Iron Deficiency in Women: A Common but Overlooked Health Issue
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide, and women of reproductive age are particularly affected. At Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London, we frequently see patients whose symptoms have been dismissed or misattributed, when low iron levels are a key underlying factor. Understanding iron deficiency, its causes, symptoms, and holistic management is essential for long-term women’s health.
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron is a vital mineral required for the production of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body. When iron levels are too low, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency. If left untreated, this may progress to iron deficiency anaemia.
Importantly, iron deficiency can exist even when haemoglobin levels are still within the “normal” range, meaning symptoms may appear long before a diagnosis is made.
Why Are Women at Higher Risk?
Women are disproportionately affected by iron deficiency due to several physiological and lifestyle factors, including:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Irregular cycles or frequent bleeding
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding, which significantly increase iron requirements
- Restricted diets, including vegetarian and vegan diets
- Poor iron absorption, often linked to gut health issues
In our clinical experience, heavy periods are one of the most common — yet under-investigated — causes of iron depletion.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can present with a wide range of symptoms, many of which are non-specific and easily overlooked:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Brain fog, poor concentration, or low mood
- Shortness of breath on exertion
- Hair thinning or excessive hair shedding
- Brittle nails or pale skin
- Headaches or dizziness
- Worsening menstrual symptoms
These symptoms are often normalised, particularly in busy women juggling work, family, and hormonal changes.
Iron Deficiency and Hormonal Health
Iron plays a crucial role in hormonal balance. Low iron levels may exacerbate:
- Heavy or painful periods
- Cycle irregularity
- Reduced thyroid function
- Poor stress resilience
This creates a vicious cycle: heavy bleeding leads to iron loss, and iron deficiency in turn worsens menstrual and hormonal symptoms.
Diagnosis: Looking Beyond Standard Blood Tests
A holistic assessment goes beyond a simple haemoglobin check. Key markers often include:
- Ferritin (iron storage)
- Full blood count
- Inflammatory markers
- Thyroid function, where appropriate
Low ferritin is a frequent finding in symptomatic women, even when they have been told their blood tests are “normal”.
Holistic Management of Iron Deficiency
At Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London, we focus on addressing both the deficiency and its root cause.
1. Identifying the Cause
Managing iron deficiency without addressing heavy bleeding, poor absorption, or dietary insufficiency is rarely effective.
2. Nutrition First
Iron-rich foods include:
- Red meat, liver, and poultry
- Oily fish and eggs
- Lentils, chickpeas, tofu, and dark leafy greens
- Seeds such as pumpkin and sesame
Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C and inhibited by tea, coffee, and some medications.
3. Targeted Supplementation
Not all iron supplements are the same. Many women experience side effects such as constipation or nausea. Individualised dosing and formulation choice are key to improving tolerance and effectiveness.
4. Supporting Gut and Hormonal Health
Optimising digestion, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormonal balance are essential for sustainable improvement.
When to Seek Professional Support
If you experience heavy periods, persistent fatigue, or unexplained symptoms, iron deficiency should be properly assessed — not dismissed.
At Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London, we take a personalised, evidence-based approach to women’s health, helping patients restore energy, hormonal balance, and overall wellbeing.
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice.
Bibliography
- World Health Organization (WHO). Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Assessment, Prevention and Control. WHO, Geneva.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Anaemia – iron deficiency. Clinical Knowledge Summaries.
- British Society of Gastroenterology. Guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia in adults.
- Pavord S et al. UK guidelines on the management of iron deficiency in pregnancy. British Journal of Haematology.
- Peeling P et al. Iron considerations for the female athlete. Journal of Sports Medicine.
- Muñoz M et al. Iron deficiency and anaemia in women. The Lancet Haematology.
