Women miss iron shortage warning signals by mistaking them as harmless conditions

• Iron is vital for making red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body
• But many women may be missing lesser-known symptoms of iron deficiency
• These include tinnitus, hair loss, mouth ulcers and an altered sense of taste 

Women may be missing the warning signs of potentially fatal iron deficiency by mistaking them as harmless conditions, doctors have warned.

Iron is vital for the creation of red blood cells, which help transport oxygen around the body. 

But about one in ten women have iron deficiency anaemia –twice the number of men who develop the condition.

A shortage of iron – found in red meat and leafy green vegetables – in our diets can raise the risk of heart disease, severe infection and kidney failure.

While doctors at testing firm London Medical Laboratory say many people will recognise fatigue, extremely pale skin, shortness of breath and palpitations as ‘red flags’ for the condition, lesser-known symptoms include tinnitus, hair loss and mouth ulcers. 

The clinic also warns of an altered sense of taste, difficulty swallowing and a sore or itchy tongue.

Anaemia can be triggered by bleeding so women with heavy periods are at increased risk. 

Bleeding in the stomach or intestines, as a side effect of an ulcer or overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs, is another cause.

‘Anyone suffering from these symptoms is recommended to seek medical advice and consider having a blood test to check for potential causes,’ says clinical lead Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan.

‘Pregnant and younger women should pay particular attention, as they’re most at risk.’

Recent research published in The Lancet medical journal reveals that the number of cases worldwide has risen to 1.9 billion, up from 1.5 billion in 1990. This is primarily due to poor diet.

In the UK, 57,000 people are admitted to hospital every year due to anaemia but many cases are preventable, says Dr Hari Narayanan.

‘Very often, anaemia caused by iron deficiency can be easily treated with supplements and dietary changes. 

‘In the UK, hundreds of thousands of women of childbearing age are thought to have the condition, yet many never suspect it.’

Those who think they have iron deficiency anaemia can request a blood test from their GP.