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Menopause & Iron Supplements

When a woman reaches menopause, she no longer menstruates nor depletes her iron levels on a monthly basis. A need for iron supplements depends on her individual situation.

  1. Theories/Speculation

    • A woman’s heart disease risk increases when she reaches menopause, a situation commonly thought to be the result of estrogen deficiency, according to Eve Shatto Walton, R.D., L.D.N., but a connection between high levels of stored iron and the risk of heart attack—already observed in older men—may exist for menopausal women as well.

    Types

    • WomensHealth.gov explains that iron supplements come in two forms—ferrous and ferric. Ferrous supplements are easier to absorb, but either type can result in constipation, vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

    Recommendation

    • The recommended daily iron allowance for women over the age of 51 is 8 mg daily, according to WomensHealth.gov, in contrast to 18 mg for non-pregnant 19 to 50-year-old women.

    Diet

    • The Cleveland Clinic suggests menopausal women eat a balanced diet, including foods that contain iron, such as eggs, leafy vegetables, red lean meats, enriched grains and nuts.

    Considerations

    • Have your doctor check your iron levels via a blood test, to determine if you need an iron supplement. According to WomensHealth.gov, if you are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you may need more iron than a menopausal woman who isn’t taking HRT.

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