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Iron deficiency in women occurs when the body’s iron stores fall too low to produce enough healthy red blood cells. It is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in women of reproductive age — and it can cause persistent fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness. A simple blood test confirms the diagnosis.
Iron deficiency occurs when your body does not have enough iron to function properly. Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your muscles, brain, and organs.
When iron stores run low, your body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells. Over time, this can progress to iron deficiency anaemia.
Two key terms to know:
Ferritin — the protein that stores iron in your body. A low ferritin result is the earliest sign of iron depletion, often appearing before symptoms start.
Haemoglobin (Hb) — reflects your red blood cell count. This drops at the more advanced anaemia stage.
In short: you can have iron deficiency without anaemia. That is why ferritin is the most important number to check.
Many women are told they have ‘low iron’ without understanding what that actually means. Here is a clear comparison:
| Iron Deficiency | Iron Deficiency Anaemia | |
|---|---|---|
| What it means | Low iron stores (low ferritin) | Low iron + low haemoglobin |
| Blood test result | Low ferritin, normal Hb | Low ferritin + low Hb count |
| Symptoms | Can be mild or absent | More pronounced fatigue, pallor, breathlessness |
| Treatment | Dietary changes or oral iron | Oral iron supplements or iron infusion |
| Stage | Early — easier to treat | More advanced |
Both conditions are diagnosed with a blood test. Your GP will check your ferritin and full blood count (FBC) together to understand which stage you are at.
Women face greater iron demands than men for several biological reasons.
Heavy or prolonged periods are one of the leading causes of iron depletion. Blood loss during menstruation directly reduces iron stores every month, and for women with conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids, that loss can be significant.
Pregnancy also increases iron requirements substantially — iron supports the growing placenta and baby, and blood loss during birth can lower levels further in the postpartum period.
Additionally, vegetarian and vegan diets can make it harder to maintain iron levels. Plant-based iron (non-haem iron) is absorbed less efficiently than the iron found in meat and fish. However, with the right food combinations — particularly pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C — it is still achievable.
According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide. In Australia, it is estimated that around 1 in 8 women of reproductive age have iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency develops slowly, which makes the signs easy to dismiss or attribute to stress, poor sleep, or a busy lifestyle. Common signs include:
These symptoms overlap with many other conditions — including thyroid issues, vitamin D deficiency, and burnout. For this reason, the only reliable way to confirm iron deficiency is a blood test, not symptoms alone.
There is rarely just one cause. Common causes we see at Athena Women’s Clinic include:
Treatment depends on how low your levels are, what is causing the deficiency, and how well your body absorbs iron. Options include:
Dietary changes — increasing iron-rich foods such as red meat, legumes, tofu, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Pairing these with vitamin C (citrus, capsicum) helps the body absorb more iron. Avoid tea and coffee with meals, as these can block absorption.
Oral iron supplements — effective for mild-to-moderate deficiency. However, they can cause digestive side effects, and it may take several months to restore levels.
Iron infusion — delivers iron directly into the bloodstream in a single GP-led clinical session. An infusion may be recommended when:
At Athena Women’s Clinic, Dr. Kavipriya Soma provides GP-led iron infusion services in Perth. All infusions follow a blood test and consultation to confirm they are right for you.
An iron infusion may be the right option if your iron levels are significantly low, if oral supplements cause digestive side effects you cannot tolerate, or if your body is not absorbing oral iron effectively — for example, due to coeliac disease. Some women also prefer an infusion when they need levels restored quickly, such as before or after pregnancy. Dr. Soma can advise after reviewing your blood test results.
A simple blood test that checks your ferritin (your stored iron) alongside a full blood count gives a clear picture. Ferritin is often the first number to drop — even before symptoms become obvious. You cannot reliably gauge your iron levels from symptoms alone, as they overlap with many other conditions. A GP can interpret your results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Yes. Diet is only one piece of the picture. If you are losing iron faster than you are replacing it — for example through heavy periods — you can become deficient despite eating well. Gut absorption issues, such as coeliac disease, can also prevent proper iron uptake regardless of diet. A blood test is the only way to know for certain.
Iron needs increase significantly during pregnancy to support the growing baby and placenta. Low iron is one of the most commonly monitored conditions in antenatal care. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, your GP can check your iron and ferritin levels and advise on appropriate supplementation or treatment for you.
If you have been feeling persistently tired, foggy, or breathless, a blood test is the place to start. At Athena Women’s Clinic, Dr. Soma provides GP-led assessment of iron deficiency, iron blood testing, and iron infusion services in Perth at our Bentley clinic.
Call us on (08) 6116 1285 or visit our Contact Us page to book your appointment.
If you have a referral or anticipate needing an ultrasound in Perth, please reach out to our team to arrange your booking.
Call us at (08) 6116 1285 or email reception@athenawomensclinic.com.au
