Iron deficiency is one of the most common and most misunderstood medical issues affecting women today. In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND and Dr. Paul Maximus, ND break down why so many patients are told their labs are “normal” while they continue to experience exhaustion, brain fog, hair loss, chronic pain, mood changes, and low libido. The conversation explores how laboratory reference ranges differ from clinical reality, why iron deficiency is routinely missed until it becomes anemia, and how outdated screening practices disproportionately affect women. This is especially true for those with heavy periods, perimenopause, inflammatory conditions, plant-based diets, or absorption issues. Dr. Parmar and Dr. Maximus explain why oral iron often fails, why symptoms can persist well above traditional ferritin cutoffs, and why IV iron is positioned as a system-level solution rather than unnecessary intervention. The discussion covers bone marrow iron stores, ferritin targets, pregnancy and postpartum depletion, libido, mental health, and energy regulation. This episode challenges the idea that feeling tired, foggy, or unwell is simply part of being a woman. If you have ever been told your labs are fine but your body says otherwise, this conversation puts iron deficiency back where it belongs: front and center. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why iron deficiency is often missed until anemia The difference between lab reference ranges and clinical thresholds Why symptoms can exist above “normal” ferritin levels Why oral iron frequently fails How menstruation, pregnancy, and inflammation affect iron The role of iron in energy, mood, libido, and cognition Why IV iron is framed as system relief What patients should ask for and what doctors should reconsider TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and hot open 02:00 Why iron deficiency is missed in women 05:00 Lab reference ranges versus clinical thresholds 08:00 Ferritin, bone marrow iron, and symptoms 12:00 Oral iron failure and absorption issues 15:00 Menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, and iron depletion 18:00 Iron, neurotransmitters, and libido 20:00 Addressing criticism around iron infusions 23:00 Anemia as the final stage of deficiency 25:00 Cost, benefits coverage, and private pay realities 27:00 Why the system does not emphasize iron deficiency 28:00 Closing thoughts: know your number and fix it TOP REFERENCES Iron Rx Universe – IV iron and ferritin education https://ironrxuniverse.com Iron deficiency without anemia – clinical review (NIH / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986027/ Heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency (ACOG) https://www.acog.org Iron deficiency in pregnancy (WHO / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/ FOLLOW US Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer