"You're probably just stressed." If you've heard that while feeling exhausted every single day, you're not alone. Fatigue has many causes, but low iron is one of the most common, especially for women, and one of the easiest to miss.

Why iron matters for your energy

Iron helps your red blood cells carry oxygen to every part of your body. When your iron stores run low, your tissues get less oxygen, and you feel it: in your energy, your focus and even your hair.

Here's the catch: you can have low iron stores well before you're officially anemic. A basic blood count might come back normal while your ferritin, the marker for your stored iron, is running low.

Signs of low iron

• Fatigue that sleep doesn't fix

• Brain fog or trouble concentrating

• Hair shedding or thinning

• Feeling short of breath on stairs or during workouts

• Cold hands and feet

• Brittle nails

• Restless legs at night

• Cravings for ice

Who's more likely to run low

• Anyone with heavy or long periods

• People who are pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding

• Plant-based eaters

• Frequent blood donors and endurance athletes

• People with gut conditions that affect absorption, or who've had bariatric surgery

Test, don't guess

Iron is one supplement you shouldn't take on a hunch. Too much can build up and cause harm. A proper iron panel usually includes:

• Ferritin (stored iron)

• Serum iron, TIBC and transferrin saturation

• A complete blood count

Because fatigue has so many possible causes, it's smart to check B12, folate, vitamin D, thyroid and blood sugar at the same time.

Your options if you're low

Food first. Red meat, shellfish, beans, lentils, tofu and dark leafy greens all contain iron. Pairing plant sources with vitamin C, like citrus, peppers or berries, helps you absorb more. Coffee and tea with meals can reduce absorption.

Oral iron. It's often the first step, but it can upset your stomach and take months to rebuild stores.

IV iron. For people who can't tolerate pills, don't absorb iron well or need to replenish faster, an IV iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream. It's given only when your labs and your clinician confirm it's right for you, and your levels are rechecked afterward.

Get answers, not guesses

A Sela Wellness Exam includes 60+ biomarkers, including iron, B12, vitamin D and thyroid, plus a one-on-one review of your results. If an infusion is right for you, our IV therapy team can take it from there.

This article is for general education and isn't medical advice. Don't start iron supplements or infusions without testing and guidance from a licensed clinician. Individual results vary.