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Fatigue, weakness or shortness of breath could be signs of iron deficiency, a common condition, especially in women of reproductive age or perimenopausal women.
Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Without enough iron, your body can’t make enough haemoglobin, which can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Symptoms can include palpitations, breathlessness on exertion, and general fatigue. Both oral supplements and iron infusions are available to treat it; which is right for you depends on the severity of your deficiency, your tolerance to oral supplements, and your overall health.
Are you experiencing fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath?
These could be signs of iron deficiency, a common condition that affects many people, most commonly women who are of reproductive years or perimenopausal. Both iron infusions and oral supplements are available to fix the problem. Let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of each to help you determine which might be the best option for you.
If your deficiency is mild and you can tolerate oral supplements, they’re a good starting point. If it’s moderate to severe, or oral supplements cause severe side effects or aren’t well absorbed, an infusion may be the better choice. A simple blood test checks your haemoglobin and iron levels; any lab in Australia can do it, but you’ll need a doctor to interpret the results and guide treatment.
Oral iron supplements are a common first line of treatment for iron deficiency and are readily available over the counter in pharmacies in a variety of forms.
An iron infusion involves receiving iron directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line.
Both treat iron deficiency; the right one for you depends on severity and tolerance.
A simple blood test checks your levels; talk it through with your doctor to decide what suits you.
The best option for you depends on several factors, including the severity of your iron deficiency, your tolerance to oral supplements, and your overall health.
If you have mild iron deficiency and can tolerate oral supplements, they might be a good starting point.
If you have moderate to severe iron deficiency, experience severe side effects from oral supplements, or have conditions that prevent proper absorption, an iron infusion might be a better choice
You will need a simple blood test to check your haemoglobin and iron levels. Any lab in Australia can do the test; you just need a pathology request form and a doctor to help you interpret your results and guide you on the best treatment. Ideally, this is a GP who can offer you an iron infusion!
All the doctors at Clinic 66 can do this for you, and we offer iron infusions at our Chatswood clinic in Sydney.
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In the event of an emergency, go to your nearest emergency department.
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