Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment.

Why Women Develop Iron Deficiency

Modern lifestyles accelerate iron loss in women. Heavy menstrual bleeding accounts for 70% of cases, while plant-based diets, common in multicultural communities,  limit absorption. Pregnancy demands an extra 1000mg of iron, often depleting reserves before symptoms appear.

Primary causes:

• Heavy/prolonged periods.
• Vegetarian/vegan diets.
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding.
• Frequent blood donation.
• Gut absorption issues.

Normal levels: Haemoglobin 115-160 g/L in women; ferritin >30 ug/L.

8 Recognisable Warning Signs

Fatigue feels different with iron deficiency – unrelenting despite rest. 

Women often blame busy schedules, while pale skin, breathlessness and cravings signal brewing anaemia. Early recognition prevents progression to severe weakness.

Common symptoms:

1. Extreme tiredness – with simple day-to-day activities.
2. Pale skin/inner eyelids – check gum colour.
3. Shortness of breath – normal activities.
4. Ice cravings (pica) – unusual but classic.
5. Restless legs – night-time twitching.
6. Brittle nails/hair loss.
7. Cold hands/feet.
8. Headaches/dizziness.

High-Risk Groups:

Certain women need annual screening regardless of symptoms. Heavy period sufferers lose 30-80ml of blood monthly, versus the average of 30ml. Vegetarians absorb only 10-15% plant iron versus 20-25% meat iron, creating cumulative deficits.

Test immediately if:

• Periods soak pad/tampon hourly.
• Vegetarian >2 years.
• Pregnant/planning pregnancy.
• Family history of anaemia.
• Age 45+ fatigue.

Test: Full blood count + ferritin – results 24hrs.

Smart food combinations maximise iron absorption for all women. Pair plant-based iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus or capsicum; avoid tea, coffee and dairy during iron-rich meals to prevent a 50-60% absorption block.

Top sources:

Daily target: 18mg pre-menopause; 8mg post-menopause.

Enhancing Iron Absorption

Timing transforms dietary iron effectiveness. Vitamin C triples plant iron uptake; calcium/phyates block 50-60%. Separate supplements from dairy.

Boosters:

• Lemon/orange with meals.
• Capsicum in stir-fries.
• Avoid tea 1 hour before/after.

Blockers:

• Coffee/tea with meals.
• Calcium supplements.
• High-fibre bran cereals.

Supplementation Guidelines

Tablets work when diet alone proves insufficient – always GP-directed. Start with lower doses to minimise gut upset; liquid forms are suitable for those with poor absorption. Retest ferritin after 3 months and continue 6 months beyond normal levels to fully replenish iron stores.

Typical course:

• Mild (ferritin 15-30): 100-200mg elemental iron daily.
• Moderate (<15): 200-325mg daily.
• Severe anaemia: IV iron assessment required.

Common effects: Black stools are normal; stomach upset is minimised with food.

Always consult your doctor before starting iron supplements. Individual dosing depends on ferritin levels, absorption capacity, medications and health conditions. Metropol Doctors provides personalised guidance after a blood test review.

Prevention Plan for Carindale Women

Monthly cycles demand proactive iron management. Track periods, rotate iron sources, and test annually. Pregnancy planning starts 3 months pre-conception with a ferritin check.

Weekly checklist:

• Red meat/liver 2x.
• Lentil curry 1x.
• Vitamin C with every iron meal.
• Period/heavy flow log.
• Annual blood test.