Are you iron deficient?

One condition that is known to cause headache is iron-deficiency anemia.  Anemia itself is a decrease of hemoglobin in your body.  This substance in your blood carries oxygen, so if there’s not enough to do the work then weakness, pale skin and tiredness may result.

There are a number of things that may cause low iron levels, and so iron-deficiency anemia.  First, low levels of iron in the diet.  Sometimes people over 60, pregnant women, and vegetarians don’t get enough iron.  Second, people who aren’t absorbing the iron well.  Conditions such as diarrhoea or taking medication for acid reflux can cause problems.  Third, bleeding for any reason, including heavy menstruation.

There are some possible parallels here with some other migraine triggers.  For example, it has been theorized that tannins may inhibit iron absorbtion.  Some women get migraine symptoms during menstruation (this is likely due to hormonal changes, but could the iron loss make things worse?).  Caffeine, another common migraine trigger, can also inhibit absorbtion of iron.  Are things like this a coincidence, or is iron-deficiency more of a problem for migraineurs than we think?

You can get tested for iron-deficiency by your doctor.  She may suggest ways to get more iron in your diet, or even prescribe iron supplements.  Foods high in iron include beef, raisins, lamb, peas and beans.

For more on iron-deficiency anemia, read this article from the Mayo Clinic.