Many women describe themselves as “always tired”. They put it down to work, children, stress. Often, the real reason is in their blood.
What Anaemia Is
Anaemia means your blood is not carrying enough oxygen, usually because of too little haemoglobin. In women of childbearing age, the most common cause is iron deficiency — and the most common cause of that is heavy periods. The WHO identifies anaemia as a major health problem for women worldwide.
Signs
- Tiredness and weakness
- Shortness of breath, a racing heart on stairs
- Pale skin, pale inner eyelids
- Headaches and dizziness
- Brittle nails, hair shedding
- Cravings for ice, clay or chalk
The Heavy Bleeding Cycle
Heavy periods drain iron. Low iron can, in turn, make bleeding harder to manage. Soaking through pads hourly, passing large clots, or bleeding for more than seven days is not something to simply endure — see The Colour of Your Period Blood Is Telling You Something.
Behind heavy bleeding there is often a cause: fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps, or thyroid problems. Treating the iron without finding the cause only refills a leaking bucket.
Why It Matters for Fertility
- Iron supports healthy ovulation and the growth of the womb lining.
- Anaemia in pregnancy is linked to tiredness, infections and complications for mother and baby.
- Pregnancy increases iron needs dramatically — starting low makes it much harder.
Rebuilding Your Blood
- Ask for a full blood count and ferritin (iron stores) test.
- Eat iron-rich foods: beans, leafy greens such as kontomire and ugu, eggs, fish, liver and lean meat.
- Pair them with vitamin C — oranges, tomatoes, peppers — to help absorption.
- Keep tea and coffee away from meals; they block iron.
- Take iron supplements as advised, and give them time — rebuilding stores takes months.
Our herbal programmes include traditional blood-building support alongside treatment for the cause of heavy bleeding. Talk to us about getting your energy — and your cycle — back.
Related Reading
At Ohemaa Fertile Home, we provide guided herbal fertility support rooted in three generations of traditional knowledge. We serve women across Ghana, Nigeria, and the diaspora. Reach out to us on WhatsApp for a free, confidential consultation.
