearing age in China is 20.6%. Insufficient folic acid intake may also cause anemia in pregnant women.

2. Prevent congenital malformations in babies: Reduce the risk of birth defects in babies. Taking folic acid tablets can prevent birth defects such as congenital heart disease in the fetus.

3. Prevent neural tube defects: If a woman takes the recommended dose of folic acid every day at least one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy, the risk of neural tube defects in the baby can be reduced by 50%-70%.

4. Promote placental development: It affects the basic structure of DNA and cells. Therefore, getting enough folic acid is particularly important for the rapidly growing placenta and baby.

5. Preventing preeclampsia in pregnant women: Taking multivitamins containing folic acid can reduce the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women

3. Side Effects of Folic Acid

Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin and generally will not cause poisoning even if it exceeds the minimum requirement for adults by 20 times. However, folic acid can be toxic to humans if taken in large doses. Long-term and excessive use of folic acid may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, abdominal distension, and yellow urine. Furthermore, if folic acid is still taken in large doses, it can further reduce the vitamin content in the serum, which may cause the nerve damage to develop in an irreversible direction.