What You Need to Know About Iron Deficiency

Understanding what iron deficiency means

Iron deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. Iron plays an essential role in carrying oxygen around the body, so low levels can affect energy, concentration, exercise tolerance, and overall wellbeing. It is common, treatable, and important to assess properly so the underlying cause is not missed.

Common symptoms you may notice

Many people feel unusually tired or weak, even with rest. Other symptoms may include breathlessness, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, hair thinning, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, or reduced exercise capacity. Some people notice brain fog, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Symptoms may develop slowly, so they are sometimes overlooked.

Why iron levels drop

Iron deficiency can occur for several reasons. Common causes include insufficient dietary intake, blood loss (for example heavy periods, gastrointestinal bleeding, or surgery), pregnancy, digestive conditions affecting absorption, or chronic illness. Children, adolescents, menstruating women, older adults, and some athletes may be more at risk. Understanding why levels are low matters just as much as correcting them.

How iron deficiency is diagnosed

A simple blood test checks iron stores, red blood cells, and sometimes other markers. Your GP interprets these results in context to determine whether you have iron deficiency with or without anaemia, and whether further investigation is needed. Diagnosis is not just about numbers — it is about understanding your overall health story.

Treatment and recovery

Treatment depends on the cause. Many people benefit from dietary adjustments and iron supplements, while others may require further treatment such as intravenous iron or investigation for bleeding sources. Your GP will guide you safely, explain options, and monitor your response over time. Most people improve significantly once levels are restored.

Why medical guidance matters

It is important not to self-diagnose or self-treat long term. Iron supplements taken unnecessarily, incorrectly, or in high doses can cause harm. Your GP helps ensure testing is appropriate, treatment is safe, and the cause is addressed rather than overlooked.

When to seek medical review

Make an appointment if you experience persistent fatigue, breathlessness, unexplained weakness, heavy menstrual bleeding, symptoms of anaemia, or if you are worried about your iron levels. If symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by chest pain, collapse, or black stools, seek urgent medical help.

Iron deficiency is treatable and highly manageable. With the right care, most people regain energy, function, and quality of life.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.