The common signs
Iron deficiency develops slowly, so the symptoms often creep up and get blamed on being busy or stressed. The most common are persistent fatigue that rest doesn't fix, breathlessness on mild exertion, dizziness or light-headedness, headaches, brain fog and poor concentration, and pale skin.
Other signs include a fast or pounding heartbeat, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, hair thinning or shedding, and unusual cravings for non-food items like ice (a symptom called pica). Restless legs at night can also be linked to low iron.
Why it's so common in women
Women are far more likely to become iron deficient than men, largely because of menstrual blood loss. Heavy periods are the single biggest cause. Pregnancy also dramatically increases iron needs, and diets low in iron-rich foods (or conditions that affect absorption) contribute.
Because these risk factors are so common, iron deficiency is one of the first things worth checking when a woman feels persistently tired — yet it's frequently overlooked.
How it's diagnosed and treated
A simple blood test called iron studies measures your ferritin (iron stores) and other markers. Your GP can arrange this, often bulk-billed at the pathology centre. If your levels are low, treatment might be dietary changes, iron tablets, or — when tablets don't work or aren't tolerated — an iron infusion.
Just as important is finding out why your iron is low, so the underlying cause (like heavy periods) can be addressed rather than just topped up. If you've been exhausted for months, ask your GP to check your iron.
Related condition
Iron infusion / low iron →References & sources
This content is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult a GP for your personal situation.
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