7 Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Women You Shouldn't Ignore
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, and women are particularly susceptible due to blood loss during menstruation and increased demands during pregnancy. While the symptoms can often be vague or mistaken for general fatigue, recognising the specific signs is the crucial first step toward recovery and better health
1. Why You're Constantly Tired: The Most Common Symptom
Do you feel profoundly exhausted even after a full night’s sleep? This is often the first and most persistent sign of low iron. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout your body. When your iron stores are low, your body struggles to deliver enough oxygen to your tissues, leaving you feeling constantly drained. (Healthdirect, 2025)
2. Hair Loss and Iron Deficiency: A Vicious Cycle
One of the most concerning and visible signs for many women is unexplained hair loss. Hair follicles are sensitive to fluctuations in the body’s iron supply. When iron is scarce, your body priorities sending the limited oxygen supply to essential organs (like the heart and brain) rather than “non-essential” functions like hair growth. This can lead to noticeable thinning, breakage, and even sudden hair loss.
3. Severe Fatigue in Women Not Low Iron? Other Clues
If your constant exhaustion isn’t solely due to iron, other subtle signs of iron deficiency may confirm the issue. These can include:
● Weakness and Dizziness: Especially when standing up quickly.
● Pale Skin: A noticeable lack of color in the face, inside of the eyelids, and nail beds.
● Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): An irresistible urge to move the legs.
● Koilonychia: Nail changes, such as spoon-shaped nails. (Ausmed, 2024)
4. Signs of Low Iron When Pregnant: Prioritising Mother and Child
Pregnancy dramatically increases the body’s demand for iron. Anaemia in pregnancy is common, but identifying it early is vital. Iron deficiency in pregnancy has been associated with poor gestational weight gain, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. (RACGP, 2019)
If you are experiencing severe fatigue, your doctor will test your ferritin levels, which is often considered the most sensitive test to diagnose iron deficiency, even before anaemia develops. (O&G Magazine, 2024)
Next Steps: Solutions and Prevention
Best Iron Rich Foods for Women
While supplements may be necessary, incorporating iron-rich foods helps maintain steady levels.
● Heme Iron (Easily Absorbed): Found in red meat, poultry (like chicken), and fish.
● Non-Heme Iron (Plant-Based): Found in iron-fortified cereals, legumes (beans, chickpeas), and green leafy vegetables (like spinach).
Crucial Tip: Consuming foods rich in Vitamin C (citrus, capsicum, broccoli) alongside non-heme iron sources dramatically enhances iron absorption. (Dietitians Australia, 2025)
Iron Supplements Side Effects on Women
If your deficiency is severe, your doctor may recommend supplements. Iron supplements side effects on women most commonly include constipation, nausea, and stomach upset. Taking them with Vitamin C or utilising alternate-day dosing can often improve tolerance. (Better Health Channel, 2025; RACGP, 2019)
When to See a Doctor for Iron Deficiency
You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent, unexplained fatigue, hair loss, or any other signs mentioned above.
● Do not self-prescribe iron supplements. Iron overload can be dangerous and toxic. (Better Health Channel, 2025)
● Your GP clinic can perform a simple blood test (Full Blood Count and Ferritin) to accurately assess your iron status and determine if oral supplements or an iron infusion are appropriate.
FAQ’S
1: What are the most common symptoms of iron deficiency in women?
The most common symptoms of iron deficiency in women include constant fatigue, hair loss, dizziness, pale skin, restless legs syndrome, and weakness. These early signs of low iron often go unnoticed because they mimic everyday tiredness. Recognising these iron deficiency symptoms early helps prevent anaemia, poor concentration, and reduced energy. Women should monitor persistent fatigue and schedule a blood test for iron levels with their GP for accurate diagnosis.
2: Can iron deficiency cause severe hair loss in women?
Yes, iron deficiency hair loss in women is very common because low iron reduces oxygen supply to the hair follicles. This leads to thinning hair, increased shedding, and weak, brittle strands. Many women mistake this for hormonal changes, but low ferritin levels are often the cause. Treating the underlying iron deficiency through diet or supplementation helps restore healthy hair growth. A GP can identify iron deficiency hair loss symptoms using simple blood tests.
3: What are the signs of low iron during pregnancy?
Common signs of low iron in pregnancy include severe fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, and poor concentration. Pregnant women need higher iron levels to support both mother and baby, making them more vulnerable to anaemia in pregnancy. Low iron increases risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal exhaustion. Doctors check ferritin levels to detect early iron deficiency. Early diagnosis is essential for safe iron deficiency pregnancy management and healthy outcomes.
4: What foods are best for boosting iron levels in women?
The best iron-rich foods for women include heme iron sources such as red meat, chicken, and fish, and non-heme iron foods like legumes, spinach, and fortified cereals. Pairing plant-based iron with vitamin C significantly improves absorption. Including these foods daily helps prevent low iron symptoms and supports healthy energy levels. Women with persistent iron deficiency may still require supplements, but diet remains a key part of iron deficiency recovery
5: When should women see a doctor for iron deficiency symptoms?
Women should see a doctor when experiencing persistent fatigue, hair loss, dizziness, or other signs of low iron that don’t improve with rest. A GP can perform a Full Blood Count and ferritin test to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia. Avoid self-prescribing supplements, as iron overload is dangerous. Early medical assessment ensures appropriate treatment, whether through oral iron, diet changes, or an iron infusion for severe deficiency.
Trusted References
1. Healthdirect. (2025). Anaemia – symptoms, causes and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anaemia
2. Better Health Channel (Victoria Government). (2025). Iron and iron deficiency. Retrieved from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/iron
3. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). (2019). Anaemia in pregnancy. Retrieved from https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2019/march/anaemia-in-pregnancy
4. Dietitians Australia. (2025). Dietary iron makes healthy bodies. Retrieved from https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/dietary-iron-makes-healthy-bodies
5. Ausmed. (2024). Iron Deficiency. Retrieved from https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/iron-deficiency
6. O&G Magazine (RANZCOG). (2024). Iron deficiency in clinical practice. Retrieved from https://www.ogmagazine.org.au/24/1-24/iron-deficiency-in-clinical-practice/
