Dr Susan Jain on Iron Deficiency: Expert Insights
Table Of Contents
Dr Susan Jain explains the most common iron deficiency symptoms, who’s most at risk, and what to expect from an iron infusion at our Harley Street clinic.
Dr Susan Jain is a specialist in anaemia and iron deficiency at Revive and Reset Clinic. With her background in intensive care medicine and anaesthesia, Dr Jain brings unique insights into how iron deficiency affects everyday function and wellbeing.
In this video, Dr Jain discusses the most common symptoms she encounters, explains who is most at risk, and outlines how iron deficiency can be effectively treated through iron infusions at our Harley Street clinic.
Top Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
According to Dr Jain, the three most common symptoms patients present with are:
1 General Fatigue
Patients often report feeling tired all the time, even after 8-10 hours of sleep. They wake up feeling exhausted and lack the energy to get through their day. This persistent fatigue is one of the most debilitating aspects of iron deficiency.
2. Brain Fog
Many people struggle with concentration at work or school, find it hard to locate the right words, and feel less sharp than usual. This cognitive impact can significantly affect professional performance and daily activities.
3. Hair Loss
Especially concerning for women, patients notice their hair becoming thinner and shedding more than normal. Hair is often described as our “crown of glory,” making this symptom particularly distressing.
Other Physical Symptoms
Dr Jain also notes that patients may experience feeling cold, restless legs, and shortness of breath when climbing stairs. These physical symptoms often accompany the fatigue and cognitive issues.
Who Is at Risk?
Dr Jain emphasizes that if you’re bleeding, you’re losing iron – it’s as simple as that. She identifies three main phases in a woman’s life where iron deficiency becomes particularly prominent:
Starting Menstruation
When periods first begin, they can be irregular and heavy until they settle down, leading to significant iron loss during this developmental phase.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
The growing baby requires substantial iron, and new mothers often don’t receive optimal nutrition during the demanding postpartum period.
Perimenopause & Menopause
Periods become considerably heavier towards the end of the reproductive years, causing increased iron deficiency during this transition.
Athletes and Heavy Exercise
Dr Jain explains that heavy exercise causes iron loss through sweat. Additionally, overtraining can lead to body inflammation that produces proteins which reduce iron absorption. Athletes may push themselves to achieve peak performance without realizing their iron deficiency is preventing them from reaching their goals.
The Treatment Process at Revive and Reset
Most patients have already sought blood tests from their GP, which may or may not have resulted in a referral for iron infusion. At Revive and Reset, the process involves:
- Initial Consultation: An in-depth discussion about the reasons for your iron deficiency
- Assessment: Evaluation of your suitability for an iron infusion
- Medical Supervision: All infusions performed with both a doctor and nurse present
- Safe Environment: Treatment in a fully equipped medical facility
- Quick Procedure: The iron infusion takes approximately 25 minutes
What to Expect After Treatment
According to Dr Jain, it takes about 10 days to two weeks for your body to assimilate the iron and begin feeling improvement. From personal experience, she notes that one of the first signs is that “it was just easier to get out of bed one day.”
Symptoms like fatigue and brain fog will lift, and you may notice it’s easier to climb stairs without shortness of breath. Full improvement occurs between two weeks and two months. A follow-up blood test at three months helps determine your iron stores and ongoing management needs.
Take Control of Your Health
If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue, brain fog, hair loss, or other symptoms of iron deficiency, don’t wait. Dr Jain and our medical team at Revive and Reset are here to help you understand your condition and provide effective treatment.
We offer comprehensive consultations where we explore the underlying causes of your iron deficiency and create a personalised treatment plan to restore your energy, cognitive function, and overall wellbeing.
About Dr Susan Jain
Dr Susan Jain is a specialist in anaemia and iron deficiency at Revive and Reset Clinic. With extensive experience in intensive care medicine and anaesthesia, she brings a comprehensive understanding of how iron deficiency impacts overall health and daily functioning.
Dr Jain is passionate about helping everyday women who are poorly functioning in their lives due to iron deficiency or anaemia. She provides personalized care that addresses both immediate symptoms and underlying causes. Meet Dr Jain