Iron deficiency treatment
Iron deficiency is a common condition that can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health concerns. Get expert advice from our Australian-registered online doctors, available 24/7. Access telehealth consultations from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Australia, and receive medical guidance within just 15 minutes.
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When to consult a GP for iron deficiency?
It is important to seek medical advice if you think you have iron deficiency. A doctor can help diagnose the cause, assess the severity, and recommend the right treatment plan. You should see a doctor when:
- Chronic fatigue: If you feel constantly tired, weak, or experience dizziness despite rest
- Shortness of breath: If you get winded easily, even with light activities.
- Frequent headaches: If you experience ongoing headaches or trouble concentrating.
- Pale skin & brittle nails: If you notice unusual paleness, brittle nails, or hair loss.
- Unusual cravings: If you develop cravings for non-food items like ice, dirt, or chalk.
- Heart palpitations: If you experience irregular or rapid heartbeats.
- Children & pregnancy: If your child shows signs of iron deficiency or if you’re pregnant, consult a doctor for proper guidance.
Please note: While telehealth can help in managing mild iron deficiency, serious complications require in-person medical care. In emergencies, always call 000 or visit the nearest hospital.
Get an online doctor’s consultation for medical advice on iron deficiency instantly.
Iron deficiency treatment options
Telehealth consultation
Speak to an AHPRA-registered online doctor and seek medical advice within 15 minutes. Available 24/7.
From $39
Up to 8 mins consultCovid antivirals
Request access to covid antivirals and speak to a health practitioner regarding your covid-19 symptoms. Available 24/7.
From $59
up to 8 mins consult
Doctor’s certificate online
Get medical certificate online for work, uni, carers or stress, single-day or multi-day. Available 24/7.
From $14.90
For a single day certificateOnline referrals
Request pathology tests, radiology tests, and specialist referrals online. Availability of tests may vary. Available 24/7
From $39
Up to 8 mins consultInstant scripts
Get instant scripts online from licensed medical practitioners in 15 minutes, anytime, anywhere in Australia, 24/7.
From $19.90
for a single scriptBulk billed mental health plan
Fully bulk billed for Medicare card holders. A $63 hold is placed on the credit card & refunded post-consultation.
100% bulk billed
20 mins consult
How telehealth works
Get instant access to qualified and AHPRA-registered online doctors or health practitioners within minutes through telehealth services. Here are some key benefits of telehealth for treating iron deficiency:
- 24/7 access: Speak to a 24-hour doctor or practitioner from the comfort of your home.
- Telehealth appointments: Get medical advice within 15 minutes via secure video consults.
- Online prescriptions: Access online scripts approved by registered practitioners 24/7 and get them either at your nearest pharmacy or get a same-day medicine delivery online.
- Get medical certificate online: Request telehealth medical certificates for work, school or carers certificate within minutes.
- Online referrals: Get specialist referrals, blood test referrals, pathology and radiology referrals
- Mental health support: Access bulk-billed mental health care plans from anywhere in Australia.
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About iron deficiency
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in producing red blood cells, supporting a healthy immune system, maintaining mental function, muscle strength, and overall energy levels. In red blood cells, iron is a key component of haemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen from the lungs to all the cells in the body, ensuring they function properly. Since the body cannot produce iron on its own, it must be obtained through diet. When iron intake is insufficient to meet daily needs, iron deficiency occurs, making it the most common nutritional disorder worldwide. Maintaining the right balance of iron is essential—low levels can lead to anaemia, while excess iron can be toxic.
