The signs of iron deficiency
Iron deficiency can sneak up on you. The most common signs include persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, breathlessness on mild exertion, dizziness or headaches, brain fog and poor concentration, pale skin, and hair thinning.
For women, heavy periods are one of the most common causes. If your periods are heavy and you're feeling exhausted, low iron is a real possibility worth investigating.
When oral iron isn't enough
Many women try iron tablets from the pharmacy but find they cause nausea, constipation, or stomach pain. Others take them faithfully for months with no improvement in their energy.
If you can't tolerate oral iron, or your blood tests show your ferritin (iron stores) is still very low despite taking tablets, an infusion may be the right next step. It bypasses the digestive system entirely, restoring your levels quickly.
What to do next
The only way to know for sure is with a blood test. Your GP can arrange iron studies — a simple blood test that measures your ferritin and other iron markers.
If your levels are low, your GP will discuss the best treatment option for you, which may include an iron infusion referral. They'll also investigate why your iron is low in the first place.
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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