Iron Deficiency in Women: From Puberty to Menopause

Iron is a vital mineral that plays a central role in numerous physiological processes within the human body, particularly for women. From transporting oxygen to supporting metabolism and cellular function, iron is fundamental to maintaining overall health. For women, whose bodies go through unique hormonal and reproductive changes from puberty to menopause, the need for sufficient iron is even more crucial.

The importance of iron begins with its role in hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. Without adequate iron, the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anemia—a condition that often manifests through fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. In women, this condition is not uncommon due to monthly menstrual blood loss and increased nutritional demands during different life stages.

Iron metabolism is a finely tuned system. The body carefully regulates how much iron it absorbs, stores, and uses. Most of the body's iron is recycled from old red blood cells, while the rest is absorbed from the diet. This process involves specialized proteins and organs, including the intestines, liver, and bone marrow. When iron stores drop too low or absorption is impaired, deficiency can develop gradually and silently.