Iron Deficiency

What is...
Iron Deficiency ?

Low iron is a common blood issue that affects your quality of life, especially women. A change in diet can help increase your iron levels, but other times, you may need a hematology expert to help get your iron levels back to normal.

Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Cold Hands and Feet
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Extreme Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Brittle Nails
  • Ice Cravings/Chewing
For Pregnancy

The health of your pregnancy and baby matters. You may need an iron infusion.

  • Did you know that 40% of pregnant women develop iron deficiency anemia?
  • Many pregnant women develop iron deficiency without knowing it.
  • Your baby needs to use 300-500mg of your body’s stored iron.
  • The most common symptom of iron deficiency is fatigue.
  • Iron pills often don’t help because iron is not absorbed well.
For Women

Why you may need to supplement your iron levels

  • Menstrual bleeding causes women to lose iron.
  • Some women develop severe iron deficiency.
  • One in 10 women are iron deficient at some point during the child-bearing years, due to either heavy menstrual bleeding or recent child birth.
  • Iron pills usually do not help because body does not absorb the iron well or tolerate the pills.

Get in touch with a Hematology Expert today!

For Bariatrics

What causes iron deficiency after bariatric surgery?

Iron deficiency is a side effect that may result from a bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, banding, and bypass). Most of the iron from foods is absorbed in the first part of your small intestine (duodenum). But after a bariatric procedure, food bypasses the duodenum. This can lead to iron deficiency and other nutrition problems.

The amount of iron in a standard multivitamin (18 mg) may not be enough to prevent iron deficiency if you undergo bariatric.  As a result, you will need to take more iron if your iron is low after surgery. 

Frequent Asked Questions
About Bariatrics

Iron deficiency is more common in women who have gastric bypass surgery after menopause. It can occur in more than half of women in this age group, which includes age 40 and above. Men who have had gastric bypass also may experience iron deficiency; however, iron deficiency happens much less often in men.

  • Iron deficiency and anemia are common after a gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgeries, especially in women.
  • You are at risk for iron deficiency and anemia years or decades after your gastric bypass surgery.
  • You will need to monitor your level of iron and other nutrients for the rest of your life.
  • You will likely need intravenous iron infusions to improve your symptoms.
  • Lack of energy or tiredness (fatigue)
  • Weakness
  • Headache
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Hair loss
  • Brittle nails
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Strange pounding sensation in your ears
  • Craving for ice or clay

Get in touch with a Hematology Expert today!

What we can do for you

See a
Hematologist online

  • Long wait times to see a hematology/oncology doctor are a thing of the past. Your issue is important and urgent to us.
  • By providing quality hematology advice from the comfort and convenience of your home, our telemedicine practice will save you time and money.

What Heme On Call
Provide

  • Prompt hematology telemedicine appointments
  • Prompt follow-up after hospital discharge
  • We coordinate/communicate with your other doctors

Expert care
When you need it most

  • Common blood disorders, such as clotting, bleeding, and anemia, 
  • Less common blood disorders, such as ITP and autoimmune hemolytic anemia,
  • Pregnancy-related blood disorders, like iron deficiency and low platelet counts, and 
  • Problems related to recovery from chemotherapy.

What Iron Infusions
Can do for you

  • Decrease your likelihood of developing severe anemia.
  • Will better prepare you for expected bleeding during childbirth.
  • Will help you avoid the need for a blood transfusion.
  • May decrease the likelihood of pregnancy complications.
  • Help you feel stronger and more confident that your baby has enough iron for their development.
Symptoms of low iron you may experience:
  • Weakness
  • Cold intolerance
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Anemia
  • Irritability
  • Desire to chew ice
  • Breathlessness during exercise
  • Poor concentration
  • Restless legs
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Long menstrual periods
  • Irregular periods
How iron infusions benefit you and your baby

Take care of
Yourself

  • You are the only source of iron for your baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Iron is essential
For your baby.

  • A mother’s iron deficiency has been associated with baby’s increased risk of autism, A.D.H.D, and intellectual disability.
  • Infants with iron deficiency may have impaired cognitive and motor development.
  • Studies show that iron deficiency affects your baby’s neurological development.

Give your baby the nutrients he or she needs

  • Studies show that IV iron infusion will decrease your level of fatigue during and after the pregnancy.
  • You’ll have more energy to take care of your newborn, and you may be less likely to develop post-partum depression

Get in touch with a Hematology Expert today!