A lack of iron in the body can be incredibly common for women, but there are a number of different symptoms to look out for as opposed to just feeling tired all the time
A medical professional has highlighted the key indicators of low iron levels, which can manifest as constant fatigue and difficulty concentrating. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, a quarter of UK women are iron deficient, a condition that hampers red blood cell production.
Women with heavy menstrual cycles, those who are pregnant, or engage in strenuous physical activity are particularly at risk. Dr Stephanie Ooi, a GP and spokesperson for Active Iron, an iron supplement brand, elaborated: "Iron is crucial because it's responsible for the production of red blood cells in the body." A deficiency can hinder oxygen transportation to organs and tissues, leading to feelings of tiredness and fatigue. "However, low iron levels are frequently overlooked and many women aren't aware of the connection with heavier periods.", reports the Mirror. Dr Ooi, formerly an NHS doctor now practising at a private clinic in London, added: "It's easy to brush off feelings of exhaustion as the result of a hectic lifestyle, or during the winter months, we might naturally assume it's due to the shorter days and longer nights. "But prolonged bouts of fatigue or any of these symptoms, whether they appear alone or in combination, should always be investigated. " Symptoms of low iron levels include: fatigue, tiredness, weakened immune function, impaired cognitive function, such as difficulty concentrating and problem-solving. A recent study by Active Iron has revealed that a significant two-thirds of women have encountered heavy periods "at least once". This is a concern as heavier menstrual bleeding can lead to low iron levels and fatigue due to the volume of blood loss. The research highlighted that around 60% of women who regularly experience heavy periods, and 50% who occasionally do, often just "put up with" the resulting tiredness and exhaustion. Dr Ooi cautions about the potential dangers: "As well as having a huge impact on quality of life, if left untreated, low iron levels impact the immune system and may make people more susceptible to illness and infection." To combat this, Dr Ooi stresses the importance of a balanced diet rich in iron, which includes foods like red meat, pork, poultry, fortified cereals, and dark green leafy vegetables. However, she also points out that diet alone might not suffice for maintaining adequate iron levels in the body. Iron is available in two types: haem, present in animal products, and non-haem, found in plant sources such as nuts and legumes. Dr Ooi notes, "Non-haem iron is absorbed at a much lower rate, meaning people following vegetarian and plant-based diets may find they are still deficient, even if they eat lots of iron-rich foods." For those concerned about their menstrual health, Dr Ooi advises consulting a GP, who will typically perform a blood test to check iron levels. If a deficiency is detected, taking an iron supplement is usually recommended. Unfortunately, iron supplements can sometimes lead to less than pleasant reactions such as stomach pain and constipation. "Active Iron has been developed to minimise side effects including gut discomfort," the expert emphasised. The company is championing women's health, urging ladies to open up about the struggles of menstrual fatigue.
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