We all have days when we feel tired, but for many women, feeling low on energy can be something that comes around month after month.
One possible reason is iron. Menstrual blood loss means women lose iron during their cycle, and heavier bleeding can mean losing more. In fact, up to two in three women experience heavier periods, which can leave you feeling drained and not quite yourself.¹
Making those days a little easier
When it comes to managing monthly symptoms, sometimes the simplest things can make a difference.
Active Iron asked 1,000 women about the most helpful advice they’d received, and their suggestions included getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated and using a hot water bottle for a little extra comfort. ²
Gentle movement, such as walking or yoga, can also be an easy way to stay active, while keeping track of your cycle can help you know what to expect each month.
Food can play a part too. Adding nutrient-rich foods such as red meat, leafy greens, nuts and seeds to your meals is one simple way to support an iron rich diet.
Understanding your iron levels
Awareness around low iron has grown in recent years, and guidance on ferritin levels has evolved. Ferritin is a measure of your body's iron stores, and according to updated guidance from the American Society of Haematology, ferritin levels of 30µg/L or below are now considered indicative of low iron in healthy adults, including menstruating and pregnant women. For women at higher risk of low iron, such as those with heavy periods or those planning a pregnancy, a ferritin level of 50µg/L or below may be considered low. Low ferritin levels can be associated with symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue and reduced energy, even when haemoglobin levels remain within the normal range, making it important to look beyond haemoglobin alone when assessing iron status. If you're experiencing ongoing symptoms, speak to your healthcare professional about whether your iron levels, including ferritin, should be checked.
Active Iron is an Irish iron supplement designed to optimise iron absorption. ⁴ Active Iron is clinically proven to double ferritin and energy levels⁵, while its formulation is designed to be gentle on the stomach.
It’s suitable for women at different stages of life, including women who have periods, pregnant and postpartum women, and women going through perimenopause.
So, if you’re feeling like you’re running on empty, it could be worth giving a little more thought to your iron intake.
Iron for every Woman.
Ask your pharmacist about Active Iron, now available on promotion in pharmacies nationwide.
Food supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet & lifestyle. Contact your doctor/pharmacist if you have any concerns.
- Active Iron Survey 2021.
- Active Iron Survey 2022. N = 1,000.
- Wang et al. 2017, Acta Haematologica, 138: 223-232.
- Ledwidge, M. et al. PRECISION Study. Int J Clin Pharm (2023)
