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Symptoms of Iron deficiency
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Symptoms of Iron deficiency
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of Iron deficiency
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The signs of iron deficiency can be subtle and easy to miss. You might feel unusually tired or less focused, without an obvious reason. While it’s common to put these things down to life’s demands or stress, ongoing symptoms could mean your iron levels need checking. 

What symptoms should I look out for?

Symptoms can vary from person to person, and you don’t need to have all of them for low iron to be affecting you. Some of the possible symptoms of iron deficiency include:1,2   

 

Persistent tiredness
or fatigue

Paleness, especially in your face or inner eyelids

Headaches or dizziness

Difficulty concentrating or 'brain fog'

Noticeable hair loss or brittle nails

Feeling cold more than usual

Shortness of breath, even with mild activity

Low mood or feeling irritable

Heart palpitations (feeling your heart racing)

Woman sitting on the floor, resting her head on her hand, with a baby bottle and a teddy bear by her feet

If you recognise these symptoms, don’t wait. Speak to your doctor and ask for a blood test to check your iron levels so you can get the treatment you need to feel back on top. 

View iron deficiency tests
References

References:

  1. Dugan C et al. The misogyny of iron deficiency. Anaesthesia 2021;76(Suppl 4):56–62.
  2. Pavord S. Iron deficiency in women – the silent debilitator. Available at: https://www.rcpath.org/static/dd4dafe5-d429-4259-bc2d45e67b456467/Iron-deficiency-in-women-the-silent-debilitator.pdf (Accessed August 2025).