ASK THE EXPERTS

NUTRITION EXPERT

Susie Debice studied at the Institute of Optimum Nutrition in food science and nutrition. She is also the nutritionist for Abundance and Health supplements (abundanceandhealth.com)

Q Is it true you don’t need to take iron supplements after menopause? Why is that if so?

A Generally speaking, yes this is true – but it does depend on your energy levels and energy reserves. It’s not unusual for many women to go through phases in their life when heavy monthly bleeding may leave them with iron deficient anaemia. Telltale signs include shortness of breath, pallor, feeling weak and faint, palpitations, dizziness, headaches, low energy and fatigue. After a lifetime of monthly periods, it’s not unusual for many women to hit the menopause with anaemia or that the heavy prolonged bleeding associated with perimenopause brings on an episode of anaemia.

Once you are through the menopause and your periods have stopped, your body gets a chance to rebuild iron reserves from dietary sources and this in turn helps recharge energy levels. This why it’s