Can Folic Acid Help Control Menorrhagia?

Some people believe that taking folic acid during periods can be beneficial. So what does the science say? Let’s see if it helps.

Maintaining healthy menstruation is not an easy task. Just when you think everything is going well, a small change in your schedule will cause you to worry. Although it is not a problem, it would not be normal to constantly cause symptoms such as menorrhagia. Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, refers to bleeding that lasts for more than seven days with regular tampon changes every day. However, you can find many solutions to prevent this problem, one of which is folic acid. It is a B complex vitamin that can be taken in supplements or through food and supports the formation of new cells. There is no doubt that folic acid is essential for overall health, but does taking it during your period help?

What is folic acid?

Folate is a form of synthetic folate, a form of vitamin B9 that is essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and overall cell health, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Since your body doesn’t produce it, you need to get it from your diet. It is used in medicine and added to foods like flour, breakfast cereals, and bread, according to research published in the American Government Daily. It plays an important role in the production of healthy red blood cells, which help carry oxygen throughout the body. If the body cannot produce enough of this substance, a person may develop a type of diabetes called folate deficiency anemia and symptoms such as weakness and fatigue may occur.

Can folic acid control menorrhagia?

Folic acid, a B-complex vitamin that is important for cell formation and repair, can affect menstruation, but there is no evidence that folic acid controls menorrhagia. Menorrhagia or heavy periods can be difficult and can be caused by a number of things, including hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, endometriosis or other conditions. Taking folic acid during your period can help improve your menstrual cycle overall, but it does not reduce heavy periods.

Why do people take folic acid during their period?

It is now clear that taking folic acid does not reduce menorrhagia. The problem with heavy menstruation is that it can cause anemia, or iron deficiency, which occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. Symptoms of anemia include tiredness, weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath. Folic acid can help women with menorrhagia and anemia. A study published by StatPearls found that it helps reduce the symptoms of anemia and supports the health of pregnant women by supporting the production of red blood cells.

Other benefits of folic acid for menstruation

Although it does not help shorten the period, it has other benefits that can improve the period health:

1. Prevention of anaemia

Folic acid is essential for the formation and growth of red blood cells, which help transport oxygen throughout the body. A study published by StatPearls showed that having an adequate amount of red blood cells in the body is especially beneficial for women with heavy periods, as it can help reduce the negative effects of red blood. If you are anemic due to heavy menstrual periods, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness and paleness. Be sure to talk to your doctor to start treatment.

2. Balances hormones

Hormonal imbalances, especially estrogen levels that are too high or too low, can cause irregular periods and heavy bleeding. Estrogen levels rise during ovulation to prepare the body for pregnancy and fall during non-pregnancy periods, which is normal. However, irregular changes in estrogen levels may indicate an underlying condition. A study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology shows that folic acid regulates hormones by reducing estrogen and supporting the functioning of the endocrine system.

3. Helps with fertility

Folic acid is important for fertility for those trying to get pregnant. A study published in Fertility and Sterility says that higher folic acid or folate intake can reduce the risk of pregnancy and is associated with treating infertility. Therefore, ensure adequate folate levels to increase fertility and promote pregnancy.

4. Support pregnancy

Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps the body create new cells. Everyone needs it, especially women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent birth defects in the brain or spine and help protect nerve networks in babies.

 

Recommended folic acid intake

Folate obtained from supplements and fortified foods is more easily absorbed by the body than folic acid obtained from natural sources. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends the following daily dietary folate equivalent (DFE) intake from foods and supplements:

0–6 months: 65 mcg dietary folate equivalent (DFE)
7–12 months: 80 mcg DFE
1–3 years: 150 mcg DFE
4–8 years: 200 mcg DFE
9–13 years: 300 mcg DFE
14–18 years: 400 mcg DFE
19+ years: 400 mcg DFE
During pregnancy: 400–800 mcg DFE
During lactation: 500 mcg DFE

It is important to talk to your doctor before increasing your intake of folic acid or folic acid supplements, as folic acid can interact with some medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Foods containing folic acid

• Broccoli
• Eggs
• Brussels sprouts
• Lettuce
• Avocado
• Papaya
• Bananas
• Orange juice
• Roasted peanuts
• Rice, cereals and other grain products
  If you are not getting enough folic acid from the foods you eat, you can take it as a dietary supplement.

Are there any side effects of folic acid?

Folic acid is considered safe for most people in doses not exceeding 1 mg per day. Higher doses can cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea, upset stomach, confusion, behavioral changes, skin irritation and seizures. Consuming too much folate may also be linked to certain cancers and conditions such as anaemia or insulin resistance, according to research published in the journal Current Nutrition Facts.