Women's Wellness
Always Tired? 7 Signs of Low Iron in Indian Women (and What to Do)
Tired all the time, dizzy on the stairs, hair falling more than usual? It could be low iron. Here are 7 common signs, who is most at risk, and what to do next.
"I'm just tired." Many women say this so often that it starts to feel normal. Between work, family and the house, who has time to wonder why?
But feeling tired every day is not always just a busy life. For many Indian women, low iron is one of the reasons, and it often goes unnoticed for years.
Let's look at what to watch for.
Why iron matters
Iron helps your body make haemoglobin, the part of your blood that carries oxygen around. When iron is low, your body gets less oxygen, and you can feel weak, tired or breathless.
Who is more likely to have low iron?
Women who have heavy or long periods
Women who are pregnant, or have recently delivered a baby
Breastfeeding mothers
Teenage girls, who are growing fast and have just started their periods
Women who eat little iron-rich food, including many vegetarians who don't plan their meals around iron
7 signs you should not ignore
1. You are tired all the time, even after a full night's sleep.
2. You feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up quickly or climb stairs.
3. Your skin looks pale, especially inside the lower eyelids and on the nails.
4. You get breathless doing things that were easy before.
5. Your hair is falling more than usual, and your nails break easily.
6. Your heart beats fast, or you get headaches often.
7. You crave strange things, like ice, chalk or raw rice. Doctors call this pica, and it is worth mentioning to them.
Having one of these doesn't mean you have low iron. Many other things can cause the same signs. That is why the next step matters.
Don't guess, get tested
The only way to know is a simple blood test. Ask your doctor about a haemoglobin test, and about a ferritin test, which shows how much iron your body has stored. It is a small test that can save you months of feeling unwell.
Please don't start high-dose iron on your own. Too much iron can upset your stomach and is not safe for everyone.
Why periods and delivery matter so much
Every period, your body loses a little iron with the blood. If your periods are very heavy, soaking a pad every one or two hours or lasting more than seven days, you can lose a lot over time.
Delivery is another big one. Your body loses blood during and after birth, and then you bleed for around four to six weeks. At the same time, you are tired, short on sleep and often feeding a baby. That is why many new mothers feel drained for months.
If you have heavy periods, or you have recently had a baby, mention it to your doctor and ask about an iron check.
Foods that help
Dal, rajma, chana and other pulses
Green leafy vegetables like palak and methi
Jaggery, dates and raisins
Eggs, fish and chicken, if you eat them
Nuts and seeds, like pumpkin seeds and almonds
A simple trick: add vitamin C to the same meal. Lemon on your dal or a fruit after the meal helps your body absorb iron better. Try not to have tea or coffee right with your meal, because they can reduce how much iron you absorb.
What about supplements?
Food alone is sometimes not enough, especially if you have low iron already or heavy bleeding. Your doctor may suggest an iron supplement. Take it exactly as advised, and finish the course even if you start feeling better. If tablets upset your stomach, ask whether another form might suit you better.
When to see a doctor
Please book an appointment if you notice:
Constant tiredness that is not improving
Dizziness, fainting or a racing heartbeat
Very heavy periods, or bleeding that lasts more than seven days
Bleeding between periods
Shortness of breath doing simple things
You are pregnant, or have recently delivered, and feel very weak
Small steps you can start today
Look at your plate. Is there something iron-rich in at least two meals a day?
Add lemon or a fruit to your meals.
Keep track of your periods, because it helps your doctor.
Book a blood test if you haven't had one in the last year.
You deserve to feel well, not just "okay." Tiredness is a message from your body, and it is worth listening to.
Where Dreamease can help
At Dreamease, we want every woman to feel looked after. If you have heavy periods or are recovering after delivery, our products are made for those days. And if you have a question about your health and don't know who to ask, you can talk to a gynaecologist on Dreamease for just ₹49.
This article is for general information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor. Supplements are not a substitute for medical treatment.
