NEW DELHI: Across homes and workplaces, many women accept constant fatigue as part of a busy life. Work pressure, family responsibilities, irregular meals and lack of sleep are often blamed. However, doctors say a far more common and overlooked cause may be low iron levels that go undiagnosed for months or even years.
According to experts quoted in The Times of India, iron deficiency often develops quietly. Dr Manjula Anagani, a Padma Shri awardee and senior clinician, explains that many young women visit clinics complaining of persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest. Blood tests frequently reveal depleted iron stores as the underlying issue.
WHY IRON DEFICIENCY GOES UNNOTICED
Iron levels do not drop overnight. The decline is gradual, and early symptoms are subtle. Women may notice slightly reduced stamina, difficulty concentrating or mild breathlessness during routine activities. Because these signs resemble everyday stress or overwork, they are rarely investigated early.
Over time, the body adapts to lower oxygen levels caused by reduced haemoglobin. This adaptation can mask the seriousness of the deficiency until it progresses significantly.
WHY WOMEN ARE MORE VULNERABLE
Biologically, women are at greater risk of iron deficiency than men. Menstruation leads to regular blood loss, which gradually depletes iron stores. Women with heavy menstrual cycles face an even higher risk. Pregnancy increases iron demand further, as the body produces additional blood to support the developing fetus.
National health surveys have consistently shown that a large percentage of women in the reproductive age group are anaemic, with iron deficiency being a primary cause.
DIET PATTERNS AND ABSORPTION ISSUES
Iron deficiency is not always linked to insufficient food intake. Many women consume enough calories but lack adequate iron in their diets. Diets heavy in processed foods, irregular eating habits and poor meal planning can all contribute.
Vegetarian diets, while healthy, require careful planning because plant-based iron (non-heme iron) is not absorbed as efficiently as iron from animal sources. Absorption improves when iron-rich foods are paired with vitamin C sources such as citrus fruits. On the other hand, tea or coffee consumed immediately after meals can reduce iron absorption.
SYMPTOMS THAT SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED
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Persistent fatigue
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Pale skin
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Brittle nails or hair thinning
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Shortness of breath during mild activity
Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When iron levels drop, oxygen delivery declines, affecting overall energy and organ function.
COMMON SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
If untreated, iron deficiency can progress to iron-deficiency anaemia. This condition can impair immunity, reduce work productivity and, in pregnant women, increase health risks for both mother and baby.
THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTING
One major reason many women remain unaware of their deficiency is that fatigue is normalised. Women often prioritise family health over their own and delay routine check-ups.
Doctors recommend periodic blood tests, especially for women experiencing ongoing fatigue, heavy menstrual bleeding or planning pregnancy. A simple haemoglobin test, followed by iron studies if necessary, can identify the problem early.
Fatigue should not feel permanent. When it does, it may be the body signalling an underlying deficiency that deserves attention rather than dismissal.