Anemia During Menstruation: Why Are Iron Supplements Often Overlooked Today?

BINTI ZAINAB (30802300029)

Have you ever felt extremely lethargic, dizzy, or even powerless during menstruation, to the point where your vision becomes blurry? These feelings are often considered "normal" or "natural" symptoms of the monthly cycle. However, they could actually be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.

​This is a common physiological phase experienced by many women of childbearing age every month. It is not merely a common complaint but a reflection of a medical reality where women lose blood and with it, a significant amount of iron. Yet, the solution to this problem is often ignored by women. 

​Although general awareness of anemia has increased among women, the proactive consumption of iron supplements (also known as Iron-Folic Acid Tablets or TTD in Indonesia) during menstruation remains low. Many women choose to "endure" the lethargy and other health issues rather than address them. This situation is exacerbated by a lack of specific education, misconceptions about iron supplements, and the normalization of pain or discomfort as a woman’s fate.

​From ignorance and worry about side effects to the stigma of "taking medicine," these factors make many women highly susceptible to chronic energy deficiency.The serious nature of this issue is evident from the data and government programs. The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia has long promoted a program for distributing Iron-Folic Acid Tablets (TTD) to adolescent girls in schools.

​It is important to re-emphasize that consuming TTD/supplements is a crucial step to:

1. ​Prevent iron deficiency anemia, which can lower a woman’s concentration and productivity.
2. ​Maintain the immune system.
3. ​Prepare optimal iron reserves for long-term health, especially when planning a future pregnancy.

​This health program was launched based on data showing the high prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls, who will eventually become mothers. The program itself serves as tangible proof that iron deficiency is a significant public health problem requiring early intervention. Ironically, however, awareness often discontinues. Many women who graduate from school and no longer receive free TTD also stop consuming them as adults, even though their body’s need for iron during menstruation remains the same.

​However, anemia during menstruation is not only experienced by adolescents in school programs; thousands to millions of independent adult women from various regions and backgrounds also feel the impact of this iron deficiency every month. They seek solutions in the form of coffee to ward off sleepiness, or a sugar rush for instant energy, instead of addressing the root cause.

Today, discussions on social media and health forums are becoming more open about the importance of supplementation, sharing tips on managing side effects (such as nausea and constipation), and the necessity of regular hemoglobin (Hb) checks.