Anemia affects your red blood cells and hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all tissues and organs in the body. Anemia has several possible causes, one of which is heavy bleeding periods.

What is anemia?

Anemia is the most common blood disorder worldwide. It can be a temporary or long-term condition, and symptoms can vary depending on the type of anemia you have and how severe it is. If you have anemia, you don't have enough red blood cells and hemoglobin to carry the oxygen you need to all the tissues and organs in your body.

Hemoglobin is a protein produced by the bone marrow and stored in red blood cells. Its job is to transport oxygen from your lungs to every part of your body through your blood vessels.

Anemia usually has three main causes:

- blood loss
- insufficient production of red blood cells
- a high rate of destruction of red blood cells

The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, which can develop if you don't have enough iron in your body. You need iron to make hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia is more common in women than in men. Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia in women include:

- heavy periods
- pregnancy
- a diet very poor in iron, vitamin B12 and folate
- health conditions such as chronic conditions and genetic diseases

How can anemia cause your period?

Heavy periods, also known as "menorrhagia," affect 1 in 5 each year (US data). When you lose a lot of blood during your menstrual cycle, you can end up losing more red blood cells than your body can produce. This can reduce the amount of iron in the body. As a result, the body will have a harder time making the hemoglobin that, as we said, is needed to carry oxygen throughout your body.

So how do you know if you have heavy menstrual bleeding? Symptoms of heavy periods include:

- You have to change tampons (or mattress pads) very often and quickly
- Sometimes you need double protection or wear two pairs of underwear for extra safety
- You change tampons at night
- Your cycle lasts 7 days or more
- Blood clots
- During your period, you feel very weak and tired
- You are unable to do things you would normally do

However, anemia from heavy menstrual bleeding depends on many factors, including your diet and overall health. Getting enough iron and other nutrients in your diet can help prevent iron deficiency anemia.

If you have low iron and hemoglobin levels in your blood, you may notice the following symptoms:

- tiredness
- weakness
- shortness of breath
- pale or yellow skin
- dizziness
- headache

What causes heavy periods?

Heavy periods can be caused by imbalances in hormone levels, especially progesterone and estrogen. Other causes include: uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovulation problems, certain medications, etc.

You should see a doctor if:

- You feel weak, tired and dizzy during your cycle
- You have to change or limit your daily activities because of your periods, tiredness from them 
- Often, your periods last longer than 7 days, as well as the above-mentioned signs of " heavy periods"

Treatment options for iron deficiency anemia from periods depend on the cause of the heavy bleeding. The best way to prevent iron deficiency anemia is to pay attention to your diet. In particular, try to eat foods that are good sources of iron, that help iron absorption, limit caffeine, pay attention to calcium pills, etc.

What else can cause anemia?

There are several different types of anemia, and each can have different causes. Some of the most common causes are: low iron intake, internal bleeding, pregnancy, low levels of vitamin B12, genetics, chronic diseases, etc.