Years ago, I went Vegetarian…With some complications I was not following the Vegetarian diet for long.

In that timeframe, is when I realized overall I had some Iron Level issues.

Even years later-to today, depending on the time of the month my iron levels drop.

The last two years especially, my periods have been so off, that when I do get them as well, it is the heaviest (needing to change pads every 30 mins to an hour) for 24-48 hours and then it stops.

Times like mentioned above, is when my iron level is at risk. I have never been anemic but my iron level is on the low side.

I used to take supplements but the doctor didn’t renew them for me. And for some reason in Quebec, we need a prescription to get the supplements.

Some of the symptoms I have gotten from low iron are;

Extreme Fatigue (But with every other issue I have, I am sure it can be linked to everything else).

Pale Skin (I sometimes look like a ghost)

Cold Hands and Cold Feet (No matter what the temperature is, even at 40 degrees celsius my hands and feet are always clammy).

For those who wonder about their Iron Level’s, here are the symptoms from Mayo Clinic, that you should monitor as you contact your doctor to get further tests.

• Extreme fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness
• Cold hands and feet
• Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
• Brittle nails
• Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or starch
• Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia

Having low iron or being anemic is actually a serious issue. For those who have any of the symptoms, you should go ahead and see your doctor.

For me it is caused by a mixture of lacking iron from my diet. (Those who know me, know my diet is all over the place). As well blood loss during menstruation.

After years and it going up and down, I am still paying close attention to this due to having open heart surgery when I was younger.

According to the Mayo Clinic; Iron deficiency anemia may lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Your heart must pump more blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen carried in your blood when you’re anemic. This can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.

As I am getting ready to change my life, this will be one thing I will for sure go and keep an eye on.