Feeling Tired? Could Low Iron Be Part of the Problem?
Feeling tired is common. Busy lives, poor sleep, stress and illness can all leave us feeling exhausted.
But sometimes, ongoing fatigue may be a sign of something more.
Iron deficiency is common and can affect people of all ages. While tiredness is one of the symptoms most often associated with low iron, the effects can be much broader — and you do not necessarily need to be anaemic to experience them.
Why is iron important?
Iron plays an important role in helping our bodies function normally.
It is needed to produce haemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Iron is also important for energy production, muscle function and many other processes.
When our iron stores become low, we may begin to notice changes in how we feel.
Symptoms of iron deficiency can include:
- tiredness or low energy
- reduced exercise tolerance
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- dizziness
- difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
- restless legs
- hair loss
- feeling generally run down.
However, some people with iron deficiency have few or no obvious symptoms.
Why does iron deficiency happen?
There are many possible causes of low iron.
Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common cause, particularly in younger women. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also increase the body’s iron requirements.
Other causes can include:
- not getting enough iron through your diet
- difficulty absorbing iron from the digestive system
- coeliac disease or other gastrointestinal conditions
- blood loss from the stomach or bowel
- frequent blood donation
- increased iron requirements during periods of growth or pregnancy
- certain medical conditions.
Finding low iron is only part of the picture.
It is also important to understand why your iron levels are low.
Your GP may recommend further investigation depending on your age, symptoms, medical history and individual circumstances.
How is iron deficiency treated?
For many people, oral iron tablets are the first treatment considered.
They are widely available, relatively inexpensive and can be effective at gradually restoring the body’s iron stores.
However, iron tablets are not suitable for everyone.
Some people experience side effects such as nausea, abdominal discomfort or constipation. Others may have difficulty absorbing iron or may not achieve an adequate improvement in their iron levels despite taking supplements.
In some situations, iron may need to be replaced more quickly.
This is when an iron infusion may be considered.
What is an iron infusion?
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into a vein through an intravenous drip.
This allows iron to enter the bloodstream without needing to be absorbed through the digestive system.
The infusion itself is generally given over a relatively short period of time, with additional time for preparation and monitoring.
When might an iron infusion be considered?
An iron infusion is not automatically required simply because your iron levels are low.
Your GP will consider your symptoms, blood test results, the cause of your iron deficiency, previous treatments and your overall health.
An iron infusion may be considered when:
- oral iron tablets have not adequately improved your iron levels
- you are unable to tolerate oral iron because of side effects
- your body has difficulty absorbing iron
- iron stores need to be replaced more rapidly
- ongoing blood loss makes it difficult to restore iron levels with tablets alone
- there are other medical reasons why intravenous iron may be more appropriate.
The decision to proceed with an iron infusion should be made following an individual medical assessment.
Is an iron infusion right for everyone?
No.
Before recommending an iron infusion, it is important to confirm iron deficiency and consider why it has occurred.
Your GP will review your symptoms, medical history and blood test results and determine whether any further investigation is needed.
An iron infusion may be appropriate for some patients, while for others, oral iron or a different treatment approach may be recommended.
What happens after an iron infusion?
Your GP may recommend repeat blood tests after your infusion to assess your response and ensure your iron levels have improved.
It is also important to continue addressing the underlying cause of your iron deficiency where possible.
The goal is not simply to replace iron once, but to understand why your iron stores became low and reduce the likelihood of the problem recurring.
