What are the symptoms of iron deficiency in women? Why are women more prone to iron deficiency?

Symptoms of iron deficiency in women are a common medical issue. However, many women often overlook the risks of iron deficiency. Stress, fatigue, digestive disorders, or weakness... are indicators that your body lacks iron.

1. Symptoms of iron deficiency in women

Symptoms of iron deficiency in women need more attention than just anemia. Because the body needs iron to form red blood cells and transport oxygen from the blood to organs and tissues. Anemia due to iron deficiency affects women more than men. Especially women during pregnancy.

• Feeling excessively tired, headaches, dizziness, loss of balance
  
• Body temperature dropping, cold hands and feet or feeling shivery
  
• Pale skin, pale lips or slightly yellowish
  
• Rapid and irregular heartbeat
  
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, especially during physical activity
  
• Hair loss, dry nails, brittle and easy to break

Symptoms of iron deficiency in women include: fatigue, weakness, hair loss, anemia,...

If you notice these symptoms in your body, you should consider iron deficiency anemia. Partly because women have lower iron levels and are often more sensitive to iron deficiency. 
Although the initial signs of iron deficiency in women are quite subtle and difficult to recognize. However, if not treated or supplemented in time, iron deficiency can lead to more serious health problems. When there is too little oxygen in the body, organs can be damaged. Additionally, when anemic, the heart has to work harder to compensate. This is harmful to the heart and increases the risk of heart failure. 

2. Why are women more prone to iron deficiency?

Along with the Symptoms of iron deficiency in women, surely many wonder why they are prone to such deficiency. The causes may include: 

2.1. Iron Loss due to Bleeding: 

Bleeding can lead to a loss of more blood cells and iron than the body can replace. Women may have low iron levels due to bleeding because of:

• Damage to the digestive system: such as gastric or intestinal ulcers, polyps, or colorectal cancer.
  
• Regular or prolonged use of medications that can cause bleeding. Such as aspirin and other over-the-counter pain relievers.
  
• Too frequent blood donation or insufficient time between donations for the body to recover.
  
• Longer or heavier menstrual cycles than usual.
  
• Uterine fibroids.

2.2. Increased Iron Requirement during Pregnancy: 

During pregnancy, your body needs more iron than usual. This iron is required to support the healthy development of the fetus. 

Pregnant women require more iron than usual 

2.3. Improper Calcium and Iron Supplementation: 

Certain health conditions such as digestive disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, or gastric bypass surgery for weight loss may hinder your body's iron absorption from food. Even though you consume enough iron-rich foods, your body may not absorb them effectively.

3. How to prevent iron deficiency in women?

Iron deficiency leading to anemia in women is not uncommon, yet many still lack understanding about it. If you frequently experience headaches, fatigue due to iron deficiency, avoid overusing pain relievers. Instead, adhere to the following principles:

• Treat the underlying cause of blood loss: Consult a doctor if you have heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal issues. For instance, if you experience frequent diarrhea or notice blood in your stool.

Pregnant women should consult a doctor when experiencing iron deficiency symptoms.

• Eat iron-rich foods: Good sources of iron include lean meat and chicken, dark green leafy vegetables, and beans.
  
• Consume foods and drinks that enhance iron absorption: Such as orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or other fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.
  
• Opt for a healthy diet: Most individuals who opt for a balanced, healthy diet receive the iron and vitamins their bodies need from the foods they eat.
  
• Avoid drinking coffee or tea during meals: These beverages can hinder iron absorption in your body.
  
• Talk to your doctor if you take calcium supplements: Calcium may interfere with your body's iron absorption. If you struggle to meet your iron needs, discuss with your doctor the best way to ensure sufficient calcium intake.
  

If you notice symptoms of iron deficiency in women, take proactive steps to supplement this nutrient. Alternatively, it's advisable to consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and guidance on your condition.

4. How much iron do women need per day?

Inadequate supplementation is a common cause of iron deficiency symptoms in women. Therefore, it's crucial for women to understand their body's iron needs at each stage.

• Women aged 14 - 50: Require 15-18mg of iron per day
  
• Women aged 51 and above: Require supplementation of 8mg of iron per day
  
• Pregnant women: Require 27mg of iron per day
  
• Breastfeeding women: Require 10mg of iron per day
  
• Vegetarian women aged 14 - 18: Require 27mg of iron per day, aged 19 - 50: Require 32mg of iron per day, and above 50: Require 14mg of iron per day. 

If experiencing iron deficiency symptoms, you need to supplement according to your needs

Vegetarians need more iron from food than meat eaters. This is because the body can absorb iron from meat, fish, and eggs better than from plant-based foods. 
Supplementing iron is necessary when experiencing iron deficiency symptoms in women. Statistics show that about 20% of women, half of whom are pregnant women, do not have enough iron in their bodies. However, you should not supplement more than 45mg of iron per day unless directed by a doctor. Consuming too much iron can have adverse effects on your health. 
You can supplement additional iron from food or dietary supplements. However, we advise you to choose food first. If food cannot meet your body's needs, then dietary supplements are necessary. Foods rich in iron include:

Including meat and eggs: This category encompasses foods containing beef, lamb, chicken, pork, liver, eggs, as well as some processed items like sausages and hot dogs, which still retain a significant amount of iron.

Seafood: This includes shrimp, tuna, salmon, cod, trout, clams, oysters, and more.

Dark green leafy vegetables: Examples include spinach, kale, curly kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and beet greens.

Bread and cereals: Whole wheat bread, products made from wheat, oats, corn, etc.

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