Not so fast. Iron deficiency is a common problem among women of childbearing age, but it’s not the only possible cause of your fatigue. Anything from thyroid dysfunction to sleep deprivation to depression could be to blame, which is why it’s critical that you and your doctor first pinpoint the cause. If your exhaustion lingers longer than two weeks, ask her for an iron profile, a blood test that can reveal below-normal iron levels. If you are anemic, she’ll likely recommend a short-term supplement. Don’t take iron pills unsupervised, however—it could be dangerous. If you are one of the 2 million people who have hemochromatosis, a genetic condition that prompts the body to store too much iron, supplements can lead to liver damage. (You’d never know if you have it without the iron profile.) If your problem isn’t with iron, your M.D. can help you figure it out. Chances are, you’ll start feeling more like your old energetic self very soon.
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