果冻影院

Period symptoms are frustrating no matter the time of year. But those who menstruate might feel like certain symptoms are worse during the winter months, when the weather is gloomy, the days are short and cold and flu seem to always be lurking. This phenomenon has even been dubbed 鈥溾��.

Unfortunately, there鈥檚 no evidence that such a thing as winter period fatigue syndrome exists. There鈥檚 also no good evidence to suggest changes in the seasons can worsen period symptoms. But that doesn鈥檛 mean there isn鈥檛 a scientific explanation for why you might feel some of your period symptoms are worse during the colder months.

Symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, poor concentration and a weaker immune system, may in fact be pointing to the more obvious cause of听.

The body needs iron in order to function. Iron helps produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. But many people don鈥檛 get enough iron in their diet. In fact, iron deficiency is the听听in the world.

Alongside the symptoms that iron deficiency can cause, low iron can also lead to听听鈥� a fall in听. While the symptoms of anaemia can be very similar to those caused by iron deficiency (including fatigue, tiredness, and cold hands and feet), symptoms can be more severe, too 鈥� leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath and even loss of consciousness.

Menstruation is a leading cause of both iron deficiency and听. People with听听are particularly at risk as they regularly lose more blood each month than their body can replace. Some studies even estimate that in women who experience heavy periods, 90% are iron deficient and听.

Those who normally have heavy periods might not realise that this could actually be the cause of their fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating. This is because so many who have heavy periods just听. But left unchecked, heavy periods can leave women and people who menstruate trapped in a vicious cycle of progressive blood loss and iron loss, leading to anaemia, which can be difficult to break.

And even though听听for managing heavy menstrual bleeding recognise the importance of treating iron deficiency and anaemia caused by excessive blood loss, these conditions are still听听鈥� despite how treatable they are.

Winter symptoms

Many of the symptoms of iron deficiency and anaemia overlap with other health conditions. This is why it鈥檚 important to talk to your doctor as soon as symptoms start to make sure you鈥檙e getting the right treatment.

For example, fatigue, lethargy and changes in mood can also be symptoms of听. This is a type of depression that affects some people only in the autumn and winter.

So if you find your symptoms began when the shorter days and colder weather arrived, then exercise, self care (such as resting if you need to and getting plenty of sleep each night) and eating a balanced diet that contains plenty of fibre, complex carbs and protein听. Your GP may also recommend talking therapy.

But if you find you have such symptoms all year round 鈥� and suffer from heavy or prolonged periods 鈥� this may be a sign you have iron deficiency. Certain symptoms of iron deficiency may also seem worse during the winter months.

Since iron deficiency affects how well your immune system functions, this could explain why you may feel you suffer from more seasonal illnesses during the colder weather. This will require a trip to the GP to be diagnosed, as well as taking an iron replacement if your doctor recommends it. This should significantly improve your quality of life and symptoms.

Links

• 果冻影院 Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology
• 果冻影院 School of Life and Medical Sciences
• 果冻影院 Population Health Sciences