01Eat iron-rich foods
Red meat, chicken, fish, lentils, beans and dark leafy greens are good sources of iron.
Internal medicine · Dubai
Iron Deficiency and Anaemia Care in Dubai
Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of tiredness. Dr. Sheena Cherry finds out why your iron is low, treats it and checks that your levels recover.
She discussed this topic on the Emirates Hospitals podcast, Ep. 18: Iron-Deficient? Here's Why.
What this covers
- Iron deficiency with or without anaemia
- Low ferritin and low iron stores
- Finding the cause of low iron
- Iron replacement and follow-up
- Anaemia found on a routine blood test
When to see a doctor
- Constant tiredness or low energy
- Breathlessness or a racing heart on exertion
- Pale skin, headaches or dizziness
- Brittle nails, hair loss or restless legs
- Heavy periods
- A low haemoglobin or ferritin result
Get urgent help: Blood in your stool or vomit, black stools, or fainting need prompt medical attention.
Always tired, breathless or pale?Low iron is a common and treatable cause. Book a review to find out why and put it right.
Your care
- STEP 01
Find the cause
Diet, blood loss, absorption problems and medicines are all considered.
- STEP 02
Confirm with tests
Blood tests show how low your iron is and whether anaemia is present.
- STEP 03
Treat
Iron replacement is chosen to suit you, with advice on taking it well.
- STEP 04
Recheck
Repeat blood tests confirm that your levels have recovered.
Whole-person care
Iron care that finds the cause
Low iron is common, and there is usually a clear reason for it, such as heavy periods, diet, pregnancy or blood loss from the gut. Dr. Sheena looks for the cause as well as treating the low levels.
- The right testsFerritin and a full blood count show how low your iron stores are.
- Looking for the causeDiet, periods, gut health and absorption are all considered.
- Checking recoveryRepeat blood tests confirm that your iron levels are rising.
In depth
Iron deficiency and anaemia: what to know
A closer look at the condition, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.
01 / 03
Why low iron makes you feel so tired
Iron helps your blood carry oxygen. When stores run low, you may feel tired, breathless, dizzy or cold, even before your haemoglobin drops into the anaemia range.
- Low ferritinShows iron stores are running low, often before anaemia develops.
- AnaemiaLow haemoglobin means less oxygen reaches your body's tissues.
- Common signsTiredness, hair loss, brittle nails, restless legs and craving ice.
02 / 03
Treating the cause, not just the number
Iron deficiency always has a reason. Dr. Sheena looks for it, because the right treatment depends on why your iron is low.
- Heavy periodsOne of the most common causes in women, and worth discussing openly.
- Diet and absorptionLow intake, coeliac disease, some medicines and stomach conditions can reduce absorption.
- Hidden blood lossGut causes are considered and investigated when needed, especially in men and older adults.
03 / 03
Refilling your iron stores safely
Most people improve with iron tablets and changes to their diet. If tablets are not tolerated or not working, other options are discussed.
- Iron tabletsAdvice on dose, timing and reducing stomach side effects.
- Iron-rich eatingPractical food choices, and pairing iron with vitamin C for better absorption.
- RechecksBlood tests confirm your levels are recovering, usually after a few months.
Everyday health
Small steps that help raise iron
Food alone may not correct low iron, but these habits help your body make the most of it.
01
02Add vitamin C
Vitamin C from oranges, tomatoes or peppers helps your body absorb iron from plant foods.
03Time your tea and coffee
Tea and coffee can reduce iron absorption. Have them between meals rather than with them.
General information only. Dr. Sheena will tailor advice to your health and any medicines you take.
Dr. Sheena CherrySpecialist in Internal Medicine
Specialist, Internal Medicine
4.93 / 510 reviews on Doctify
Your doctor for iron deficiency
Dr. Sheena Cherry
Specialist in Internal Medicine · Emirates Hospital Jumeirah, Dubai
Dr. Sheena discussed iron deficiency on the Emirates Hospitals podcast, and helps patients find the cause behind low iron, not just treat the result.
