Researchers from The University of Western Australia will provide a fresh round of free iron deficiency screenings for women aged 18 to 49 over the next two Sundays (Sunday 4 and Sunday 11 February) at Karrinyup Shopping Centre.

"Despite having a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety and depression, signs of iron deficiency can be difficult to identify."

Beth MacLean, UWA Medical School PhD candidate

The service is part of the CAPRI Study to raise awareness of the increased risk of iron deficiency for women in their reproductive years.

PhD candidate Beth MacLean, from UWA’s Medical School, said the screenings allowed women to assess their risk, while collecting data to give scientists a better understanding of the condition.

“Our goal is to develop an algorithm to help predict iron deficiency through a simple questionnaire and finger-prick blood testing,” Ms MacLean said.

Image: Symptoms of iron deficiency can include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety and depression.

Researchers screened almost 400 women in the last round of data collection for the study, providing an initial risk assessment on the spot.

Participants answer questions addressing risk factors including menstruation, pregnancy history, diet, exercise patterns and various symptoms.

“Women of reproductive age are at a greater risk of developing iron deficiency through menstruation – as well as pregnancy, where over half of the iron stores are consumed,” Ms MacLean said.

“A vegetarian or vegan diet can also be a high-risk factor, as the iron that you get in meat products is absorbed 10 times more effectively than it is in vegetable products.”

Researchers will also conduct a finger-prick test for anaemia at the screening and refer women with a low haemoglobin count for further blood testing.

“Despite having a wide range of symptoms including fatigue, dizziness, headaches, anxiety and depression, signs of iron deficiency can be difficult to identify which is why blood testing is so important,” Ms MacLean said.

To learn more about the research, you can listen to Beth MacLean's podcast interview for Research on the Record.