Women can worry about the results of their blood test after menopause. Our doctor recalls the standards for ferritin analysis.
It is a natural step that almost 100% of women will know by their 51 years. The menopause corresponds to the final cessation of rules and ovulation after the sudden fall in estrogen production. This involves a long transition, premenopause, which can last between 2 and 8 years old, causing many symptoms: hot flashes, sleep disorders, mood variations, drop in libido or vaginal drought. “These are signs that inaugurate subsequent consequences”prevents Dr. Michel Mouly, gynecologist, obstetrician and cancerologist surgeon, because it is also a period of fluctuation of the rules to which we must be attentive.
“The woman is a reflection of her rules” continues the doctor. The iron level of a woman depends a lot on her blood loss. During periods of rules, it is more at risk of lacking iron. During the premenopause, between 45 and 50 years old, losses become irregular, and in some women, more abundant, which favors the drop in iron levels. This is particularly the case in women who have fibroids (benign tumors in the uterus), polyps (growths in the cervix) and/or adenomyosis (internal endometriosis). “Below 20 ng iron per ml of blood, it is not good and one should not let a woman have an iron deficiency” Statue Dr Mouly. An iron level too low can cause fatigue, shortness of breath and weakness.
Conversely, when menopause arrives, iron deficiencies are rarer, which many women do not know. Stopping rules allows stabilization or even a gradual increase in iron in the body. It’s normal. To find out your iron level, you have to go through the analysis of the “serum ferritin” carried out by blood test. The iron level of a menopausal woman is generally between 50 and 200 ng/ml of blood according to the standards of references of the laboratories.
“Menopause can be experienced serenely with suitable gestures” reassures our specialist. Do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to compensate for annoying symptoms. It can offer suitable solutions, including hormonal treatments or food supplements. Food must include a large part of fibers, calcium, vitamin D and physical activity must be regular. Finally, “To live better, you have to inform and speak”. Dr. Mouly advocates discussing it with those around him and “To give importance to his mental health, his emotional well-being and his social life”.
