Iron deficiency &
iron deficiency anaemia.
One of the most common reasons for referral to a haematologist — and, in most cases, very treatable once the cause is found.
What is iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency occurs when the body's iron stores fall too low to meet its needs. Iron is essential for making haemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. As stores run down, the body first uses up its reserves (iron deficiency). If this continues, it can no longer make enough healthy red blood cells, which leads to iron deficiency anaemia.
It is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and is especially frequent in menstruating women, during pregnancy, and in people with gut conditions that affect absorption. The good news is that iron deficiency is usually straightforward to correct — the more important task is finding and treating the underlying cause.
How it can feel
Many people with mild iron deficiency have no symptoms at all, and it is picked up on a routine blood test. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Tiredness, low energy and reduced exercise tolerance
- Shortness of breath, particularly on exertion
- Pale skin, dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches and difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”)
- Brittle nails, hair thinning, or a sore tongue
- Restless legs, especially at night
- Unusual cravings for ice or non-food items (pica)
These symptoms are common to many conditions, so a blood test is needed to confirm iron deficiency rather than assuming it from symptoms alone.
Why it happens
Iron deficiency is a sign, not a diagnosis in itself — there is always a reason for it. Identifying that reason is a central part of the assessment. Common causes include:
- Blood loss — heavy menstrual periods, or bleeding from the gut (ulcers, polyps, and occasionally bowel cancer)
- Not enough iron in the diet — more common in vegetarian, vegan or restricted diets
- Poor absorption — coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, H. pylori infection, or after some stomach and bowel surgery
- Increased demand — pregnancy, breastfeeding, infancy and periods of rapid growth
- Frequent blood donation
How it's diagnosed
Iron deficiency is confirmed with simple blood tests, usually arranged by your GP before referral:
How it's treated
Treatment has two goals: replenishing iron stores, and addressing the underlying cause so the deficiency doesn't simply return.
- Oral iron — tablets or liquid are the first-line treatment for most people. Taking iron on alternate days, rather than daily, can improve absorption and reduce side effects such as constipation or nausea.
- Iron infusion (intravenous iron) — iron given directly into a vein, in a supervised setting. It is considered when oral iron isn't tolerated or isn't working, when absorption is impaired, when deficiency is severe, or when iron needs to be restored quickly (for example later in pregnancy or before surgery).
- Treating the cause — for example managing heavy periods or a gut condition — is essential to prevent recurrence.
- Monitoring — repeat blood tests confirm your levels are recovering and that stores are fully replenished, not just the haemoglobin.
At Haematology Victoria we provide assessment and, where appropriate, iron infusion in a comfortable, supervised setting close to home in Melbourne's west.
Iron infusions can be accessed in more than one way, and we help you find the most suitable and affordable option. Through our partnerships with public hospitals we can expedite referrals for cost-free infusions in the public system where you are eligible, or arrange a private infusion if you would prefer a shorter wait or a particular setting.
Where the underlying cause needs further investigation, we can also organise the appropriate specialist review on your behalf — for example gastroenterology if bleeding from the gut is suspected, or gynaecology for heavy menstrual bleeding — so your care stays joined up rather than fragmented.
When to see a haematologist
GPs can refer directly for assessment and iron infusion. See information for referrers for referral pathways and turnaround times.
Frequently asked
Speak to your GP about a referral, or contact our rooms to discuss assessment and iron infusion in Footscray.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem. Please speak with your GP or haematologist about your own circumstances. Last reviewed August 2026.