If you’ve been feeling unusually tired or run-down, it could be more than just a busy schedule to blame. According to medical experts, low iron levels are a common but often overlooked health issue—especially among women. A doctor is now shedding light on the six most common signs of iron deficiency and how to spot them early before they impact your overall well-being.
Dr. Jeanine Bowring highlighted some of the most common warning signs that may signal low iron levels in the body. According to her, symptoms like cracked lips, brittle nails, and frequent headaches are some of the key indicators to keep an eye on.
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1. Broken hair/hair loss
Broken hair, hair loss, or shedding can be a noticeable sign of low iron levels because iron plays a key role in producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that helps deliver oxygen to your body’s tissues—including your hair follicles.
When your iron levels are low, your body may prioritize vital functions over things like hair growth. This lack of oxygen and nutrients to the scalp can weaken hair strands, causing them to break more easily or fall out. Over time, this may lead to noticeable thinning, increased shedding, or slower hair regrowth.
Dr. Borwing says, “Maybe your hair falls out a lot in the shower, and you’re noticing that in your brush a lot,” and these could be due to low iron levels
2. Cracked lips
Cracked lips—especially at the corners of the mouth—can be a sign of low iron levels because iron deficiency affects the health and integrity of your skin and mucous membranes. "If you experience irritation or cracking at the corners of your mouth, it could be a sign of low iron," she explains.
3. GI symptoms such as heartburn
When your body lacks iron, it can affect the functioning of the digestive system, including slowing down the movement of food through the GI tract. This can lead to bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux (heartburn). Additionally, chronic low iron can be caused by or contribute to stomach inflammation (gastritis), which can also trigger heartburn-like symptoms.
4. Frequent headaches
If you find yourself getting headaches often, low iron could be a contributing factor. Iron is essential for delivering oxygen to the brain, and a deficiency can result in reduced oxygen levels, leading to headaches or even migraines.
5. Pale skin
Bowring says if you have "very pale, ghost-like, dry skin or feel cold all the time,” it could be because your iron is low. When you're low in iron, your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to less oxygen-rich blood circulating. This lack of oxygenated blood can cause your skin to appear lighter or more washed out than usual, especially in areas like your face, the inside of your lower eyelids, nails, or gums. This paleness may develop gradually and can be subtle, but if you notice your complexion looking unusually dull or your under-eyes and lips appearing less pink or red, it could be a sign that your iron stores are low.
6. Dizziness when standing up
Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up quickly? That sensation of your head spinning can be a sign of iron deficiency. Low iron can lead to decreased blood volume and oxygen delivery, which may cause sudden dizziness.
