It is no surprise, given these statistics, that iron deficiency anaemia has risen to be a leading health issue affecting reproductive age women. Depression is the fifth leading cause of disability globally. And new research shows that almost 20% of women in the UK don’t even know they’re suffering with this debilitating disease. This important discovery underscores an urgent and devastating public health crisis that requires our attention.
Iron deficiency requires time to diagnose and time to treat. On average, women wait eight years to get the care they deserve. This delay is especially worrisome. Millions more suffer with debilitating symptoms including extreme fatigue, joint pain, and shortness of breath—which can lead to hair loss and mental health challenges including depression and anxiety.
Heavy menstrual bleeding plays a large role as a contributing factor to iron deficiency. Clinicians categorize heavy periods as those requiring a tampon or pad change every one to two hours, using both a tampon and pad simultaneously, waking up at night to change, or lasting more than seven days. These physical symptoms take an emotional toll and can greatly diminish quality of life.
A serum ferritin level less than 30 mcg per litre is suggestive of iron deficiency. The iron needs are quite different depending on gender. Iron women ages 19 to 49 require nearly twice the daily iron intake of their male counterparts to remain healthy. Iron deficiency is the other big challenge. Furthermore, one in three people cannot adequately absorb oral iron, making treatment even more challenging.
Dr. Kayathry John She wants clinicians treating women with mental health concerns to always have iron deficiency on their radar. “A lot of women accept tiredness as a norm,” she states, pointing out that societal expectations often lead to the organic causes of fatigue being overlooked.
The importance of diet here cannot be overstated. From COVID-19 to supply chain disruptions, the rising demand for ultra-processed foods has shifted our dietary patterns. Most are eating more calorie-dense diets lacking in the nutrients needed to support a healthy iron status. This contributes to women’s increasing rates of iron deficiency. Unfortunately, this dietary change has added to women’s rising rates of iron deficiency.
Asela Dharmadasa highlights a critical aspect of the situation: “Put it this way, if this was an issue that mainly affected men, the pathways for diagnosis and treatment would have been cleared long ago.” This declaration is a powerful reminder of the impact of the gender gap in healthcare access and research.
Real-life stories from women impacted by iron deficiency have helped to bring this issue to life. Hannah reflects on her journey, stating, “I got to the point where I felt I wouldn’t survive more than a few weeks if it kept going on.” Her experience is echoed by Julie, who expressed relief upon finding treatment: “Everything before felt like it was ceasing and now there is hope.” Julie adds, “I am suddenly capable of being ‘in life’ again,” illustrating the profound impact that addressing iron deficiency can have on overall quality of life.
Sam shared how iron deficiency affected his family life: “These are the most precious years of my children’s lives,” he explains. And I just want to, like, not be asleep when that happens. His experience illuminates the emotional cost that this disease continues to take on those who suffer from it. It takes an enormous toll on their families.
Clinical stakeholders are increasingly recognizing these challenges. If we don’t get a handle on it, the NHS will be in serious trouble,” said Dr. Mike Banna. These systemic issues make timely diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency extremely difficult. He points out that “when oral iron fails or is not tolerated,” alternative treatments must be considered.
There’s a major sense of urgency to find effective solutions, which comes through in quotes from researchers and healthcare providers. Dr. Andrew Klein remarked, “If I were to develop a cheaper alternative, I would be the richest person in the world,” emphasizing the demand for accessible treatments that address this widespread issue.