What Happens To Women's Body When There is Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is a pervasive health concern, particularly affecting women of reproductive age. This condition can lead to various complications, including fatigue, anemia, and adverse outcomes during pregnancy. Women are particularly susceptible due to factors like menstruation, pregnancy, and dietary choices. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and methods of prevention is essential for maintaining optimal health.

A study published in the PubMed, titled 'Iron deficiency in women: assessment, causes and consequences' stated that iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder worldwide, impacting approximately 20-25% of the global population, with children and women being the most affected.

Recent research indicates that the depletion of iron reserves can lead to negative health effects in adults, even without the presence of anaemia. This underscores the need to reevaluate and refine the methods used to assess iron levels effectively.

Iron is crucial for the body to function properly. It is a key component in the production of red blood cells, muscle tissues, enzymes, and other molecules. These elements are essential for maintaining energy levels, supporting the immune system, and carrying oxygen throughout the body. The body also loses iron through daily shedding of skin cells and, for women, particularly through menstruation.

Women who experience heavy menstrual cycles are at a higher risk of iron deficiency due to the significant blood loss they experience each month. A heavy period can be identified by certain symptoms, such as needing to change pads or tampons more than five to six times a day, bleeding for more than seven days, or passing blood clots larger than a quarter coin.

In addition to menstruation, the adolescent phase presents challenges in iron absorption. Young women often fail to meet their iron needs through diet, which is exacerbated if they do not consume enough iron-rich foods like red meat or green leafy vegetables. For women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, the demand for iron increases dramatically.

During pregnancy, iron is needed for both the mother and the developing baby, further increasing the risk of deficiency if dietary intake isn’t sufficient.

The daily recommended intake of iron varies depending on age, lifestyle, and reproductive status. Women between the ages of 19 and 50 typically require around 18 mg of iron per day. Pregnant women need even more, around 27 mg per day, due to the increased demand for blood production.

Women over 50 and postmenopausal women require less, approximately 8 mg daily, because they no longer experience monthly menstrual blood loss.

Common dietary sources of iron include lean red meat, eggs, leafy greens, legumes, beans, and iron-fortified cereals. However, it’s important to note that iron from plant-based foods is not as easily absorbed by the body as iron from animal sources. Women who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet may need to consume more iron-rich foods or take supplements to meet their body’s needs.

When the body doesn't receive sufficient iron, it starts to conserve iron and use it for only the most essential functions. This can lead to a condition called iron-deficiency anemia, where the body produces fewer red blood cells, and the hemoglobin levels decrease. Hemoglobin is essential for oxygen transport in the body, and when levels drop, the body struggles to deliver oxygen to tissues and organs.

Common symptoms of iron deficiency include:

- Fatigue

- Shortness of breath

- Pale skin

- Dizziness or headaches

- Brittle nails and hair loss

If iron deficiency progresses without intervention, it can lead to more severe conditions like chronic anemia. Iron deficiency without anemia is also a concern, as it can still negatively impact cognitive function, mood, and energy levels.

It is important to differentiate between iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency occurs when the body’s iron stores are depleted, but the hemoglobin levels are still within a normal range.

This stage is often undiagnosed because the body may not yet exhibit symptoms. On the other hand, iron-deficiency anemia is the final stage of iron deficiency, where both iron stores and hemoglobin levels are critically low.

A common diagnostic method for assessing iron stores is a ferritin blood test, which measures the amount of stored iron. A ferritin level below 30 μg/L is generally considered indicative of iron deficiency.

Certain groups are more susceptible to iron deficiency, particularly women who:

- Have heavy menstrual cycles

- Are pregnant or breastfeeding

- Have recently given birth

- Follow vegetarian or vegan diets

- Have undergone major surgeries or experienced physical trauma

- Suffer from gastrointestinal conditions such as Celiac disease or inflammatory bowel diseases

Additionally, women who have undergone bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass, are at an elevated risk because their ability to absorb nutrients, including iron, is compromised. Children who consume large amounts of cow's milk may also be at risk because cow’s milk contains little iron and can reduce its absorption while causing potential irritation to the intestinal lining.

The most effective way to prevent iron deficiency is through diet. Consuming iron-rich foods like beef, liver, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, and legumes helps maintain healthy iron levels. It’s also essential to consume vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, and tomatoes, as vitamin C enhances iron absorption.

For women who are at risk of iron deficiency, routine blood tests can help detect any imbalances early. Tests to measure hemoglobin levels and ferritin provide insight into both immediate and long-term iron stores. If iron deficiency is identified, treatment may involve dietary changes and supplements.

Iron supplements are available in oral or intravenous forms, and they can correct iron levels within three to four months of treatment. However, supplements should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as excessive iron intake can cause other health problems.

Iron deficiency is a widespread but often overlooked health issue, particularly for women of reproductive age. Heavy menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and dietary choices contribute to iron loss, and if left untreated, iron deficiency can lead to severe complications like iron-deficiency anemia.

Prevention through a well-balanced diet rich in iron and early diagnosis via blood tests are critical for maintaining optimal health. For women experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency, consulting a healthcare provider for proper testing and treatment is essential to restore energy levels and overall well-being.