Iron Deficiency in Women: Spot the Symptoms & Causes

• Iron deficiency is more common in women than men, leading to weakness and other health issues due to insufficient hemoglobin for oxygen transport.
• Common symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, and rapid heartbeats.
• Severe deficiency can cause hair loss, brittle nails, mouth sores, swollen tongue, restless legs syndrome, and cravings for non-food items (pica).
• Key causes in women are heavy menstruation, increased iron needs during pregnancy, and poor dietary habits.
• Nutritional imbalances (e.g., lack of Vitamin C, excessive tea/coffee) and certain medical conditions can also impair iron absorption.

Why It Matters: Women must know iron deficiency symptoms to prevent serious health problems.