Could Low Iron Be Affecting Your Quality of Life?
Many people live with symptoms of iron deficiency for months or even years before receiving a diagnosis. Fatigue, brain fog, hair loss and reduced exercise tolerance are often blamed on stress, a busy lifestyle or getting older, when low iron may be contributing to the problem.
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body produce haemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Iron also plays an important role in energy production, concentration, muscle function and overall wellbeing.
Iron deficiency develops when the body's iron stores become depleted. This can occur long before anaemia develops and may cause symptoms even when haemoglobin levels remain within the normal range.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide and is particularly common in women of reproductive age.
Common Symptoms
If these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, an assessment may be worthwhile.
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Hair loss or hair thinning
- Headaches
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Shortness of breath
- Reduced exercise tolerance
- Restless legs
- Pale skin
- Cravings for ice, soil or other non-food substances
Who Is Most At Risk?
Iron deficiency can affect anyone but is particularly common in:
- Women with heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery
- Patients using GLP-1 medications
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Endurance athletes
- Individuals with previous iron deficiency
- Patients with conditions that affect iron absorption
Our Approach
At GMS Ambulatory Healthcare, we recognise that iron deficiency is often part of a bigger picture. Heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, dietary factors, gastrointestinal conditions and other medical problems can all contribute to low iron levels.
Our aim is not simply to replace iron, but to identify and address the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Assessment Before Treatment
Iron infusions are medical treatments and are only recommended when clinically appropriate.
Before treatment, patients complete an Iron Deficiency Assessment Questionnaire and provide recent blood test results. If blood tests have not been performed recently, our team can assist in arranging the necessary investigations.
Dr Solomon personally reviews each case and conducts a telephonic consultation to discuss symptoms, review results, explain treatment options and obtain informed consent.
This process ensures that treatment is appropriate, safe and tailored to each patient's individual needs.
What Is An Iron Infusion?
An iron infusion is a medical procedure that delivers iron directly into the bloodstream through a small intravenous cannula.
Unlike oral iron supplements, which may take several months to restore iron stores and can cause side effects such as nausea, constipation and abdominal discomfort, intravenous iron allows iron levels to be replenished more efficiently when clinically indicated.
The dose prescribed is based on your blood results, medical history and individual iron requirements. Treatment is never administered without appropriate clinical assessment and review of blood tests.
All infusions are performed in a monitored clinical environment by trained healthcare professionals under the supervision of Dr Solomon.
What To Expect
Once treatment has been approved, our team will arrange your infusion appointment.
Our team will provide you with detailed information regarding the procedure, possible side effects and any recommended follow-up.
When Will I Feel Better?
Every patient responds differently, and recovery depends on the severity of the deficiency and the underlying cause. Many patients report improvements in energy levels, mental clarity, exercise tolerance, and breathlessness within one to four weeks following treatment.
Some symptoms, such as hair loss and long-standing fatigue, may take longer to improve. Follow-up blood tests may be recommended to assess your response to treatment and guide ongoing management.
Ready to get started?
You do not need a referral to begin the assessment process. If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to iron deficiency, our team can guide you through the next steps.
Complete our Iron Deficiency Assessment Questionnaire and let us help you determine whether low iron may be contributing to your symptoms.
Assessment Questionnaire