Common symptoms of iron deficiency include:
- Fatigue and weakness: Feeling excessively tired or lacking energy
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing even with mild activity
- Pale skin: Noticeable paleness, especially in the face and inner eyelids
- Dizziness or light-headedness: Frequent spells of feeling faint
- Cold hands and feet: Poor circulation due to low oxygen levels
- Brittle nails and hair loss: Nails becoming weak and hair thinning or falling out
- Frequent headaches: Oxygen deprivation leading to persistent headaches
- Unusual cravings: A desire to eat non-food items like ice, dirt, or chalk
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations: The heart working harder to compensate for low oxygen levels
Iron deficiency causes
Iron deficiency can be caused by many different reasons such as blood loss or lesser iron-rich foods in our daily diet. Iron deficiency can cause problems such as fatigue, poor concentration and getting infections. Iron is found in two forms: haem iron (from animal sources) and non-haem iron (from plant sources. Non-haem iron is less efficiently absorbed, but consuming vitamin C-rich foods (eg. Citrus fruits) with plant-based iron sources can improve absorption. Here are some causes that cause iron deficiency:
- Not eating enough iron-rich foods: As your body does not produce iron, you need to consume iron-rich foods through your diet. People at higher risk of iron deficiency due to dietary intake include:
- Children and teenagers (especially females)
- Women with heavy menstrual periods
- Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals
- Vegetarians and vegans who may not get enough iron from plant-based sources
- Babies who are fed cow’s milk instead of breast milk or iron-fortified formula
- Difficulty absorbing iron: Iron from food is absorbed in the stomach and intestines. Certain conditions and medical procedures can reduce iron absorption, such as:
- Coeliac disease or other digestive disorders
- Stomach surgery (e.g., gastric bypass)
- Certain medications that reduce stomach acid
- Blood loss: Losing blood means losing iron, which can lead to deficiency. Common causes of excessive blood loss include:
- Heavy menstrual periods (leading to chronic iron depletion)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding due to ulcers, bowel polyps, inflammatory bowel disease, or cancer
- Frequent blood donation
- Surgery or injury-related blood loss
- Parasitic infections such as hookworms
Medically reviewed by Dr.Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get an online prescription for iron supplements?
Yes. If a doctor confirms that you have low iron levels, they can issue an online prescription for iron supplements. Through telehealth appointments, you can receive expert guidance on the right dosage and treatment plan without needing to visit a clinic in person.
How can I request an online doctor referral for blood tests?
If your doctor suspects iron deficiency, they may recommend a blood test to check your iron levels. You can easily request an online doctor referral through Hola Health, allowing you to get tested at a local pathology center. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit Hola Health website or app and request a blood test referral
- Fill in your details and make payment
- Speak to a web doctor through an instant consult
- If warranted, get your blood test referral emailed to you instantly.
Can iron deficiency affect my ability to work or study?
Yes. Severe iron deficiency can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and weakness, impacting your performance at work or school. If needed, you can request a sick leave certificate online to take time off and recover.
Are telehealth doctors qualified to diagnose and treat iron deficiency?
Absolutely. Online GP consultations connect you with AHPRA-accredited doctors who can diagnose iron deficiency, recommend lifestyle changes, prescribe supplements, and provide referrals for further testing if necessary.
Can I see an after-hours doctor for iron deficiency?
Yes, iron deficiency symptoms can be discussed with a 24-hour doctor via telehealth, even on weekends or public holidays. If your condition requires urgent care, they will guide you on the next steps.
When should I see a doctor for iron deficiency?
If you experience persistent fatigue, breathlessness, dizziness, or unusual cravings for non-food substances (like ice or dirt), it’s important to consult a registered practitioner or book an online GP consultation to assess your symptoms and determine if further tests or treatments are needed.
Can I request a specialist referral for iron deficiency treatment?
If your iron deficiency is severe or caused by an underlying condition, you may need to see a specialist. Your telehealth doctor can issue an online doctor referral for further evaluation and treatment.
How can I get a prescription for iron deficiency through telehealth?
Getting a prescription for iron deficiency through telehealth services is quick, easy, and convenient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting one:
- Visit Hola Health’s website or app and click on online scripts
- Click on request an instant script and choose the consultation type
- Fill in your details and make payment.
- A registered health practitioner will review your request over a telehealth consultation and discuss your symptoms, medical history, and treatment options.
- If the doctor deems it necessary, they will issue an online Rx prescription via SMS within minutes.
- You can take the eScript to a local pharmacy or opt for same-day online pharmacy delivery.
How to speak to an online doctor using Hola Health?
Accessing a telehealth appointment with Hola Health is simple and hassle-free. Follow these steps to connect with an AHPRA-registered doctor or health practitioner anytime:
- Visit the Hola Health website or app and select “See a doctor now.”
- Choose your consultation type based on your medical needs.
- Enter your details and complete the payment securely.
- Connect with an online doctor within 15 minutes via a telehealth consultation.
- If required, receive eScripts via SMS, along with referrals or online medical certificates delivered straight to your email.
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Read more about iron deficiency, diet & lifestyle
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