How is iron deficiency anaemia different in women?

Heavy or prolonged periods can gradually reduce iron stores. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can also increase iron needs. Some women notice tiredness, headaches, dizziness, paleness, reduced exercise tolerance, a pounding heartbeat or unusual cravings; others have few symptoms until anaemia is more established.

Iron deficiency is not explained by menstruation in every case. Low dietary intake, poor absorption, digestive disease, medication effects or bleeding from another source may contribute. A clinician may ask about cycle pattern, diet, pregnancy possibility, bowel symptoms and medicines before choosing tests.

Arrange a clinical assessment if fatigue persists, periods are unusually heavy, or you have dizziness, breathlessness or palpitations. Blood tests can assess the blood count and iron status. Describe how often you change menstrual products, whether bleeding disrupts daily life, and any bleeding between periods or after sex.

Take iron supplements only as advised, because the right plan depends on the results and the cause. Iron-rich foods include meat, beans, lentils, leafy vegetables and fortified foods. Follow up to check improvement and to address ongoing blood loss. See [Iron Deficiency Anaemia](/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/).

Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, a racing heartbeat with weakness, black or bloody stools, or heavy vaginal bleeding with light-headedness. Arrange prompt review for bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods or a marked change in your usual cycle.

Ask which tests are needed, whether menstrual bleeding could explain the result, how to take iron and when to repeat testing. If periods are heavy, ask about options to reduce blood loss and when another cause should be investigated.