Let’s talk about something I wish I’d understood sooner—something that’s left me crumpled on the couch more times than I care to admit. For years, I brushed off my fatigue as “just part of motherhood.” Everyone’s tired, right? But when heart palpitations started keeping me awake at night, brain fog made me forget my toddler’s snack for the third day in a row, and anxiety began clawing at my chest like a storm I couldn’t calm, I realized this wasn’t normal.
Turns out, I’ve been walking through life (probably over 10 years) with iron deficiency anemia—a condition too often dismissed as “no big deal.” But when your body’s crying out for iron, it’s anything but small. The good news? It’s treatable. The hard part? Healing begins with being heard.
The Symptoms We Brush Off (But Shouldn’t)
My wake-up call came when my new doctor checked my ferritin levels—the key marker for stored iron. For years, standard bloodwork missed what ferritin revealed: my body was running on empty. If you’ve felt like you’re drowning in exhaustion despite your best efforts, here’s what to watch for:
- Physical: Racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, restless legs, hair loss, icy hands/feet, palpitations.
- Emotional/Mental: Anxiety, panic attacks, derealization (feeling “detached” from your surroundings), mood swings, insomnia, irritability.
- Daily Life: Exercise leaving you breathless, brain fog stealing your focus, weakness making simple tasks feel impossible, speech issues, blurry eyes.
Lately, my anxiety has been particularly relentless. There are days I don’t want to leave the house, and when I do, I’m fighting invisible waves of panic—yet no one can tell. It’s isolating, but I’ve learned this: You’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.
Why Ferritin Matters (And How to Advocate for Yourself)
For years, my regular bloodwork showed I was anemic, but no one ever mentioned checking my ferritin—the critical test that reveals your body’s iron stores. It wasn’t until I switched doctors that my new provider ordered this simple blood test, and the results floored me: my ferritin levels were so low that my doctor ordered me to have iron infusions (my experience with those in a future blog). So many of my symptoms—symptoms I’d blamed on stress or “just being a mom”—were actually tied to iron deficiency.
Previous doctors had brushed it off with a casual, “Take an iron supplement and you’ll be fine.” But here’s what I’ve learned: once ferritin drops too low, oral supplements often can’t fix the problem alone—and even when they are part of the solution, it requires being hyper-intentional about dosing, timing (like taking them on an empty stomach), and pairing them with nutrients like vitamin C to boost absorption. I’ve cycled through these symptoms for years, not realizing why I’d feel better temporarily, only to crash again.
The game-changer? Joining the Iron Protocol Facebook Group. This community taught me things my doctors never explained—like why timing your iron supplements matters, how vitamin C boosts absorption, and why certain foods can sabotage progress. Knowledge truly is power when it comes to reclaiming your health.
A gentle reminder: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing supplements or treatments. What works for one person may not be right for another!
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to move forward with IV iron infusions to rebuild my stores (Here’s My Infusion Story). Early detection? That’s where healing gains ground.
You’re Not Alone
When shame whispered, “Other moms handle this better,” I found the Iron Protocol Facebook Group. This community helped me realize I’m not the only one fighting this invisible battle. They share practical tips—like how to time iron supplements for better absorption, why pairing them with vitamin C helps, and how to avoid foods that block iron—while emphasizing the critical need to partner with your doctor. A word of causation this group was not helpful in easing my concerns when it came to iron infusions because of the simple fact that most of the time people would rather talk about the bad things that happened to them, leaving me more worried about the infusions then confident I would be fine and that they would work well.
Tools That Helped Me Walk This Road
- Weekly Pill Organizer (affiliate link): It took me awhile to get this, but it has helped me make sure I am taking all my supplements and not forgetting any of them (brain fog is real!).
- Hydration Tracking Water Bottle (affiliate link): A simple tool to stay mindful of self-care basics, like drinking enough water (key for energy!).
- Iron Supplement (affiliate link): Iron supplements with a vitamin C is super helpful but I also take additional vitamin C for even better absorption.
- Vitamin C Supplement (affiliate link): I’m such a child haha if I can get something chewable then I much prefer it, there are many good vitamin C supplements on the market this is just what I choose to use.
- Multivitamin (affiliate link): I like these because they are third party tested, non-gmo and have relatively clean ingredients.
A Note for Weary Hearts
To anyone feeling stuck in a fog of exhaustion or anxiety: Your health matters. Advocating for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s brave. Whether it’s asking for a ferritin test, joining a supportive community, or simply resting without guilt, small steps add up.
Sweet mama, if this resonates, please don’t wait. Ask for that ferritin test. Our bodies are incredible, resilient vessels—and caring for them honors the life we’ve been given. You’re worth the chase for answers.
P.S. This is my story—not medical advice. Always partner with your doctor. But remember: you’re allowed to speak up, ask questions, and seek second opinions. You’ve got this.
Medical Accuracy Note:
Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed through blood tests, including ferritin (which measures stored iron). Treatment varies based on severity: oral supplements are common, but IV iron may be needed for severe deficiency or malabsorption. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance. Symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and heart palpitations are clinically recognized in anemia but can overlap with other conditions—proper testing is essential.