Women are especially at risk for iron deficiencies. In fact, almost 10% of women in the United States are iron deficient according to the CDC. This means that women need to pay special attention to their iron level range to prevent problematic symptoms that will cause discomfort and slow them down.
Why Low Iron Levels Affect Women
The various stages of a woman’s life, such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, have a profound effect on her iron levels and cause fluctuation within the iron level range. Both men and women lose iron through urine, feces, and even the skin. However, women lose more iron when they are menstruating because of the extra blood loss and during pregnancy to support the iron needs of an unborn child.
The Recommended Iron Level Range for Women
There are several different tests that a physician may order to determine whether a woman has an iron deficiency. One of these is a hemoglobin test, and the normal hemoglobin range for women is between 12.0 and 15.5 grams per deciliter.
Another test checks hematocrit levels, which is the percentage of blood volume that is comprised of red blood cells. The recommended hematocrit range for women is between 34.9 and 44.5 percent. Levels below these figures may suggest the presence of an iron deficiency.
How to Achieve High Iron Levels
Although maintaining high iron levels can be a challenge for women during certain life phases, it is certainly not impossible. Iron supplements, such as Fergon Iron restore, help women maintain their active lifestyles without being weighed down by fatigue and low energy.
Women should also eat plenty of iron rich foods on a daily basis, such as spinach, lentils, dried apricots, and beef or chicken liver. It is also a good idea to get iron levels checked if unexplained symptoms arise or as part of an annual checkup.
