Can folic acid help regulate heavy periods?

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Maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle is not an easy task. The moment you think everything is going fine, a little change in your period may increase your worry. While not always problematic, constantly dealing with symptoms such as heavy periods may not be normal. Heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, means when you bleed for more than seven days and change pads frequently in a day. However, to deal with it, you may find several solutions, one of which is folic acid. It is a B vitamin that supports the production of new cells and can be consumed in the form of supplements or foods. While there is no doubt that folic acid is essential for overall health, does folic acid for periods work?

What is folic acid?

Folic acid is a synthetic form of folate, a type of vitamin B9, essential for DNA synthesis, cell division, and overall cell health, as per the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Since your body does not produce it, you need to get it from your diet. It is used in supplements and added to processed food products such as flour, breakfast cereals, and breads, according to a study published by the Daily Journal of the United States Government. It plays a crucial role in producing healthy new red blood cells, which help carry oxygen throughout the body. If the body does not make enough of these, a person can develop a type of anemia called folate deficiency anemia and can notice symptoms such as fatigue and weakness.

Can folic acid regulate heavy periods?

Folic acid, a B vitamin essential for cell production and repair, may indirectly influence menstrual health but there is no evidence suggesting that folic acid regulates heavy periods. "Heavy periods, or menorrhagia, can be challenging and may be caused by a number of factors, such as hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, or certain medical conditions. When it comes to taking folic acid during periods, it may help improve overall menstrual health but it cannot reduce heavy bleeding during periods," explains Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a gynecologist, obstetrician, and IVF expert.

Why do people take folic acid during periods?

It is now clear that folic acid supplements will not alleviate heavy menstrual periods. The problem with heavy periods is that it can lead to anemia, or iron deficiency anemia, which occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. The symptoms of anemia include persistent fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. For women experiencing heavy periods and anemia, folic acid can be beneficial. It helps alleviate symptoms of anemia and supports the production of red blood cells, thereby promoting a healthier menstrual cycle, found a study published by StatPearls.

Other benefits of folic acid for menstrual health

Despite not helping to lighten periods, it has other advantages that might improve menstrual health:

1. Prevents anemia

Folic acid is crucial for the production and maturation of red blood cells, which helps carry oxygen throughout the body. A sufficient number of healthy red blood cells in your body is particularly beneficial for women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding, as it helps mitigate the adverse effects of anemia, found a study published by StatPearls. If you develop anemia due to heavy periods, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and paleness. Make sure you consult with your healthcare provider to start better treatment to deal with it.

2. Balances hormones

Hormonal imbalances, especially high and low levels of estrogen, can contribute to menstrual irregularities and heavy bleeding. It is normal for estrogen levels to rise during ovulation to prepare the body for pregnancy and to fall during the period when pregnancy does not occur. However, constant changes in estrogen levels may signal an underlying condition. Folic acid plays a role in maintaining hormonal balance by lowering estrogen levels and supporting the function of the endocrine system, reveals a study published in the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

3. Helps with fertility

For those trying to conceive, folic acid is essential for fertility. A study published by Fertility and Sterility states that higher folic acid or folate intake can reduce the risk of infertility and is linked with greater success with infertility treatment. So, ensure adequate folic acid levels to enhance fertility and support a healthy pregnancy.

4. Supports healthy pregnancy

Folic acid is a vitamin B that helps the body make healthy new cells. Everyone needs it, especially women who are pregnant or planning to conceive. Getting enough folic acid before and during pregnancy can prevent major birth defects of the brain or spine and help prevent neural tube irregularities in infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Recommended intake of folic acid

Folic acid from supplements and fortified foods can be easily absorbed by the body compared to folate from natural sources. The Office of Dietary Supplements advises the following daily intake of dietary folate equivalents (DFEs) from both food 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 consult with a healthcare provider before increasing folic acid or folate intake, as folic acid can interact with certain medications and may not be suitable for everyone.

Folic acid rich foods

Broccoli

Green peas

Brussels sprouts

Lettuce

Avocado

Banana

Papaya

Orange juice

Dry roasted peanuts

Breads, cereals, and other grain products

If you do not get enough folic acid from the foods you eat, you can also take it as a dietary supplement, suggests Nutritionist Dr Rohini Patil.

Are there any side effects of folic acid?

For most people, taking folic acid in doses up to 1 mg daily is considered safe. Higher doses may lead to side effects such as upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea, irritability, confusion, behavior changes, skin reactions, and seizures. According to a study published by Current Nutrition Reports, excessive folic acid intake may also be linked to certain cancers and conditions like anemia or insulin resistance.