{"id":22162,"date":"2025-08-04T17:00:25","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T15:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/?p=19434"},"modified":"2025-08-12T18:51:41","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T16:51:41","slug":"overwhelmed-by-overwhelm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/pretoria\/blog\/2025\/08\/04\/overwhelmed-by-overwhelm\/","title":{"rendered":"Overwhelmed by Overwhelm"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cIt\u2019s all just too much\u201d \u2013 it\u2019s the lament so many women 25 years and over seem to be sharing.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

But there could be an underlying reason say experts, who are urging patients and medical professionals alike to consider whether low iron stores and\/or anaemia is what\u2019s quietly stealing women\u2019s energy.<\/p>\n

Low iron stores and anaemia are a growing health crisis affecting entire generations of young women, yet it remains largely unaddressed in many mainstream conversations. This, while women around the world are trying to stay ahead of the juggle struggle \u2013 determined to live their best lives while succeeding at work, building and maintaining healthy relationships and friendships, raising children and keeping an eye on their ageing parents. It\u2019s a lot! And if your iron stores are depleted, it will feel like too much. Fatigue, insomnia, hair loss, dry skin and brittle nails, anxiety and depression are just some of the common symptoms, which too often women and their health care providers write off to \u201ca busy life\u201d.<\/p>\n

Increased awareness among healthcare providers, better screening protocols for at-risk populations, and more available education to help women recognise and advocate for proper treatment of anaemia-related symptoms are needed to address this alarming global rise of anaemia and low iron stores in women.<\/p>\n

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New research shows that anaemia affects an estimated 30% (539 million) of women aged 15 \u2013 49 years worldwide. In Africa, 43% of reproductive-age women suffer from anaemia. Health advocates say the alarming statistics explain why so many young women are experiencing overwhelming fatigue, anxiety, and depression during what should be their prime years.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re seeing women in their 20\u2019s, 30\u2019s and 40\u2019s who feel like they\u2019re drowning physically and emotionally, and it\u2019s being normalised as just \u2018part of modern life\u2019,\u201d says anaemia awareness advocate and head of the Cape Town Infusion Centre<\/a>, Sister Karin Davidson. \u201cThe reality is that feeling constantly exhausted, anxious, or like you’re \u201cliving underwater\u201d isn\u2019t normal \u2013 it\u2019s often a sign of iron deficiency and\/or anaemia, a completely preventable and treatable condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hidden symptoms<\/strong><\/p>\n

While common medical symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, hair loss, difficulty concentrating, and heart palpitations, health experts are increasingly concerned about the other symptoms that young women have been taught to normalise. Symptoms like anxiety that seems to come from nowhere, persistent depression, insomnia, overwhelming exhaustion, and brain fog.<\/p>\n

There is a fundamental link between anxiety and depression and low iron stores and anaemia. Iron is an essential component in the production of serotonin \u2013 your brain’s \u201chappy chemical\u201d, explains Sister Davidson. \u201cWhen iron levels are low, the body struggles to produce adequate serotonin, which directly impacts mood, sleep patterns, and overall sense of wellbeing. Low iron and anaemia fundamentally alter how young women experience life \u2013 and when you\u2019re in the prime of your life, that\u2019s a travesty.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sister Davidson explains that normalising heavy menstrual bleeding is also causing many women to be suffering in silence \u201cheavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes of low iron stores and anaemia in women. Population based studies indicate that heavy menstrual bleeding may affect up to 50% of women of reproductive age, and blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding is a key contributor to iron deficiency and anaemia. The problem is compounded as girls are now commencing menstruation earlier than previous generations,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

High-risk categories <\/strong><\/p>\n

Working women<\/strong>: Irregular eating patterns and stress can lead to poor iron intake. Hustle culture, the 9-5 and entrepreneurship can be tiring of course, but for the most part should feel exhilarating \u2013 when it feels like it\u2019s physically destructive, there could be something else like low iron stores or anaemia at play. There is a direct correlation between low iron stores and cognitive function and women in their prime working years deserve to feel vital.<\/p>\n

Vegans and vegetarians<\/strong>: Plant-based iron is less easily absorbed than iron from animal sources, putting vegan and vegetarian women at higher risk without proper dietary management. While good nutrition can help maintain healthy iron levels, it is almost impossible to rectify low iron stores through diet alone. \u201cMore young women than ever before who devise their own diets are simply not getting adequate nutrition,\u201d says Sister Davidson.<\/p>\n

Athletes<\/strong>: Intense physical activity increases iron needs, and female athletes often have higher rates of iron deficiency. More women than ever are focused on physical fitness, but this can also place extra pressure on iron stores if nutrition is sub-par.<\/p>\n

A concern amongst medical professionals is patients who don\u2019t receive adequate testing or treatment. \u201cWe see many cases where women’s concerns are dismissed as \u2018just stress\u2019 or \u2018part of being a woman\u2019. Your symptoms matter, and you deserve to feel vibrant and energetic. If your doctor dismisses your concerns, seek a second opinion \u2013 a simple test will determine your iron store status,\u201d says Sister Davidson.<\/p>\n

Treatment and prevention solutions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Medical experts recommend young women request full iron studies to get an accurate reading. Oral iron supplements in appropriate dosages are typically a first-line treatment for low levels.<\/p>\n

For moderate to severe cases, or when oral supplements prove insufficient, medical-grade iron infusions can rapidly restore iron levels, typically requiring only one to two treatments to achieve optimal results.<\/p>\n

The years between 25 and 40 should be about making the most of every element of your life \u2013 work, play, family and you time \u2013 not about rationing your energy like it\u2019s a precious commodity. As Sister Davidson advocates in her practice, \u201c\u2018Think Iron. Check Iron. Take Iron. Your future self will thank you for taking action now\u201d.<\/p>\n

Suspect you might be at risk?<\/strong><\/p>\n