The Iron Health and Wellness Clinic

Iron is a vital nutrient that we absorb from our food. Iron is needed for healthy brain and muscle function, and for everything from everyday activities to vigorous exercise. People with low iron stores (iron deficiency) can suffer debilitating symptoms, affecting their mental abilities, mood, energy levels, quality of life, and even hair growth.

Because symptoms can develop slowly over many years, sufferers often wrongly assume they are an inevitable part of life.

Who gets iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency can affect anyone at any age. It is more common in females, affecting 29% of all non-pregnant, and 38% of pregnant women.

Common causes are reduced intake or malabsorption conditions (like Coeliac disease), hereditary causes (like thalassemia), and following stomach surgery. In women, heavy periods are the most common cause. If you are planning to conceive, you should know that a developing baby requires plentiful maternal iron stores! Because certain types of cancer may cause iron deficiency, specialized tests are sometimes required.

At the Iron Health and Wellness Clinic, our experts understand that iron deficiency can be debilitating and that you may be worried about the underlying cause of your symptoms.

At your consultation, our expert will assess the cause of your iron deficiency, discuss treatment options, and guide you how best to manage it in the long-term to optimise your health and wellness.

Blood tests are required. Further tests may be necessary if the cause of your symptoms need investigation.

If you decide to receive IV iron replacement, we will schedule a post-infusion follow up appointment where your blood tests will be repeated, your symptoms reviewed, and long-term management discussed.

How would I know if I have iron deficiency?

Common symptoms include

• Physical exhaustion or weakness
• Mental exhaustion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Reduced productivity
• Low mood
• Memory problems
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Dizziness
• Headaches and pressure feeling
• Cold peripheries or cold intolerance
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Hair loss
• Weak nails
• Skin changes
• Easy bruising
• Slow healing
• Ringing in ears
• Restless legs
• Unusual cravings
• Delayed development, in children

Blood tests are used to confirm the diagnosis.

Why might I need intravenous (IV) iron?

Iron tablets are the traditional treatment for iron deficiency. But many people find them intolerable, due to constipation, cramps, or diarrhea. Tablets and dietary modification may only be partially effective.

Without treatment, iron deficiency can progress to anemia (not enough of the oxygen carrying protein and hemoglobin) in your blood. When severe, anemia can require blood transfusions.

IV iron is given as a drip, bypassing problems with absorption and the side effects of iron tablets. Because a ‘total treatment dose’ can be safely given, you may not need further treatment.

Is intravenous iron safe?

Modern IV iron preparations are safe and effective and have helped of those affected.

As with any medication, there are potential risks.

How soon will I notice the benefits after an infusion?

You can expect the symptoms of iron deficiency to start improving within two weeks of an iron infusion. If your stores are extremely low, it may be even sooner that you notice an improvement.

Hair loss is the exception. Regrowth requires healthy stores for up to a year.

What are the other treatment options?

IV iron isn’t for everyone. You may choose to boost your intake instead.

Diet: There are good dietary sources of iron, even for non-meat-eaters. These include nuts, pulses, and fresh vegetables.

Supplements: Simple strategies to improve the tolerability of iron tablets include taking them on alternate days or trying weaker preparations.

For appointments at our Iron Health and Wellness Clinic, please call 800 77.