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You’re tired. Not just a bit run down — genuinely exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep. You’re getting headaches, feeling breathless climbing stairs, struggling to concentrate, and you can’t quite put your finger on why.
For a huge number of Australians — particularly women, athletes, and people with certain health conditions — the answer is iron deficiency. It’s one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world, and one of the most frequently overlooked.
At Southport Metro Medical Centre, we see patients with iron deficiency regularly. Here’s what you need to know.
What is iron deficiency — and why does it matter?
Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around your body. When your iron levels drop too low, your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, and your organs and muscles don’t get the oxygen they need to function properly.
This is called iron deficiency anaemia at its most severe — but you can experience significant symptoms even before your levels drop to full anaemia.
Common signs of low iron
Iron deficiency presents differently in different people, but the most common symptoms include:
Fatigue and weakness — Feeling tired all the time, even after adequate sleep, is the most reported symptom. The fatigue from iron deficiency is distinctive — it’s a heavy, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.
Shortness of breath — Feeling breathless with mild exertion (like climbing stairs or light exercise) that you wouldn’t normally find difficult.
Brain fog and difficulty concentrating — Iron plays a role in cognitive function. Low levels can affect memory, focus, and mental clarity.
Pale skin — A noticeable paleness, particularly in the inner lower eyelids, can indicate low haemoglobin.
Heart palpitations — Your heart works harder to pump oxygen-depleted blood, which can cause a racing or irregular heartbeat.
Headaches and dizziness — Particularly on standing up, due to reduced oxygen delivery to the brain.
Cold hands and feet — Poor circulation related to reduced haemoglobin.
Brittle nails and hair loss — Hair thinning and nails that crack or break easily are common secondary signs.
Restless legs — A crawling or uncomfortable sensation in the legs, especially at night, is strongly associated with iron deficiency.
Who is most at risk?
Iron deficiency is more common in some groups than others:
- Women of reproductive age — Monthly blood loss through menstruation is the most common cause of iron deficiency in women
- Pregnant women — Iron requirements nearly double during pregnancy
- Athletes and active people — Particularly endurance athletes, who lose iron through sweat and foot-strike haemolysis
- Vegetarians and vegans — Plant-based iron (non-haeme iron) is less readily absorbed than iron from meat
- People with gut conditions — Conditions like coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, or anyone who has had bariatric surgery may have impaired iron absorption
- Regular blood donors
- Children and teenagers — During growth spurts
How is iron deficiency diagnosed?
The only way to accurately diagnose iron deficiency is with a blood test. Your GP will check your:
- Ferritin — Your iron stores. This is the most sensitive early indicator of iron deficiency
- Haemoglobin — The actual oxygen-carrying protein in your blood
- Transferrin saturation — How much of your iron transport capacity is being used
It’s common for ferritin to be low (indicating depleted stores) even when haemoglobin is still in the normal range. This is why testing ferritin specifically is important — many people are symptomatic long before their haemoglobin drops.
Treatment options: supplements vs iron infusions
Oral iron supplements are the first-line treatment for mild to moderate iron deficiency. They’re inexpensive and widely available, but they take time — often 3 to 6 months to restore iron stores — and can cause significant gastrointestinal side effects including constipation, nausea, and stomach cramping.
Iron infusions are a faster, more effective option for people who:
- Can’t tolerate oral supplements
- Have moderate to severe iron deficiency
- Have absorption issues that prevent oral iron from working effectively
- Need their levels restored quickly (for example, before surgery, or during pregnancy)
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into the bloodstream via an IV drip. At Southport Metro Medical Centre, the procedure is performed in-clinic, typically takes 15–30 minutes, and most patients notice a significant improvement in energy and symptoms within days to weeks.
Do I need a referral for an iron infusion?
No referral is needed. You can book directly with one of our GPs at Southport Metro. Your doctor will review your blood results, confirm whether an infusion is appropriate for you, and arrange everything in-clinic.
Medicare rebates may apply depending on your circumstances — our team can advise you when you book.
Book an iron check at Southport Metro
If you’ve been feeling persistently tired, foggy, or breathless and can’t explain why, a simple blood test might have the answer. Our GPs are available 7 days a week at Australia Fair Metro in Southport.
👉 Book online or call 07 5612 7830.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Please consult your GP for personalised medical advice.