January is National Blood Donor Month — a time to honor the life-saving act of donating blood. But as we celebrate the power of giving blood, we also want to turn the spotlight inward… to the blood you lose every single month that often goes unrecognized, under-supported, and deeply misunderstood:
-Your menstrual blood
-Your postpartum bleeding
-Your mid-cycle spotting
-Your perimenopausal flow changes
At With Meraki Co., we believe the blood you lose is just as important as the blood you give. So this January, let’s reframe blood donor month as a moment to check in on your own vaginal and menstrual health — and the often hidden ways that bleeding impacts your body, hormones, and energy.
Menstrual Blood Loss = Nutrient Loss
Every month, your body prepares for the possibility of new life — and if pregnancy doesn’t occur, your uterine lining is shed through the vagina. This isn’t just “period blood.” It’s a complex blend of tissue, hormones, immune cells, and nutrients — including iron.
For people with moderate to heavy periods, monthly bleeding can deplete iron stores, which impacts:
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Energy and fatigue
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Mood, brain fog, anxiety
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Hormone balance
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Muscle strength and oxygen delivery
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Vaginal tissue health and resilience
And here's the kicker: Many people with periods don’t realize they’re low in iron until they’re exhausted, dizzy, or losing hair.
Are You at Risk for Low Iron or Anemia?
Here are some signs you may be losing more than you think:
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You bleed for more than 7 days per cycle
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You need to double up on pads/tampons or change hourly
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You pass large clots or have frequent spotting between periods
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You experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or hair shedding
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You’ve had a recent pregnancy, surgery, or postpartum recovery
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You’ve been told you have fibroids, PCOS, or endometriosis
Low iron can also weaken the vaginal mucosa, slow healing, and disrupt the vaginal microbiome, making you more susceptible to infections like BV and yeast.
Blood, Hormones & Your Vaginal Microbiome
What does iron have to do with your vagina?
Hormonal health: Estrogen and progesterone regulate how much you bleed. If your hormones are imbalanced (due to stress, PCOS, thyroid issues), you may experience heavier bleeding or irregular cycles.
Vaginal immunity: Iron deficiency and chronic bleeding stress the body’s immune system, making it harder to maintain a Lactobacillus-rich vaginal microbiome. This can lead to recurring infections.
Microbiome resilience: When your body is depleted (from blood loss, poor diet, or nutrient deficiency), your gut and vaginal flora are affected — making it harder for beneficial bacteria to thrive.
January Wellness Tips for Bleeders
Whether you have a textbook 4-day flow or experience heavy, irregular periods, here’s how to support your body this National Blood Donor Month:
1. Get Your Ferritin Checked
Ferritin is your iron storage marker — and it often drops long before anemia shows up on standard labs. Ask your provider to test it if you experience fatigue, heavy periods, or brain fog.
Optimal ferritin levels for menstruating individuals are often 40–100 ng/mL, not just “normal” lab range.
2. Eat Iron-Rich, Microbiome-Friendly Foods
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Heme iron: grass-fed beef, liver, eggs, sardines
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Non-heme iron: lentils, pumpkin seeds, spinach, tofu
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Pair with vitamin C (like citrus or bell peppers) for better absorption
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Limit coffee/tea around meals if you’re iron deficient
Also support prebiotic fiber (for your vaginal and gut flora): oats, apples, flaxseed, asparagus, and leafy greens.
3. Try Probiotic Support
If you’ve been run down, on antibiotics, or dealing with chronic BV/yeast, your microbiome may need reinforcements.
Our With Clarity probiotic helps replenish Lactobacillus species that protect your vaginal flora and keep pH balanced — especially helpful if nutrient depletion or hormonal swings are affecting your cycle.
4. Track Your Bleeds
Use a cycle tracking app or journal to note:
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How many days you bleed
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How heavy the flow is (light/moderate/heavy)
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Any clots, spotting, or changes
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How you feel energetically in the week after
This helps spot trends and get ahead of potential nutrient imbalances.
What Blood Donor Month Reminds Us
Blood is more than just biology — it’s a story. A reflection of what we’re giving and what we’re losing. Just as we honor those who donate blood to save lives, we should also honor ourselves — especially if we bleed monthly, postpartum, or through perimenopause.
Your body is constantly regenerating. Supporting your iron levels, hormone balance, and vaginal microbiome is part of restoring the life force you give each month — even when the world doesn’t see it.
PSA: You Can Still Donate Blood (in Most Cases)
If you menstruate but aren’t anemic, you can donate blood safely. In fact, iron-rich eaters with healthy cycles often make great donors. Just make sure to:
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Stay hydrated
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Eat iron-rich meals before and after
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Rest well
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Supplement if your ferritin is borderline low
But if you're feeling depleted? It's okay to take care of yourself first.
This January, let’s expand the meaning of Blood Donor Month. Let’s talk about the silent losses — the iron, energy, and nutrients that leave our bodies monthly. And let’s reclaim our cycles as powerful, sacred, and worthy of support.
You’re not “just tired.” You might be depleted.
You’re not “too sensitive.” You’re paying attention.
You’re not “too much.” You just need more care.
Want to Learn More?
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Grab our eBook: The Complete Guide to a Healthy Vagina
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Explore With Clarity probiotic for monthly microbiome support
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Subscribe to our newsletter for cycle care, hormone tips, and vaginal health deep dives
With love, blood, and clarity,
Giana Jarrah
Biomedical Engineer, Hormone Educator & Founder of With Meraki Co.
Share this blog with someone who needs to be reminded: your monthly bleed deserves care, too.