Iron is known for its vital role in maintaining energy levels. However, its importance goes well beyond this function and iron is crucial for hormonal balance in both men and women. A deficiency of iron in women can contribute to irregular periods, heavier bleeds, clotted menstrual blood, mood swings and increased PMS symptoms including headaches.
In this blog, we’ll delve into why iron is essential for regulating hormones and supporting overall well-being. We’ll explore how iron deficiency can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to significant health challenges.
By understanding the critical role of iron, you can take proactive steps to ensure your body maintains healthy hormone levels. Let's dive into the specific ways in which iron impacts hormonal health.
1. Supports Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and mood. Iron is essential for synthesising these hormones. Low iron levels can lead to hypothyroidism, characterized by fatigue, weight gain, and depression. An underactive thyroid can also contribute to hormone imbalances including irregular periods, low progesterone function and heavier periods. Ensuring adequate iron intake supports healthy thyroid function, helping to maintain a balanced metabolism and energy levels.
2. Regulates Menstrual Health
For women, iron plays a significant role in menstrual health. Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, can lead to iron deficiency due to substantial blood loss. This not only affects energy levels but can also disrupt the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods Additionally, iron deficiency can contribute to heavier bleeding, clotted and stagnant menstrual blood, further depleting iron stores. Maintaining adequate iron levels is essential for supporting a healthy menstrual cycle.
3. Influences Oestrogen Levels
Oestrogen, a key hormone in the female body, can be affected by iron levels. Low iron can disrupt oestrogen production, resulting in irregular periods, mood swings, and other hormonal imbalances. By maintaining adequate iron levels, women can support optimal oestrogen balance, which is crucial for reproductive health and overall well-being.
4. Affects Insulin Sensitivity
Iron plays a role in insulin signalling and glucose metabolism. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Iron deficiency can impair insulin sensitivity, leading to issues like insulin resistance and imbalanced glucose levels which can cause hormonal imbalances including irregularity. Ensuring sufficient iron intake can help maintain healthy insulin levels and support metabolic health.
5. Supports Testosterone Production
For men (and women to a lesser extent), iron is vital for testosterone production. Low iron levels can lead to decreased testosterone, affecting libido, energy levels, and muscle mass. Maintaining balanced iron levels is essential for hormonal health in men, promoting overall vitality and well-being.
6. Iron and Preconception Care
Ensuring adequate iron intake before conception is crucial for both fertility and preparing the body for a healthy pregnancy. Iron supports the increased blood volume and nutrient demands during pregnancy, reducing the risk of complications such as anemia. Focusing on iron-rich foods — like lean meats, legumes and leafy greens — can help create an optimal environment for conception and set the stage for a healthy pregnancy journey.
How to Increase Iron Absorption:
To ensure adequate iron levels, focus on a balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods such as lean meats, legumes, leafy greens, tofu, temphe, quinoa, nuts and seeds. Pairing these foods with vitamin C and B12 sources can enhance iron absorption, maximising its benefits including capsicum, citrus, broccoli, cooked kale or parsley. Avoid foods which inhibit iron absorption including dairy, coffee, tea, alcohol, zinc, calcium and magnesium when taking iron supplements or eating an iron rich meal.
Beef liver is a nutrient-rich food that provides a high source of iron along with essential cofactors such as B vitamins, copper, and vitamin A, which support absorption. This makes it a great option to enhance iron intake and promote overall health.
You can shop for the beef liver capsules we recommend on our online store. For more support, book an appointment with one of our naturopaths to get started!
