Excessive blood loss through menstruation

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Excessive blood loss through menstruation

Iron deficiency anemia can develop in women who have unusually heavy periods (menorrhagia), because the blood loss can deplete iron stores.

Menorrhagia is defined as losing more than of blood per month. It is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in women. ¹

Any of the following characteristics may indicate abnormally heavy menstruation:¹

Being unable to control blood flow with tampons alone
Requiring more than 4 pads per day or 12 pads per period
Passing blood clots:
- Larger than in diameter
- Beyond the first day of the cycle
Having a cycle that lasts longer than 7 days

Menstrual blood flow varies greatly from woman to woman. However, it usually remains constant from one month to the next in the same woman. Certain birth control intrauterine devices (IUDs) may increase blood flow. Use of oral contraceptives often helps lighten blood flow and may decrease the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

References

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Citations
Andrews NC (2004). Iron deficiency and related disorders. In JP Greer et al., eds., Wintrobe's Clinical Hematology, 11th ed., vol. 1, pp. 979–1009. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Credits

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Author	Robin Parks, MS
Editor	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Last Updated	May 7, 2007

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Last updated:	May 07, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Brian Leber, MDCM, FRCPC - Hematology
Editors:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW, Pat Truman, MATC

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