Iron Deficiency & Low Ferritin Naturopath in London, Ontario
Meet Dr. Vanessa Eedy, ND
Iron deficiency is one of the most common and under-recognized causes of fatigue, hair loss, and low energy in women. Many individuals are told their iron levels are “normal,” even when ferritin (iron stores) is low and symptoms are clearly present.
Dr. Vanessa Eedy, ND provides evidence-based naturopathic care for iron deficiency and low ferritin in London, Ontario. Treatment focuses on interpreting blood work in the context of symptoms, identifying underlying causes such as heavy menstrual bleeding, dietary intake, absorption issues, or thyroid dysfunction, and developing a personalized plan to restore optimal iron status.
A key focus of care is understanding that “normal lab ranges” do not always reflect optimal function, particularly when symptoms persist despite results being within reference range.
If you are struggling with low iron, a naturopathic consultation can help you better understand what is driving your symptoms and what can be done to support improvement.
Iron deficiency can occur with or without anemia.
What Is Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency occurs when the body does not have enough iron to support normal physiological functions such as oxygen transport, energy production, and cellular metabolism.
Many people experience symptoms before anemia develops, which is why early detection is important.
Iron Deficiency vs Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are not the same condition.
Iron deficiency:
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Low iron stores (low ferritin)
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Hemoglobin may still be normal
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Symptoms may already be present
Many individuals are told their iron is “fine” because hemoglobin is normal, while ferritin remains suboptimal.
Iron deficiency anemia:
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Low iron stores PLUS low hemoglobin
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More advanced stage of deficiency
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May involve more pronounced fatigue, weakness, or dizziness
What Is Ferritin and Why Does It Matter?
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. It reflects the body’s iron reserves.
Even when ferritin is within a laboratory reference range, it may still be too low for optimal function.
Symptoms associated with low ferritin may include:
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Fatigue or low energy
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Hair thinning or hair loss
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Brittle nails
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Brain fog
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Restless legs
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Poor exercise tolerance
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Feeling cold easily
Optimal ferritin ranges may vary depending on symptoms, clinical context, and individual needs.
Many people searching for a naturopathic doctor near me wonder how naturopathic care differs from conventional healthcare.
Common Causes of Low Iron or Ferritin
Iron deficiency can occur due to:
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Heavy menstrual bleeding
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Endometriosis or fibroids
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Inadequate dietary iron intake
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Low absorption from the gut
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Celiac disease or digestive dysfunction
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Pregnancy or postpartum demands
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Endurance training or high physical demand
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Chronic inflammation
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Frequent blood donation
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for long-term correction.
How Iron Deficiency Affects the Body
Iron is essential for:
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Oxygen transport (hemoglobin function)
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Energy production in mitochondria
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Cognitive function and brain health
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Thyroid hormone metabolism
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Hair follicle growth cycles
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Muscle function and endurance
Low iron can therefore present as both physical and cognitive symptoms.
Many people searching for a naturopathic doctor near me wonder how naturopathic care differs from conventional healthcare.
Naturopathic Approach to Iron Deficiency
Treatment is individualized and may include:
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Comprehensive blood work interpretation
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Assessment of ferritin, hemoglobin, and iron panel markers
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Identification of root causes (cycle, diet, absorption, inflammation)
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Dietary strategies to improve iron intake
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Evidence-based iron supplementation strategies
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Support for absorption (vitamin C, gut health considerations)
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Management of heavy menstrual bleeding when relevant
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Monitoring response to treatment over time
In some cases, further medical investigation or collaboration may be recommended.
Optimal Iron Levels vs “Normal Range”
Laboratory reference ranges are designed to capture deficiency states, not optimal health.
Many individuals experience symptoms even when results fall within “normal” limits.
For example, ferritin may be reported as normal, but still be insufficient for:
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Energy production
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Hair growth
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Neurological function
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Hormonal balance
This is why interpretation of lab results must always be paired with symptoms.
Many people searching for a naturopathic doctor near me wonder how naturopathic care differs from conventional healthcare.
Listen to Dr. Eedy on Iron Deficiency & Ferritin
Understanding iron status is important because symptoms are often overlooked until deficiency becomes more advanced.
Listen to Dr. Eedy discuss iron deficiency, low ferritin, and fatigue.
