I've been taking iron for three months, but I still feel very tired. Is this normal?

Hello Laura,

Yes, it can happen. Although many people start to feel better a few weeks after starting iron treatment, the tiredness does not always disappear immediately, and in some cases it can persist for several months.

The first step is to check whether the treatment is actually working. This usually requires repeating a blood test and assessing how haemoglobin, ferritin (the body's iron stores) and other parameters related to iron metabolism have evolved. Sometimes the anaemia is corrected before the iron stores are replenished, which is why treatment is often maintained for several more months.

It is also worth checking whether the iron is being absorbed correctly. Some foods or medicines — such as dairy products, calcium, certain antacids, or coffee and tea — can reduce its absorption if taken at the same time. Taking it with vitamin C or a glass of orange juice, on the other hand, can help.

If after three months the tests have improved and the tiredness still continues, it is important to consider other possible causes. Fatigue is not always due to iron. Thyroid disorders, a vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency, sleep problems, stress, anxiety, depression, inflammatory diseases or even some infections can produce very similar symptoms.

Therefore, if you continue to feel the same, my recommendation is to consult your doctor to review how the treatment is progressing and to assess whether further investigation with a new blood test or other tests is needed.

The most important thing is not to assume that all the tiredness is due solely to a lack of iron. In most cases, once the cause is identified and treated appropriately, the symptoms improve gradually.

I hope I have helped guide you. Warm regards.