Heavy bleeding during menstrual periods can greatly diminish a woman’s reserves of iron. This can result in iron deficiency anemia. As a result of this, women experience symptoms like fatigue, paleness, hair loss, breathlessness, dizziness and weight loss. It is recommended that women of childbearing age should take iron supplements in addition to their normal diet. These supplements will help restore the hemoglobin lost during bleeding associated with periods. It is best to take iron supplements in consultation with your doctor since excess iron can be toxic for the body. Choose a supplement which contains a form of iron salt which is easily absorbed by the body. Iron supplements contain iron in the form of different salts like ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate and sodium feredetate. Ferrous sulfate may be difficult for the body to absorb and it can cause side effects like constipation. Your doctor may be able to recommend an iron supplement which suits your needs. Take iron supplements an hour or so before meals, never along with meals. Some supplements like calcium and vitamin E can interfere with normal iron absorption. Do not take these immediately before or after taking iron supplements. Take your iron supplement along with a glass of orange juice to increase absorption. In addition to iron supplements, women should also take a diet rich in iron like liver, nuts, grains, egg yolk, and meat.