Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, yet countless women are still being told their iron levels are "normal" while struggling with fatigue, hair loss, brain fog, poor sleep and low energy.

In this episode of All About You, Dr. Shauna Watts sits down with GP and iron deficiency expert Dr. Ebony Tosch to unpack one of the most overlooked health issues affecting women, particularly during perimenopause and midlife.

Together they explore why ferritin is often a more meaningful marker than standard iron levels, how iron deficiency symptoms frequently overlap with menopause and thyroid conditions, and why many women spend years being reassured that their blood tests are "fine" when they're anything but.

Dr. Ebony explains the real causes of iron deficiency, the most effective ways to improve iron stores, and when an iron infusion may be a better option than oral supplements.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why iron deficiency is commonly missed in women
• The difference between iron, ferritin and anemia
• Which blood tests you should ask your doctor to order
• Common symptoms of low iron, including fatigue, hair loss and restless legs
• Why heavy periods remain one of the biggest contributors to iron deficiency
• How perimenopause can make iron deficiency harder to recognise
• The truth about oral iron supplements and why many women struggle with them
• How to improve iron absorption naturally
• When an iron infusion may be the right next step
• What to expect during an iron infusion
• The risks, side effects and benefits of IV iron therapy
• Why optimal iron levels matter more than simply being within the "normal range"
• How iron deficiency can impact sleep, energy, mood and overall wellbeing

If you've ever been told your blood tests are normal but you still don't feel like yourself, this conversation may provide some of the answers you've been looking for.

Remember: informed health decisions start with understanding the numbers that matter.

Follow All About You for more evidence-based conversations on women's health, perimenopause, menopause, hormones, nutrition and thriving through midlife.

Follow Dr. Ebony Tosch
https://www.healthhunter.au/practitioners/dr-ebony-tosh
https://www.drebonytosch.com/about

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Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

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Chapters

01:24 – The Iron Deficiency Problem Doctors Still Miss
02:32 – The Blood Test Every Woman Should Know About
04:45 – Why Ferritin Matters More Than Iron Levels
05:37 – Signs & Symptoms Of Low Iron
06:45 – Heavy Periods, Perimenopause & Iron Loss
10:22 – What Ferritin Levels Are Actually Too Low?
11:28 – Why Iron Supplements Often Fail
12:43 – How To Improve Iron Absorption Naturally
17:24 – When It's Time To Consider An Iron Infusion
18:29 – Iron Infusions Explained: Risks & Benefits
24:33 – Hair Loss, Fatigue & Low Iron Recovery
35:35 – Dr Ebony's Most Important Iron Deficiency Advice
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Keywords
iron deficiency in women
low ferritin symptoms
iron infusion
ferritin levels
women's health
perimenopause fatigue
iron deficiency anemia
hair loss and iron deficiency
fatigue in women
women's iron levels
iron supplements
low iron treatment
iron deficiency symptoms
menopause fatigue
restless legs syndrome
women's health podcast
Dr Ebony Tosch
Dr Shauna Watts