She previously worked as a Specialist in Internal Medicine at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi, and holds a Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine from Apollo Hospital, Chennai.
- DHA licensedReg. No. 23662716
- MD, Internal MedicineAnnamalai University
- Cardiology certificateJohns Hopkins University
- LanguagesEnglish and Malayalam
Lab tests
Tests that may be used
Only the tests that are useful for you are recommended.
The process
From booking to follow‑up
What to expect when you see Dr. Sheena for iron deficiency, step by step.
- 01
Book your visit
Call 800 444 444, book online with Emirates Hospitals or use the Okadoc app.
- 02
Bring your history
Bring recent blood tests such as haemoglobin and ferritin, and a list of your supplements and medicines.
- 03
Consultation
Dr. Sheena takes a full history, examines you and explains what she thinks is going on.
- 04
Tests and a clear plan
Only useful tests are ordered. Results and next steps are explained in plain language.
- 05
Follow-up
Blood tests are usually repeated after two to three months of treatment to confirm your iron stores are recovering.
Patient reviews
What patients say about Dr. Sheena
Verified patient reviews from Doctify, shown word for word. They describe Dr. Sheena's care in general, not treatment for a particular condition.
4.93
10 reviews on Doctify
Amazing Doctor, understanding caring and very articulate with her explanations Truly a wonderful Doctor all round
Friendly doctor with well experienced, spending time with the patient and explained everything clear and frequent followups.
A very professional yet warm approach, empathic and focus oriented toward patients comfort and well-being.
FAQ
Iron deficiency: common questions
How long does it take to restore iron levels?
Haemoglobin often starts to rise within a few weeks of treatment, but rebuilding iron stores usually takes around three months. Repeat blood tests confirm recovery.
Should I take iron supplements without a test?
It is best to test first. Low iron has a cause that should be found, and taking iron you do not need can cause side effects.
Can diet alone fix low iron?
A balanced diet helps keep iron levels healthy, but once you are deficient, supplements are often needed as well. Dr. Sheena will advise on both.
Why is my iron low if I eat well?
Iron can be low despite a good diet because of heavy periods, blood loss from the gut, pregnancy, or conditions that reduce absorption, such as coeliac disease. Finding the reason is part of your assessment.
Should I take iron with tea or coffee?
It is best to avoid tea and coffee for about an hour either side of iron tablets, because they reduce absorption. Taking iron with water or orange juice helps.
Can I have low iron without being anaemic?
Yes. Low ferritin with normal haemoglobin is called iron deficiency without anaemia. It can still cause tiredness, hair loss and poor concentration, and is worth treating.
How do I book an appointment for iron deficiency?
Call 800 444 444, book online through Emirates Hospitals, or use the Okadoc app. Appointments are at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai.
Is my consultation covered by insurance?
Cover depends on your insurance plan. Call 800 444 444 to check before your visit, and bring your insurance card and Emirates ID or passport.
Related conditions
Book a consultation with Dr. Sheena
Appointments at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai.
Iron Deficiency and Anaemia Doctor in Dubai
Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of tiredness in Dubai. Dr. Sheena Cherry diagnoses low ferritin and iron deficiency anaemia, looks for the underlying cause and plans treatment with iron tablets, diet changes or other options.
She discussed iron deficiency on the Emirates Hospitals podcast, and her guide to iron deficiency symptoms and tests explains what ferritin and haemoglobin results mean.
For heavy periods, digestive causes or low iron that keeps coming back, book a consultation at Emirates Hospital Jumeirah or call 800 444 444.
Symptoms of low iron include tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, hair loss, brittle nails, restless legs and craving ice. Women with heavy periods, pregnant women, vegetarians and frequent blood donors are at higher risk.
Tests include haemoglobin, ferritin, iron studies, B12, folate and, when needed, coeliac and stool tests. Treatment may include oral iron, diet changes, treating the cause and, if tablets do not work, other options.
Related care: gut causes of low iron, thyroid problems, fatigue after COVID and health checks.