Always Tired or irritable? It Could Be Iron Deficiency—What you Need to Know
Hello! I’m Maylen. I help my clients uncover the gaps in their well-being and design personalized plans, based on root causes (not quick fixes), that bring back energy, balance, and joy into their lives. I’d love to walk beside you on your journey to feeling truly healthy and whole.
Iron is an essential mineral and micronutrient that plays a critical role in our bodies—most notably in helping red blood cells carry oxygen to every tissue and organ and energy production. Without enough iron, your cells don't receive the oxygen they need, leading to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, irritability, low mood, and difficulty concentrating. Iron is also vital for supporting your immune system, DNA synthesis, hormonal balance, and even your ability to regulate body temperature besides energy levels.
According to a 2021 review published in Nutrients, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency globally, and women of reproductive age are particularly at risk due to menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum demands. On the other hand The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) states that Anemia is an unrecognized and untreated chronic state that affects more than 2 billion people worldwide, mainly women, the fetus, and children due to iron deficiency (Iron Deficiency and Anemia in women and girls). The review emphasizes how iron deficiency—whether or not it develops into anemia—can significantly affect cognitive performance, emotional health, and overall well-being.
Yet here’s the surprising part: testing for iron deficiency is not part of a standard wellness exam in many places. Unless you or your doctor specifically requests it, this crucial biomarker may go unchecked.
My Own Story of Iron Deficiency
Six years ago, I was living proof of this gap in care and found myself exhausted. Not just “busy mom” tired—but deeply, soul-level exhausted. I’d wake up feeling not rested, no matter how many hours of sleep. I needed a nap by 2pm, and almost every night I would rush through dinner and bedtime routine to just collapse in bed. I was emotional, forgetful, short-tempered with my daughters during bedtime—the very moments I used to treasure most. I was crying for no reason, struggling to concentrate, and often felt like I was unraveling.
I Told Myself it was NORMAL
And yet, I pushed on. I was in my 40s, had two young girls to raise, and like many women, I figured that being worn out just came with the part of motherhood and life.
What I didn’t know was that I was severely iron deficient—and no one had caught it, because iron isn’t typically part of a basic wellness panel in Washington State. Even after sharing my struggles with multiple doctors, I was told things like, “You’re just a tired mom”. I left appointments feeling unheard, hopeless, and dismissed.
Everything changed when I found an internal medicine doctor with a compassionate, holistic approach. He listened. He asked questions about my emotional, physical, and mental health. And he ran the tests no one else had—including iron levels and an ultrasound to check for possible polyps (possible cause for heavy bleeding every month).
It turns out I was anemic and had a polyp in my uterus!
So What Now?
I chose IV Iron Therapy to restore my levels quickly (after reviewing options with my doctor), and after the third session, I began to feel like myself again. Clearer. Lighter. More patient. I hadn’t realized how hard I was pushing through something that had a name—and a solution. I got surgery to have the polyp removed as well.
But this journey wasn’t just about restoring my iron. It cracked me open to healing in every area of my life. I began tending to my whole self—mind, body, and soul. I made changes to my diet, movement, therapy, setting boundaries. I gave myself permission to rest and reconnect with what I love. I returned to school to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach and through this journey, I met myself again—stronger, softer, wiser.
Today, I teach yoga, run my wellness coaching business, and work at a Catholic preschool two days a week, a beautiful place that feels like a second home. After moving from Mexico, feeling like an outsider for years, this place has given me spiritual and emotional connection, laughter, community, and joy.
I have now a 12 year old and a 9 year old daughter and now being part of my health learning journey. I’m now more aware of what their bodies may need, and I teach them and support them in paying attention to what they put in their mouths, what they read, what they listen, what they watch on TV as it all feeds into our mind and soul. Teaching them to listen to their body with love and curiosity if something feels off is also part of our conversations at home.
Takeaways
I share this story as an invitation for you to :
Please check your iron levels. Ask your doctor specifically to include iron biomarkers—especially if you’re still menstruating or have a history of heavy periods, low energy, mood swings, or “brain fog.”
Come prepared (and follow your intuition): Do your own research before doctor’s appointments. Be your own advocate and don’t be afraid of asking or requesting what feels good to you or what makes sense to meet your unique and personal health needs.
Pay attention to your body and emotions. Listen to the signals your body is sending you—whether it’s fatigue, overwhelm, mood shifts, or irritability. These aren’t just random symptoms; these are messages inviting you to pause, look for root causes, and care for yourself.
Nourish your body with intention. Eating whole foods and sleeping enough hours has the power to restore, energize, and truly support your well-being. If you are a woman, a simple beet juice recipe you can make at home can help out during menstruation, when energy dips and iron stores may drop.
Choose “ME TIME” to recharge. I know how busy life can get and sometimes we brush aside our needs or find it hard to make space for activities that truly recharge us or feed our souls. But the truth is, you deserve to feel energized, clear, and whole. And when you choose time for yourself, everyone around you benefits too.
Thanks for reading my post! If you are ready to start your wellness journey, I would love to help!
