Exclusive:
Moria Timi Omi suffered for years with debilitating heavy periods, leaving her exhausted and struggling to find a solution after her GP prescribed her supplements that made her feel worse
A woman who endured years of agonising periods and exhaustion was devastated when GP-prescribed iron tablets only made her feel worse. For years, Moria Timi Omi struggled in silence due to heavier, painful periods that left her exhausted.
At 34, the London-based project manager had spent over a decade struggling with symptoms that left her bed-bound every month. “The pain became unbearable,” Moria said. “I was going through sanitary products so quickly, I was constantly fatigued and struggled to concentrate at work.”
Moria, who lives in Canning Town, East London, discovered she was low in iron as a result of her heavy periods, which left her drained of energy and struggling with daily life.
“I was having to take days off work, constantly running to the toilet and bringing spare clothes,” she said. “I worked in retail when I was younger, and it was awful. My uniform was dark, but I’d still end up leaking through.”
Moria’s problems didn’t just affect her physically – they also took a toll on her confidence and mental health. “I felt so much shame. Having to constantly worry about where the nearest toilet was, it was exhausting. Even with my friends, I didn’t feel comfortable talking about it.”
At work, she felt forced to suffer in silence, unable to speak openly about how much she was struggling. “I work with a lot of men, and I couldn’t exactly bring up my periods in a meeting,” she said. “It’s still such a taboo subject, even now.”
It wasn’t until Moria’s mother encouraged her to get checked for low iron levels that she finally sought medical advice. Her GP confirmed her iron levels were not adequate and prescribed her iron tablets. But they quickly made things worse.
“They made me feel awful,” she said. “They made me feel nauseous all the time. I’d rather suffer through the fatigue than take them.”
Moria said the side effects were too much for her: “I’d take them for a few days and then stop because I just couldn’t tolerate them.” After struggling with other iron supplements for years, Moria’s friend recommended she try Active Iron.
“It was a game-changer. Genuinely, they’re the first supplements that didn’t make me feel sick,” she said. “Within a few weeks, I noticed a difference. By my next period, I wasn’t as completely floored. I wasn’t feeling that awful fatigue in the days leading up to it.”
Unlike traditional iron tablets, Active Iron is designed to be gentler on the stomach while maximising absorption. Clinical studies have shown it can increase iron levels by 94 percent, making it an effective alternative for those struggling with low iron.
“It’s such a relief to finally have something that works for me. I feel so much more energised, and the fatigue has massively improved,” Moria said. “I honestly swear by them, and I always tell people to try them if they struggle with iron tablets.”
Many women in the UK struggle with their iron levels. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, around one in four women have it without knowing.
Dr Stephanie Ooi, a GP and ambassador for Active Iron, explained: “Iron is crucial for red blood cell production. When levels drop, the body struggles to carry oxygen, leading to tiredness and fatigue. But many women just put up with it.”
A recent study by Active Iron found that six in 10 women with heavier periods suffer from fatigue, with many assuming it’s just a normal part of life. In some cases, these symptoms may also be linked to underlying conditions like endometriosis, which affects one in 10 women and is one of the leading causes of menstrual pain and heavy periods.
Dr Ooi warned: “Low iron levels impact the immune system and may make people more susceptible to illness and infection. It’s not just about feeling tired – it can have a huge impact on quality of life. Women experiencing heavy periods should always seek medical advice, as it could be a sign of conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.”
Moria’s life has transformed since making the switch. While she still experiences heavier periods, they are now far more manageable. “Before, I’d be wiped out for days. Now, it’s so much easier to cope,” she said. “I have more energy, I don’t feel like I’m running on empty. My periods are still heavier, but they don’t completely take over my life anymore.”
Now, she’s encouraging other women not to suffer in silence. “If you’re struggling, talk to someone – whether it’s a friend, a doctor, or seeking professional advice. You don’t have to just put up with it.”