WHY AM I SO TIRED? LOW FERRITIN, HEAVY PERIODS, AND THE POST-BABY HORMONE ROLLERCOASTER
By Nicole Fuge
I used to think I had a good handle on my body. Sure, my periods weren’t exactly a joy ride, but they were predictable. Then I had kids, and everything changed. My cycles became heavier, my energy levels plummeted, and I found myself wondering if this was just part of motherhood—or something more.
If you’ve been feeling wiped out, struggling to keep up with life, and dealing with periods that seem like a crime scene every month, you’re not alone. It turns out, there’s a strong link between heavy periods and low ferritin levels. And when you add postpartum hormone shifts and the early signs of perimenopause into the mix, it’s no wonder so many of us are left wondering: WTF is going on with my body?
What is Ferritin, and Why Does It Matter?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body, releasing it when needed. It’s not the same as haemoglobin (which carries oxygen in your blood), but it plays a crucial role in keeping your energy levels stable. If your ferritin is low, your body struggles to produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and even hair loss.
Heavy periods are one of the biggest culprits behind low ferritin. Each cycle, we lose blood—and with it, iron. Over time, this can lead to iron deficiency, even if your diet is packed with iron-rich foods. If you’ve ever felt quite literally drained after your period, low ferritin could be to blame.
Post-Baby Periods: Why Do They Change?
One of the biggest surprises after having kids was how much my periods changed. Some women find their cycles get lighter, but for many of us, they become heavier, longer, or more intense. Why? Hormones.
During pregnancy, oestrogen and progesterone skyrocket, only to drop dramatically after birth. Then, if you’re breastfeeding, prolactin (the hormone that helps produce milk) suppresses ovulation, sometimes delaying the return of your period. When your cycle finally does come back, it might be irregular at first—longer, shorter, heavier, or lighter than before.
But here’s the catch: for many women, post-baby periods never quite go back to what they were. Pregnancy and birth can change the shape of your uterus, impact blood flow, or even lead to conditions like adenomyosis (where the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, causing heavy, painful periods). If your periods are significantly different after kids, it’s worth checking in with your doctor.
Is It Just Hormones… Or Perimenopause?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Many of the symptoms we experience after having kids—fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, night sweats—can also be signs of perimenopause, the transition phase before menopause. Perimenopause can start in your late 30s or early 40s (sometimes earlier), and it’s marked by fluctuating hormone levels that can cause unpredictable periods, heavier bleeding, and new PMS symptoms.
So how do you know if it’s just the after-effects of childbirth or the start of perimenopause? Here are a few key differences:
Age and timing: If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and your cycle is becoming more erratic, perimenopause could be a factor.
Symptoms beyond periods: Perimenopause often comes with night sweats, hot flushes, anxiety, brain fog, and sleep disturbances—things that aren’t usually tied to postpartum recovery.
Hormone testing: While tests aren’t always definitive, checking oestrogen, progesterone, and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels can provide clues.
How to Support Your Body Through It All
Whether it’s low ferritin, postpartum shifts, or perimenopause knocking at the door, the key is giving your body what it needs to function at its best. Here’s what’s helped me:
Get Your Iron Checked
A standard blood test might show normal haemoglobin levels, but make sure your doctor checks your ferritin too. Many women feel symptoms even when their ferritin is within the “normal” range but on the lower end.
Boost Your Iron Intake
If your levels are low, increase iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, spinach, and pumpkin seeds. Pairing iron with vitamin C (like orange juice) helps absorption, while calcium (like dairy) can inhibit it.
Consider Supplements
If food alone isn’t enough, an iron supplement can help, but not all are created equal. Look for a well-absorbed form like iron bisglycinate and take it with vitamin C.
Support Your Hormones
Managing stress, prioritising sleep, and balancing blood sugar (by eating protein and healthy fats with meals) can help keep hormones in check.
Track Your Symptoms
Keeping a journal of your cycles, symptoms, and energy levels can help you spot patterns and figure out what’s truly going on.
Advocate for Yourself
If something feels off, don’t brush it aside. Heavy periods, extreme fatigue, or other persistent symptoms deserve attention. Find a doctor who listens and takes your concerns seriously.
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