Iron deficiency is a common condition, due to a lack of iron in the blood, causing sufferers to feel extremely tired, experience dizziness or headaches, along with other side effects. It can lead to other health complications if not treated, so it’s always encouraged to speak to your GP if you think you might be experiencing a mineral deficiency of any kind.
What is Iron?
Iron is a vital mineral that plays a very important role in transporting oxygen throughout the body via red blood cells. It is needed for energy, immune health, and brain function in men, women, and children. It is critical for muscle strength and brain activity.
Your body cannot make iron, so if you have an iron deficiency, it’s important to eat iron rich foods, take additional supplements as indicated by the doctor, or following consultation with the medical team, an iron infusion may be required.
Iron Infusions are available at the Valewood Clinic.
Call us on (03) 9560 6655 to book an appointment.
Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
If your iron levels drop significantly, this can lead to anemia which has symptoms of fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, headaches and more. Sufferers commonly report they ‘feel tired all the time’ and experience short dizzy spells.
What Causes Iron Levels to Drop
There are many reasons why your iron levels can drop. Examples include :
- Growth spurts and rapid development in children;
- Poor diet; or inability to absorb nutrients from your diet efficiently,
- Stomach ulcers, stomach cancer, bleeding in the intestines;
- Genetic factors;
- Women with heavy periods, who are pregnant or experiencing menopause.
Why Accurate Diagnosis is Crucial for Effective Treatment
It’s very important to have regular blood tests to check iron levels. Sometimes symptoms of the above causes, can’t be easily identified through a physical examination. A blood test is reliable and can provide details on the amount of iron circulating in your body, how well it is transported around the body, as well as the amount of your body’s iron storage.
How Valewood Clinic can Help You
GP’s at Valewood Clinic offer full medical assessments and if required, will provide you with a referral for a blood test. Blood tests can be easily performed through Melbourne Pathology laboratory, which is conveniently located on-site for all our patients.
Book an appointment with our Reception team today.
How to Interpret your Blood Test Result?
Iron levels in a blood test are interpreted by looking at several aspects of the tests which will determine if you have an iron deficiency or iron overload. For example:
- Serum Iron – measures the amount of iron circulating in your blood
- Ferritin – shows the amount of iron stored in your body.
- Transferrin Saturation Percentage – the percentage of transferrin (a blood protein) that is carrying iron.
- TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) – measures how well your body transports iron.
Your doctor will evaluate your blood test results and give you more information on the results and what they may mean for your body and the best action for treating the deficiency.
Important Considerations to keep in mind for both Men and Women:
- Iron levels can fluctuate with age. Regular testing is recommended.
- Men and women have different normal ranges due to factors like menstruation and pregnancy.
- Higher levels can occur with inflammation.
Treatment Options
The doctors will work with you to identify the best course of treatment for your deficiency. This could mean they prescribe oral or intravenous iron based on the severity and cause. For example, cancer patients frequently need iron infusions to replenish their iron stores and address anemia concerns.
The Allied Health team at Valewood may be included in your treatment plan, where nutritional advice can be offered. For example:
- The Dietitian can assist with information on iron-rich foods to include in your diet, as well as recommend nutritional supplements that can be taken to boost absorption of iron naturally.
- The physiotherapist will assist in addressing fatigue related muscle weakness through gentle strengthening and can also provide a low-impact program to use at home
Ongoing monitoring and care is important to stabilise your iron levels and prevent a recurrence of significant drops. Regular low impact exercise like yoga or pilates can support recovery especially for postpartum or menopausal women.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can iron deficiency affect mental health?
- Yes, iron plays a role in mood regulation, and low levels can contribute to anxiety, irritability, or brain fog.
What’s the difference between low iron and anaemia?
- Low iron is a precursor to anaemia. Anaemia occurs when iron deficiency affects red blood cell production.
Is dietary change enough to fix iron deficiency?
- Not always – some people need medical treatment due to absorption issues or ongoing blood loss.
Why Choose Valewood Clinic for Iron Deficiency Care?
If you’re experiencing extreme tiredness or other symptoms, don’t let iron deficiency hold you back.
At Valewood Clinic, we take a personalised, multi-disciplinary approach to treating iron deficiencies. We combine the expertise of GPs, Allied Health, and visiting specialists all under one roof.
Whether you’re dealing with ongoing fatigue, managing pregnancy, or supporting your child’s development, we provide comprehensive, compassionate care for the Mulgrave community.
Call us on (03) 9560 6655 to book an appointment.
