Menstruation can be a bothersome time of the month for women. On top of cramps and moodiness, periods can also mean significant iron loss for many women! 

In fact, menstruation is a common reason for iron deficiency in women, especially for those that experience heavy periods (1 in 5 women). Adult women who menstruate need 18mg of daily iron, whereas an adult male only needs 8mg of daily iron.

And, if you're pregnant or vegetarian, you might need even more. Iron is significant during pregnancy for fetal brain development. And for vegetarians, the recommended amount is 1.8x more!⁠

Overall, it is recommended for women to maintain healthy iron levels at all times of their life. So, it is important to take care of yourself when you're most at risk of iron loss. 

How do you know if you have low iron?

Most women don't realize they have iron deficiency since the associated symptoms are often "normalized" by family and friends. For example, if someone in your family has heavy bleeding, you might assume that it is normal, but in fact it could be a sign of low iron. Additionally, symptoms are vague and can be difficult to pin-point to iron deficiency. But learning about potential signs will help you in the long run:

• Fatigue, or always feeling tired, even after sleeping
• Hair thinning
• Thinning and brittle nails
• Restless legs
• Foggy thinking
• Poor mood

But, before you make any changes or draw any conclusions, make sure to always consult with a health professional.

What Your period cravings are trying to tell you:

Have you ever wanted to inhale an entire bag of chips? Or consume 7 chocolate bars? Period cravings are no joke, and for the most part, hormones are to blame. But, don't feel bad because this might be the perfect time to give in. 

During this time your body might require more calories, so don't beat yourself up if you catch yourself indulging more than you used to. That being said, you should try to find healthy alternatives for what your body is actually craving. 

Here are some ways to ⁠meet your iron needs during that time of the month:⁠

🐟 Craving something sweet? Dark chocolate is high in iron and a great source of sweetness. Try our high iron hot chocolate for extra comfort. 

🐟 Craving ice? This is a typical symptom of low iron. While chewing nice is not great for your beautiful smile, you can snack on iron-fortified ice popsicles so you can give into the cravings while upping your nutrient intake.

🐟 Craving carbs? Your body is likely in need of calories. Choose complex carbs packed with iron. A zesty bean salad or iron-fortified chicken noodle soup (made using Lucky Iron Fish, of course!) is just what you need!

🐟 Feeling crampy? Drink a mug of Natural Menstruation Tea, prepared with Lucky Iron Fish Water, a slice of ginger, and a spoon of honey to quell nausea and potentially ease cramping.⁠

Share this with a girlfriend in need! 💪🏻