What are the signs of low iron in female athletes?
Common signs include tiredness, a drop in performance, feeling short of breath, getting dizzy, looking pale and slow recovery. Female athletes are at higher risk because of menstrual losses and training demands. Only a blood test can confirm low iron.
Common signs
- Ongoing fatigue that rest does not fix
- Workouts feeling harder than usual
- Shortness of breath or a racing heart during exercise
- Dizziness, headaches or feeling cold
- Pale skin or brittle nails
Why athletes are at higher risk
- Iron lost through menstruation and sweat
- Higher needs from heavy training
- Low energy intake or plant-based diets without planning
When to get it checked
Talk to your doctor about a blood test before taking iron supplements. A sports dietitian can help you get more iron from food and fuel your training.
At Performance Sports Therapy in Gloucester, our sports dietitians can help you find the cause and build a plan.
Related: how much protein do endurance runners need, what should I eat before a half marathon.