I read somewhere that folic acid supplements are beneficial for women with heavy periods. How does folic acid help heavy periods?

Answer From Tatnai Burnett, M.D.

Folic acid is a B vitamin. Folic acid supplements won't ease heavy periods. The problem with having heavy periods is that you can develop anemia. Anemia happens when you don't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry needed oxygen to your body's tissues.

Many types of anemia exist. Some types are related to vitamin deficiencies. But a type of anemia that's common with heavy periods is iron deficiency anemia. Heavy periods lead to blood loss over a long time. This depletes your body's iron stores. With iron deficiency anemia, you might feel tired all the time, weak, dizzy or short of breath, among other signs and symptoms.

Your health care provider may recommend:

  • A blood test to check your iron levels and the level of a blood protein called ferritin. Ferritin helps your body store iron. You may also have a complete blood count. This test includes the hemoglobin level. Iron deficiency anemia happens when you have a low ferritin level, a low hemoglobin level or both.
  • An iron supplement to rebuild your body's iron stores.
  • A daily multivitamin that has folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin B-12 and other vitamins to help build red blood cells.

A number of conditions can cause heavy periods. A hormone imbalance, uterine fibroids or certain types of intrauterine devices are just a few.

If heavy periods bother you, talk with your provider for more information and guidance.

With

Tatnai Burnett, M.D.

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Aug. 25, 2023 See more Expert Answers

See also

  1. Ablation therapy
  2. Blood clots during menstruation: A concern?
  3. Dilation and curettage (D&C)
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  5. Endometriosis
  6. What is endometriosis? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  7. Endometriosis FAQs
  8. Fatigue
  9. Heavy menstrual bleeding
  10. Hormonal IUD (Mirena)
  11. Hysteroscopy
  12. Menstrual cycle
  13. Pap smear
  14. Pap smear: Do I need one if I'm a virgin?
  15. Shortness of breath
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  18. Uterine fibriods FAQs
  19. Uterine fibroids
  20. What are uterine fibroids? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  21. Uterine polyps