Persistent fatigue, dizziness or difficulty concentrating may be signs of low iron. Iron deficiency is common and often confirmed through a simple blood test. When tablets fail or absorption is poor, your GP may recommend an iron infusion for faster recovery. Brisbane City Doctors provides safe, GP-supervised infusions and follow-up care to restore healthy iron levels.
If you’ve been feeling unusually tired, weak or unable to concentrate, it’s easy to assume you just need more sleep or less stress. But if your fatigue feels relentless, low iron levels could be part of the problem. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of tiredness, especially among women, vegetarians, and people with heavy menstrual bleeding or chronic conditions.
At Brisbane City Doctors, our experienced GPs see many patients with low iron who are looking for answers after months of exhaustion. Understanding how iron works in your body is the first step toward feeling better.
The Hidden Role of Iron in Your Body
Iron plays a key role in producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. When iron levels drop, your body struggles to deliver oxygen efficiently to tissues and muscles. This can leave you feeling fatigued, dizzy and short of breath, even during everyday activities.
Common Signs of Low Iron
Iron deficiency can develop gradually, so symptoms are often overlooked. Some of the most frequent signs include:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Pale skin or dark circles under the eyes
- Shortness of breath or rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Brittle nails or hair loss
- Headaches or difficulty concentrating
- Restless legs, particularly at night
If you’re noticing several of these symptoms, your GP can order a simple blood test (full blood count and iron studies) to check your levels.
Why Iron Tablets Don’t Always Work
For mild iron deficiency, oral iron supplements are often the first step. However, they don’t always work effectively for everyone. There are a few common reasons why:
- Poor absorption: Some medical conditions, such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, affect how well your gut absorbs iron.
- Side effects: Oral iron can cause nausea, constipation or stomach discomfort, which can make it hard to keep taking them.
- Ongoing losses: Heavy periods, pregnancy or internal bleeding can deplete iron faster than tablets can replace it.
In these cases, your GP might discuss whether a faster and more effective option like an iron infusion is suitable for you.
When to Consider an Iron Infusion
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream through a vein. It’s typically recommended when:
- Iron tablets have failed or caused intolerable side effects
- You need to restore iron quickly before surgery or during pregnancy
- There’s a medical reason that oral iron isn’t absorbed properly
- You have moderate to severe iron deficiency anaemia
At Brisbane City Doctors, iron infusions are performed safely in our onsite treatment room by our experienced medical team. The infusion takes around 45 to 60 minutes, and you’ll be monitored by a GP and nurse throughout the process.
What to Expect from Treatment
Many patients wonder how quickly they’ll feel better. While some notice improvements within days, it often takes one to three weeks for energy levels to rise as your body rebuilds its iron stores.
Mild, short-term side effects such as a metallic taste, headache or flu-like feeling can occur, but they usually resolve within a day or two.
Your GP will arrange follow-up blood tests to ensure your iron levels are improving and to determine if further treatment is needed. This ongoing monitoring is an important part of restoring and maintaining healthy iron.
Questions to Ask Your GP About Iron Infusions
When speaking with your GP, consider asking:
- What are my iron and ferritin levels?
- Could there be an underlying reason for my low iron?
- Is an iron infusion appropriate for me?
- How much will it cost after the Medicare rebate?
- How soon should I expect to feel better?
These are some of the same questions that regularly appear in patient discussions online, and it’s completely normal to want clear answers. At Brisbane City Doctors, we make sure to explain the full process, including cost, timing and follow-up care, so you know exactly what to expect.
Supporting Your Iron Levels Naturally
Even if you need an infusion, building healthy habits can help prevent your iron from dropping again.
Here are a few practical ways to support your levels:
- Eat iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, poultry, legumes and leafy greens
- Pair iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus or tomatoes to improve absorption
- Avoid drinking tea or coffee with meals, as they can reduce iron absorption
- Regularly monitor your levels if you have heavy periods or a condition affecting absorption
Your GP can tailor these recommendations to your specific health needs and medical history.
When to See a Doctor
If tiredness is interfering with your daily life or you’ve already tried supplements without success, book an appointment with one of our Brisbane GPs.
We’ll assess your symptoms, review your blood results and determine whether an iron infusion or another treatment is right for you.
You can book online or call (07) 3221 3366 to arrange a consultation at Brisbane City Doctors.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional for advice specific to your condition.