Because of menstrual bleeding, women of reproductive age have a higher risk of iron deficiency. If the deficiency continues for too long, it can develop into iron deficiency anemia.
So, how much iron do you need? According to guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, non-pregnant women require 18 mg of iron per day. During pregnancy, the daily need increases to 27 mg.
Impact of iron deficiency on fertility
Iron and fertility are closely linked. A deficiency of this crucial mineral can interfere with ovulation, making it more difficult to conceive. It can also reduce the quality of your eggs (due to decreased oxygen flow to the ovaries) and lead to implantation failure (when a fertilized egg can’t implant in the uterus). During pregnancy, iron deficiency increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm birth. Babies born to mothers who are deficient in iron may also have poorer neurodevelopment.
Potential causes of iron deficiency
Possible causes of iron deficiency include:
- Lack of iron in the diet (vegetarians are more likely to be iron deficient)
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Certain medications (such as aspirin)
- Regular blood donation
- Chronic conditions that cause bleeding
- Intensive exercise
- Inability to absorb or use iron from food (for instance, because of celiac disease or bariatric surgery)
Symptoms of iron deficiency
Being deficient in iron can cause the following symptoms:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased productivity
- Reduced exercise performance
- Irritability
- Restless legs syndrome
- Fibromyalgia syndrome (a chronic disorder causing body pains and insomnia)
It can also make symptoms of hypothyroidism persist despite treatment.
Diagnosis of iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is diagnosed via blood tests. Ferritin is considered the most sensitive test of the iron stores in the body and is used widely to diagnose iron deficiency. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and low levels point to a deficiency.
Transferrin is a protein that transports iron and healthcare providers may measure this as well to diagnose iron deficiency.
Treatment to improve fertility
Iron deficiency is diagnosed via blood tests. Ferritin is considered the most sensitive test of the iron stores in the body and is used widely to diagnose iron deficiency. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and low levels point to a deficiency.
Transferrin is a protein that transports iron and healthcare providers may measure this as well to diagnose iron deficiency.
Diagnosis of iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is diagnosed via blood tests. Ferritin is considered the most sensitive test of the iron stores in the body and is used widely to diagnose iron deficiency. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron, and low levels point to a deficiency.
Transferrin is a protein that transports iron and healthcare providers may measure this as well to diagnose iron deficiency.
Treatment to improve fertility
Luckily, you can correct an iron deficiency through simple supplementation to improve health and symptoms and boost fertility. Talk with your doctor about finding a good prenatal vitamin that contains the right amount of iron and folic acid. These 2 nutrients are vital to supporting the healthy growth of a baby in the womb and preventing anemia.
A 2006 study published in the Obstetrics & Gynecology journal found that women who took iron supplements had a significantly (40%) lower risk of ovulatory infertility than women who didn’t take iron supplements.
Additionally, you can increase your iron stores by eating these foods:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Beef
- Turkey
- Liver
- Shrimp
- Fortified grains like bread and cereal
Vitamin C increases iron absorption in the body, so be sure to also eat plenty of foods rich in this vitamin, such as:
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Berries
Check your iron levels again 2-3 months after starting supplementation. If they haven’t improved, you may be referred to a specialist such as a gastroenterologist or a gynecologist to further look into what’s behind your iron deficiency.
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