Part 1: The Surprising Link Between Iron and Perimenopause Symptoms
Are you struggling with hot flashes, hair thinning, or unexplained fatigue? If so, you’re not alone—and you may be surprised to learn that iron could be playing a bigger role in your symptoms than you think.
Most women are told that they need more iron, especially during perimenopause. But what if the real issue isn’t a lack of iron, but rather iron in the wrong places?
Why more Iron Isn't Always the Answer
It’s common for women to be diagnosed with low iron based on ferritin levels in blood work. The standard recommendation? Iron supplements or even iron infusions. But here’s the problem:
- Many women aren’t actually iron deficient—they have iron stored in their tissues rather than circulating properly.
- Taking more iron when your body can’t use it correctly can worsen symptoms like inflammation, oxidative stress (internal “rusting”), and hormonal imbalances.
- Stagnant iron can actually contribute to the very symptoms we blame on perimenopause—hot flashes, hair loss, fatigue, brain fog, and heavy periods.
How Stagnant Iron Triggers Perimenopause Symptoms
Iron that isn’t moving properly in your body can lead to:
Hot Flashes
Stagnant iron fuels oxidative stress, which messes with estrogen metabolism. This makes hot flashes worse because your body is struggling to regulate hormones.
Heavy Periods
Your body tries to eliminate excess iron through menstrual bleeding, which can result in excessive blood loss month after month.
Hair Thinning
Your hair needs oxygen to grow. If iron is stuck in tissues instead of carrying oxygen to follicles, hair can become weak and fall out.
Fatigue & Brain Fog
Even if your iron levels look “normal” on bloodwork, your cells may not be getting the oxygen they need to function properly, leaving you drained and foggy.
So what’s the solution? Instead of just adding more iron, we need to help your body move and use iron properly.
In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into the hidden reasons your iron may be stuck—and what you can do about it.
