Why is checking ferritin levels crucial for women over 35?

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Checking Ferritin Levels is Crucial for Women Over 35 Due to Potential Iron Deficiency and its Impact on Well-being

Checking ferritin levels is crucial for women over 35 as it helps identify low iron stores, a common issue that can manifest as persistent tiredness, brain fog, hair loss, or brittle nails. These symptoms, often associated with perimenopause, can significantly impact daily life and are frequently dismissed as stress or aging. Understanding iron status through ferritin testing provides an opportunity to address a frequently overlooked cause of these non-specific symptoms.
Identifying Underlying Causes of Fatigue and Cognitive Issues

Ferritin is a protein responsible for storing iron within the body. A ferritin test assesses these iron reserves, allowing for the detection of low iron levels before they develop into iron-deficiency anaemia. While symptoms like fatigue and difficulty concentrating can stem from various factors, a low ferritin level points to a significant physiological contributor. Alpro Pharmacy's initiative, Me. NO PAUSE, specifically encourages women aged 35 and above experiencing these symptoms to undergo this check, aiming to identify potential iron deficiency as a root cause.
Addressing a Widespread Health Concern Among Malaysian Women

Approximately one in three Malaysian women of reproductive age, between 15 and 49, suffer from anaemia. Despite this prevalence, ferritin testing is not a commonly integrated part of routine health screenings. Alpro Pharmacy's subsidised RM1 ferritin check, down from RM35, aims to make this vital assessment more accessible. This initiative seeks to shift the focus towards proactive health management, enabling women to understand their iron status before reaching menopause and potentially experiencing more severe impacts.
Supporting Cognitive Function During Menopausal Transition

Emerging research suggests a link between iron status and cognitive performance, particularly for women navigating the menopausal transition. Preliminary studies, such as one published in the journal Nutrients in 2025, indicated that better iron status was associated with enhanced cognitive function, including increased accuracy and faster response times in non-anaemic women. While these findings require further investigation, they highlight the importance of maintaining adequate iron levels for cognitive well-being during this life stage, where symptoms like brain fog are common.
Empowering Pharmacists in Women's Health Screening

The Me. NO PAUSE initiative, supported by partners like Powerlife and academic institutions such as Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), empowers community pharmacists. These healthcare professionals are positioned to play a key role in making women's health screening more accessible. They can identify women at risk of iron deficiency, provide essential counselling, and facilitate referrals for further medical assessment, thereby translating awareness into concrete health actions and supporting women through their perimenopausal journey.

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Why is checking ferritin levels crucial for women over 35?

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