Why better iron levels = Better periods

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: the link between iron levels and period health.

It sounds counterintuitive, but low iron can actually cause heavier periods. If you’ve ever felt dizzy or really fatigued during your cycle - low iron could be playing a part.

“My periods used to wipe me out - now they’re symptom-free. Iron was the missing link.”

 

💫 My personal story

For years, I’d feel dizzy, tired and not quite right when I got my period. It reminded me of the feeling I get if I've gone too long without eating.

But my blood sugar was fine. My blood pressure was ok. Eventually I discovered I was low in iron.

Once I started supporting myself with gentle, food-based iron (hello, Vitality Pills), everything shifted. I feel so much more balanced throughout my cycle. My periods are easier and practically symptom-free. 

🩸 Can low iron really make periods heavier?

Yes. Here’s how it works:

1. Iron supports blood clotting

Iron plays an important role in healthy blood clotting. Iron deficiency can affect how platelets function and may disrupt the body’s ability to stop bleeding efficiently. This can lead to longer or heavier periods.

2. Iron affects the health of the uterine lining

The endometrium is the tissue that lines the uterus. It thickens and sheds throughout the menstrual cycle. This process depends on oxygen, cellular energy, and tissue repair. Since iron is essential for all of these, low iron may impair how the lining regenerates, leading to more fragile blood vessels and heavier bleeding when it sheds.

3. It creates a vicious cycle of blood loss and depletion

Heavy periods can cause low iron → Low iron leads to heavier periods → and around we go.

Over time, this cycle can deplete your iron stores - especially if you’re not replenishing with iron-rich foods or gentle supplementation.

🔍 Symptoms of low iron (especially around menstruation)

Here are some common symptoms:

🌀 Dizziness or light-headedness

💤 Fatigue or exhaustion

😵 Brain fog and poor concentration

💔 Anxiety or low mood

💣 Headaches

🩸 Heavier or longer periods

💧 Feeling completely drained by menstruation

📆 When should you focus on iron?

Ideally? All month. But here’s a simple rhythm to work with:

Time in Cycle	Iron Support?
Week before period	Yes - premenstrual support can prevent depletion
During period	Absolutely - you’re losing iron, so support is vital
After period	Rebuild and replenish for next cycle

Gentle, consistent support throughout your cycle is more effective than “panic-dosing” once symptoms hit.

🌿 What helped me: Gentle iron from food

I take Vitality Pills throughout the cycle. Each capsule contains dehydrated, organic chicken liver - a powerful whole-food source of heme iron, B12, folate, and zinc.

Because it’s food-based, it’s easy to absorb and less likely to cause digestive side effects. It feels gentle, steady, and sustainable - which is exactly what the body needs.

🌺 Traditional approaches to menstruation

Across traditional cultures and healing systems like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indigenous knowledge, menstruation was treated as a natural and important phase in a woman’s life cycle.

Rather than pushing through with the same level of output, menstruating people were encouraged to rest, eat nourishing foods and avoid overexertion. Warmth and quiet were encouraged.

This approach extended into postpartum care and peri-menopause, honouring these transitions as times of deep transformation and recalibration.

While modern life often celebrates constant productivity, traditional wisdom reminds us: healing happens in a more cyclic way.

 

🍲 Foods that nourish blood & energy

• Organic chicken liver (yes!)
• Beetroot
• Molasses
• Bone broth
• Leafy greens
• Black sesame, goji berries and dates
• Herbal teas: nettle, raspberry leaf, yellow dock

🌙 Wisdom Formula for a better period

Your modern-day cycle support toolkit might include:

• Vitality Pills - wholefood iron, B12, folate & zinc
• Herbal tea - nettle, raspberry leaf, rose
• Magnesium - for cramps, sleep, and mood
• Heat pack - for warmth and relaxation
• Permission to rest - less doing, more being
• Journaling or reflection - time to recalibrate

✨ A spiritual perspective

Your period isn’t just a biological event - it can be a monthly reset. A time to let go of what’s not needed, connect inward, and re-align with your body’s natural wisdom.

“Menstruation is a built-in ceremony of release and renewal - when you’re nourished, it becomes a sacred rhythm, not a burden.”

💛 Final thoughts

If your period feels like it’s stealing your energy every month, it might be your iron levels asking for attention.

Support doesn’t have to be hard. A gentle, consistent approach using whole-food iron, like Vitality Pills can help bring your body back into balance. It’s not about fixing your cycle. It’s about listening to it.

 

🩺 A gentle reminder:
While iron can make a big difference for many, not all period issues are caused by low iron. If you're experiencing symptoms that feel unusual or aren't improving, it's always a good idea to check in with a trusted healthcare professional. Your body is wise, and so is seeking professional care when you need it.

 

📩 Ready to nourish your cycle and feel more grounded each month?

Vitality Pills are available in Australia, NZ, the USA, Canada, and the UK. They're a trusted, natural way to support your iron levels.

You deserve a cycle that feels calm and supported. Let’s start there.

 

 

 

About the Author: Kirrah Stewart has a Bachelors Degree in Clinical Science (majoring in Complementary Medicine: Nutrition & Herbal Medicine). She is also a former doula with 15 years experience supporting families in pregnancy, birth and postpartum. She is the creator of Vitality Pills.

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.