Iron deficiency affects more than just blood results — it can shape how you feel, think, and look. Many people experience persistent fatigue, reduced fitness, or difficulty concentrating. Others notice brittle nails, hair loss, or changes in skin. Some iron deficiency symptoms are more subtle, like feeling colder than usual, restless legs at night, or a low mood that doesn’t improve. Because these changes overlap with other conditions, it’s common for iron deficiency to go unnoticed. Recognising the signs early can help restore energy, wellbeing, and quality of life. Explore the categories below to see whether your symptoms could be linked to low iron.
Low iron doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people struggle with energy, others with mood or changes in appearance — and many dismiss these issues as part of busy life. The good news is that once identified, iron deficiency is usually straightforward to treat. Understanding your symptoms is the first step toward feeling more energetic, focused and well.
If you’re considering treatment, you can view our IV iron infusion pricing for a transparent breakdown of consultation and infusion costs.
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Cold hands & feet – Feeling unusually cold, especially in the extremities
Restless legs – An uncomfortable urge to move the legs, often worse at night
Frequent infections – Low iron can weaken the body’s ability to fight illness
Unusual cravings – Some people develop cravings for non-food items (a condition known as pica)
Hair thinning or loss – Shedding more than usual, or noticing patchy thinning
Brittle nails – Nails that split, chip, or break easily
Pale or dull skin – A washed-out or tired appearance due to lower haemoglobin
Dry skin – Skin may feel rough or less vibrant when iron levels are low
Tiredness & fatigue – Feeling drained, even after rest or sleep
Shortness of breath – Struggling with physical activity due to reduced oxygen levels
Poor exercise tolerance – Finding it harder to keep up with usual routines or workouts
Palpitations – Awareness of a racing or irregular heartbeat when iron is low
Brain fog & poor focus - Trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally sluggish
Headaches – Low oxygen delivery can lead to frequent or unexplained headaches
Dizziness & light-headedness – A common result of reduced oxygen in the blood
Low mood & irritability – Iron deficiency can affect emotional balance and resilience
