After giving birth, Rose, 38, faced an unexpected battle with exhaustion and hair loss. Initially brushed aside as “mummy issues,” her symptoms turned out to be something far more common—iron deficiency. Like many women, Rose found herself blaming her own capability as a mum. It wasn’t just about fatigue; it strained her relationship with her husband and made her doubt her self-worth.
Despite multiple doctor visits, she experienced “back and forth gaslighting” before finally diagnosing the issue. Iron deficiency is more common than you’d think—impacting around 8% of women in the UK—yet often goes untreated, leading to risks like infections, heart problems, and even organ damage.
“I used to think I was simply not coping well with two young kids,” Rose shared. “It’s exhausting even without a deficiency. I started wondering if I was depressed, blaming postpartum weight gain, or considering myself lazy. The shame was overwhelming.”
After the birth of her second child, the symptoms worsened; hair falling out, constant fatigue, dizziness, and even memory loss. Simple tasks became monumental, and her social life dwindled. “I felt like I was failing at motherhood. My partner adjusted to my exhaustion and anxiety, and I stopped caring because I didn’t have energy,” she said.
In June 2025, Rose finally pushed for a diagnosis: low ferritin levels, treatable with iron supplements. The treatment was challenging, but an iron infusion made all the difference. Now, Rose’s mission is to educate others, ensuring no one else feels dismissed like she did.
“It was a subtle but profound change. I finally feel like myself, better for my kids and partner,” Rose enthused. “I focus on eating red meat and iron-rich foods. If something feels off, insist on answers. I’m here to help make sure it’s not ignored!”
Feeling fatigued or off-kilter? Don’t ignore it. Speak up, get answers, and take charge of your health. #WomensHealth #HealthAwareness #IronDeficiency #MumsUnite