Forty to fifty-five-year-old women and iron deficiency: clinical considerations and quality of life.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of iron therapy in treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in perimenopausal women and the effectiveness of ferrous sulfate in a slow-release formulation.
Results Summary
The study found that iron therapy effectively treats IDA and restores iron stores, reducing symptoms like fatigue and improving quality of life. Ferrous sulfate in a slow-release formulation was well-tolerated and resulted in good adherence.
Population
Perimenopausal women (ages 40-55) at risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
iron therapy | decrease | anemia | women | - | treats | #1 |
iron therapy | increase | iron stores | women | - | restores | #2 |
iron therapy | decrease | symptoms such as fatigue | women | - | decreasing | #3 |
iron therapy | increase | quality of life | women | - | restoring | #4 |
ferrous sulfate in a slow release formulation | no change | tolerance | - | - | well-tolerated | #5 |
ferrous sulfate in a slow release formulation | increase | good adherence | - | - | results in | #6 |
good adherence | increase | efficacious supplementation | - | - | key factor for | #7 |
Between the age of 40 and 55 years, women experience important changes in their lives. This period, which corresponds to the perimenopause for most women, is associated with the risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The clinical presentation of anemia can be misleading, and the underlying cause, particularly bleeding, is frequently treated without concomitant iron prescription. Iron deficiency (ID) remains a social and economic burden in European countries. Underdiagnosed and undertreated, this problem has a strong negative impact on women's quality of life. The risk factors for ID are well known. The physician's role is essential in recognizing the symptoms, identifying the risk factors, detecting IDA by testing hemoglobin, and evaluating the degree of ID by measuring serum ferritin (SF). Iron therapy treats the anemia and restores iron stores, thus decreasing symptoms such as fatigue and restoring quality of life. Among the available forms of iron, evidence is in favor of ferrous sulfate in a slow release formulation, which is well-tolerated and results in good adherence, a key factor for efficacious supplementation.