Periods and iron
What the NHS and NICE advise about iron when periods are heavy, how much is safe to take, and what to check first, with prices per dose.
The NHS names heavy periods, with pregnancy, as one of the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia. Its iron page says women with heavy periods may need iron supplements and should speak to a GP or dietitian. Women aged 19 to 49 need 14.8mg a day, and 8.7mg from 50. When a GP suspects anaemia, a blood test is the usual first step.
NHS: See a GP if you think you might have iron deficiency anaemia. They will usually arrange a blood test.
Each line below is a short summary of what the named source says, with a link to read it in full. None of it is medical advice.
Advised
Iron
A mineral found in red meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit and fortified breakfast cereals. Supplements come as ferrous fumarate, sulphate or gluconate, or as bisglycinate.
- NHS: Women with heavy periods may need iron supplements; speak to a GP or dietitian.
- NHS: 17mg or less a day from supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.
Also covered by NHS, NHS inform and British Dietetic Association.
Cheapest per 14 mg iron · Bisglycinate (gentle iron)3pCompare 26 products
Things to check
- NHS: See a GP if heavy periods are affecting your life.
- NHS: Iron tablets can cause constipation, tummy pain or feeling sick; taking them with or soon after food may ease this.
- NHS: Large amounts of tea, coffee, milk and dairy make it harder for the body to absorb iron.
- NHS: Drinking orange juice after an iron tablet may help the body absorb it.
- NHS: Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly for children: keep iron supplements out of their reach.
- NICE: NICE's summary for GPs does not recommend iron combined with folic acid, B12 or other nutrients for iron deficiency.
- NICE: Iron can weaken some medicines taken at the same time, including levothyroxine and some antibiotics; ask a pharmacist.
If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, check with a pharmacist or GP first.
Sources
- Iron deficiency anaemiaSymptoms, the GP blood test, iron tablets, diet and the causes of iron deficiency anaemia.
- Heavy periodsSigns of heavy periods, their causes, and when to see a GP.
- IronWhere iron comes from, how much people need, and how much is safe to take.
- Iron deficiency anaemiaSymptoms, causes, the blood test, iron tablets and diet, as advised in Scotland.
- IronSigns of low iron, iron-rich foods, how much people need, and vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Anaemia - iron deficiency: Scenario: Management of iron deficiency anaemiaNICE's summary for GPs on assessing and managing iron deficiency anaemia.
- Anaemia - iron deficiency: Drug interactionsWhat makes iron harder to absorb, and which medicines iron affects.
Sources checked 28 September 2026. Prices checked 20 October 2026, ranked purely by price per dose. Which sources these pages use.