Impact of Iron Deficiency on the Individual
April 2025
Studysummary This review clarifies that non-anaemic iron deficiency in non-pregnant premenopausal women often arises from menstrual iron losses and can cause symptoms like hair loss, while in post-menopausal women and adult men, iron deficiency anaemia frequently indicates chronic intestinal bleeding.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Untreated iron depletion can lead to non-anaemic iron deficiency, characterized by reduced haemoglobin production in red cells without affecting overall haemoglobin concentration. This condition involves depleted body iron stores and reduced serum iron indices like ferritin and transferrin saturation. Hair loss is a common symptom of severe iron deficiency. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia are prevalent in non-pregnant premenopausal women due to menstrual iron loss, while in post-menopausal women and adult men, it often indicates chronic lower intestinal bleeding from conditions like benign colonic polyps or malignancies.
