3 weeks ago

Can Iron Deficiency Delay Your Period? Doctors Explain the Link

Your body needs a special mineral called iron to stay healthy.

Iron helps your blood carry oxygen to every part of your body.

For girls and women, iron is also important for a normal monthly period.

If a woman does not get enough iron, her body may not make enough healthy blood.

This can cause her period to come late, be lighter than usual, or sometimes not come at all.

Low iron can also disrupt the body's signals that control the period.

Sometimes, low iron can make periods heavier instead, which makes the problem worse.

A period that is a few days late is usually not a big deal.

But if a period is more than a week or two late, or stops for many months, a woman should talk to a doctor.

Key facts

Normal menstrual cycle length: 21 to 35 days, if it follows a fairly regular pattern
Delay considered concerning: More than 7-10 days late, repeatedly irregular, or absent for several months
Linked condition: Iron-deficiency anaemia (low haemoglobin)
Expert source: Dr Anita Gupta, Additional Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fortis La Femme
Possible cycle effects: Delayed, lighter, missed, or heavy and prolonged periods
Iron deficiency symptoms: Tiredness, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, brittle nails, increased hair fall
Other causes of delayed periods: Stress, weight changes, excessive exercise, illness, travel, thyroid problems, PCOS, pregnancy
Recommended action: Consult a gynaecologist; tests may check for iron deficiency or anaemia

NDTV · 3 weeks ago