Why Can Haid Be Longer? Lack Of Iron Is One Of The Triggers

Illustration of pain during menstruation. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Lack of iron turns out to be closely related to the quality and duration of the menstrual cycle. This condition can make menstruation last longer and cause blood flow to become heavier than usual.

Doctor Manjusha Goel, a major consultant in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at CK Birla Hospital, India, explained the relationship between low levels of iron and changes in the menstrual cycle.

In his explanation quoted from the Hindustan Times, he mentioned that lowering levels of iron can reduce blood ability to carry oxygen, which then has an impact on hormonal balance.

"This lack can disrupt the normal hormonal balance and weaken the function of the uterine muscles, both of which are important to regulate menstrual flow," he said.

According to him, women with low iron levels are more susceptible to longer or heavier menstruation. This happens because iron plays a role in regulating the prostaglandin substances that affect the process of decay of the uterine wall.

"This can cause endometrium layer exfoliation to last longer," he said.

In addition, he added that the long lack of iron also had an impact on the function of platelets and the mechanism for blood clotting. This condition makes menstrual bleeding even more difficult to stop.

"In addition, chronic iron deficiency can weaken the function of platelets and the blood clotting process, which then causes excessive menstruation," he said.

Interestingly, this condition can occur in two directions. Heavy menstruation can cause the body to lose a lot of iron, while the iron deficiency itself can worsen the duration of menstruation.

"This basically activates dangerous cycles, where each affects the other," said Dokter Goel.

The impact of elongated menstrual cycles cannot be taken lightly. Women can experience excessive fatigue, dizziness, decreased endurance, and hair loss.

"Continuous loss of blood can lower ferritin levels, cause fatigue, dizziness, and decreased immunity, hair loss, and exacerbate menstrual irregularities," Goel's doctor explained.

To prevent this condition from getting worse, women are recommended to be more sensitive to changes in the menstrual cycle. If menstruation lasts very fast or longer than usual, iron levels such as ferrite serum and hemoglobin tests are highly recommended.

He added that iron deficiency can actually be prevented or overcome. Starting from the consumption of iron supplements according to medical recommendations, improving diet, to dealing with health problems that become triggers such as thyroid disorders, fibroids, or hormonal imbalances.