What is a common cause of iron deficiency in women?

Iron deficiency in women is commonly linked to menstrual blood loss. During menstruation, women lose blood, which naturally contains iron. This loss can lead to a decrease in overall iron levels, particularly in individuals who may already have lower dietary iron intake. It becomes particularly critical for women of reproductive age, who may experience significant monthly blood loss, potentially leading to iron deficiency anemia if their iron stores are not replenished adequately through nutrition.

While factors like poor diet quality can contribute to iron deficiency, the impact of menstrual blood loss is a direct and significant cause for many women. Excessive exercise can also influence iron levels due to factors like increased demand, sweat loss, or potential gastrointestinal issues that may occur with rigorous training. Menopause typically results in the cessation of menstruation, which would generally reduce the potential for iron deficiency related to blood loss. Thus, menstrual blood loss stands out as a primary and common cause of iron deficiency in this demographic group.