You’ve had the blood test. The doctor said everything looks fine. But you’re still bone-tired, your hair is coming out more than usual, you feel cold all the time, and you can’t concentrate properly. Something is clearly not right — but you can’t get anyone to take it seriously.
Here’s something that may explain it: the standard blood test most doctors run does NOT properly check your iron stores. It checks whether you’re anaemic — whether your blood cells are low. But research has found that a very common problem goes undetected at this stage: iron stores running low before anaemia fully develops. And studies show that this low-iron state causes exactly the symptoms you’re describing.
As a CNM Qualified Naturopathic Health Coach in Dubai, KHDA approved and trained at the College of Naturopathic Medicine, I look at iron stores as a matter of course in women with tiredness. It is one of the most common things I find — and one of the most straightforward to address.
The Difference Between “Low Iron” and “Anaemia”
These two things are not the same.
Anaemia is when your red blood cells are low — your blood can’t carry enough oxygen around your body. This shows up clearly on a standard blood test, and most doctors will catch it.
Low iron stores is when your body’s iron reserve — stored in a protein called ferritin — is running low, but your blood cells haven’t dropped yet. Research has found that this stage causes significant tiredness, brain fog, and hair loss — even though the basic blood test comes back as “normal”.
The test you need is called a ferritin test. It specifically measures your iron stores, not just your blood cells. Many standard blood panels don’t include it. You often have to ask for it by name.
Research has found that a ferritin level below 50 is associated with tiredness and hair loss in women — even if the lab marks it as “within normal range”, because the reference range goes as low as 12. Normal on paper is not the same as optimal for how you feel.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Studies show that low iron stores are very common in women — and especially in certain groups:
Women with heavy periods. Every period, you lose iron. Research suggests that if your periods are heavy — even if you’ve always considered them normal — you may be consistently losing more than you can replace through food alone.
Women eating little or no meat. Studies show that iron from animal sources — meat, fish, chicken — is absorbed much more easily by your body than iron from plant sources such as lentils, spinach, and chickpeas. If you’ve reduced your meat intake or eat mostly plant-based, your iron intake needs extra attention.
Women with gut issues. Research has shown that iron is absorbed in the upper part of the small intestine. Studies suggest that when digestion isn’t working well — bloating, irregular bowels, discomfort after eating — the gut may not be absorbing iron properly, even when the diet contains enough of it.
Women who have recently had a baby. Research shows that pregnancy and breastfeeding draw significantly on iron stores. Many women are still low in iron 12–18 months after giving birth, without anyone having checked.
Women who eat out frequently. Dubai’s incredible food scene is one of the great pleasures of life in the UAE. Restaurant meals — however delicious — can be lower in iron-rich ingredients. If you eat out most days, it is worth being more intentional about iron-rich meals at home.
Signs Your Iron Stores Might Be Low
Studies have found that low ferritin produces a recognisable pattern of symptoms:
- Tiredness that sleep doesn’t fix
- Brain fog — feeling slow, forgetful, unable to think clearly
- Feeling cold, especially in your hands and feet
- Hair falling out more than usual — often in clumps in the shower or on your pillow
- Brittle nails that break easily
- Feeling out of breath going up stairs or walking quickly
- Legs that feel restless or uncomfortable at night
How to Get Tested in the UAE
One of the genuine advantages of living in the UAE is how accessible private testing is. You do not need a GP referral for a blood test. You can walk into any private clinic or laboratory and request a ferritin test. It typically costs between 50–150 AED.
When you get the result, look at the actual number — not just whether it says “normal” or “abnormal”. If your ferritin is below 50 µg/L and you have any of the symptoms above, it is worth discussing with a practitioner.
Building Your Iron Back Up
If your ferritin is low, you will likely need both food changes and a supplement to restore it properly.
Best food sources of iron: red meat, chicken thighs, liver, sardines, eggs. For plant-based sources: red lentils, chickpeas, tofu, pumpkin seeds, dark leafy greens.
Eat something with vitamin C alongside iron-rich foods. Research has shown that vitamin C significantly helps your body absorb iron from food. A squeeze of lemon on your lentil soup, or an orange alongside your meal, makes a real difference.
Avoid tea and coffee with your meals. Studies have found that the compounds in tea and coffee can significantly reduce iron absorption. Drinking them one hour before or after eating — rather than with your food — makes a meaningful practical difference.
Supplements: If you need a supplement, iron bisglycinate is generally easier on the stomach than the most common type — ferrous sulphate, which causes constipation for many women. Always take supplements with guidance from a practitioner.
For more on what affects energy, visit the Energy & Fatigue page.
One thing you can do today:
If you’ve had a blood test in the last year, call the clinic and ask what your ferritin level was — specifically ferritin, not just “iron” or full blood count. If it wasn’t tested, book a standalone ferritin test.
If you’d like support with this:
I work with women in Dubai and across the GCC as a CNM Qualified Naturopathic Health Coach. If you’re exhausted despite normal blood tests, iron stores are one of the first places I look — and it’s often exactly where we find the answer. Learn more about working with me →
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, please speak with your GP or a qualified medical professional.
