Iron helps your blood carry oxygen around your body. When iron stores run low, you can feel tired and run-down long before you develop anaemia. Women are more at risk because of periods, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common symptoms
- Tiredness and low energy
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Pale skin
- Dizziness or headaches
- Poor concentration
- Brittle nails or hair loss
- Restless legs
Who is more at risk?
- Women with heavy periods
- Pregnant women and new mothers
- Vegetarians and vegans
- People with coeliac disease or other gut conditions
- Regular blood donors and endurance athletes
How it's checked
A simple blood test, a full blood count and iron studies including ferritin, shows how much iron you have stored. Just as important, your GP will look for the cause, because treating low iron without finding why it's low can miss something important.
How much iron do women need?
Australian guidelines recommend about 18 mg of iron a day for women aged 19 to 50, and 27 mg a day during pregnancy. Iron from meat, chicken and fish is absorbed best. Iron from legumes, tofu, leafy greens and fortified cereals is absorbed better when eaten with vitamin C, such as citrus or capsicum. Tea and coffee with meals can reduce absorption.
Treatment
Depending on your levels and the cause, treatment may include diet changes, iron tablets taken as directed by your GP, or an iron infusion when tablets aren't suitable or haven't worked. A follow-up blood test checks that your levels are improving.
Want to talk it through? Dr Syed sees patients at Medicross Brygon Medical Centre, Upper Coomera, and Runaway Bay Medical & Dental.
Book online Iron infusions with Dr Syed →Common questions
How do I know if I have low iron?
Common signs include tiredness, breathlessness, pale skin and poor concentration, but the only way to know is a blood test arranged by your GP.
How much iron does a woman need each day?
Australian guidelines recommend about 18 mg a day for women aged 19 to 50, and 27 mg a day during pregnancy.
When is an iron infusion recommended?
When iron deficiency is confirmed and tablets aren't suitable, haven't worked, or iron needs replacing more quickly, for example later in pregnancy. Your GP will discuss whether it suits you.
Further reading: Eat for Health (NHMRC) · healthdirect Australia · Jean Hailes for Women's Health
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own health. In an emergency, call 000.
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