The iron lady
Why iron infusions are a crucial aspect of women’s healthcare & pregnancy care
The Iron Epidemic.
1 in 4 women are iron deficient. So what?
It’s a problem that too many women don’t know they have and don’t know how to effectively treat. When you say you’re tired, cold, suffer from brain fog, are losing hair, feel weak and are short of breath you’re likely iron deficient. Get tested.
You may not be able to keep up iron amounts in your diet because it’s an easily blocked mineral and has to have just the right internal environment to be absorbed. Some people just don’t even respond to oral iron. Your ferritin might just always stay at a 27 and that’s not ok. Add that to the loss of iron from menstrual bleeding over time and we have an epidemic. Each normal menstrual cycle loses about 1 mg of iron per day.
Why infusions vs oral?
Oral iron is not always tolerated because of side effects and does not have the best compliance rates. It can take 6-12 months to get iron levels up to normal and that’s only if you are able to solve the reason for the deficiency. Chasing optimal iron levels can be very frustrating for a lot of people. Infusions are a safe and effective way to get iron levels up typically with a single infusion for people who aren’t able to effectively take oral iron.
Iron and pregnancy (before, during and after). are you Iron deficient before conception?
It’s important to get levels up to normal before conceiving so that you are able to have the best start to your pregnancy possible. Many iron deficient women will get an infusion prior to conception in order to ensure optimal levels.
Are you iron deficient during pregnancy?
Women can lose up to 1,000 mg of iron in pregnancy. Up to 65% of pregnant women are iron deficient by the 3rd trimester. There are health impacts to the mother and baby when iron deficiency is not corrected. The second and third trimester are safe times to get an iron infusion. If you are at 30 weeks and are still iron deficient there may not be enough time to correct it with oral iron. Iron deficiency is a risk factor for preterm delivery, low birth weight and infant health post delivery.
Are you iron deficient postpartum?
Women can lose another 250 mg of iron during vaginal delivery and 500 mg from C-section. The postpartum time can already be challenging for mom’s energy and mental health. Add iron deficiency to this important and crucial season and it can make the postpartum experience much more needlessly difficult.
Iron infusions are fast, safe and highly effective ways to make vital changes to your daily life and health. It could be as easy as one and done.
Speak to your healthcare provider about whether iron infusions at Gravity Health are an option for you. Iron is often covered by extended health plans in Canada. We work directly with pharmacies to expedite the prescription, coverage and delivery of your iron for prompt infusing.
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