★ Anastasia Arsenyeva is a hematologist with 18 years of clinical experience, specializing in iron deficiency in women, and she launched the “Moms Against Iron Deficiency” campaign, which has engaged tens of thousands of women.
★ The prevalence of iron deficiency among Chinese women of childbearing age is as high as 28.2%, and the anemia rate among pregnant women reaches 36.5%, yet most people mistakenly believe it’s just “being too tired.”
★ Routine check-ups typically focus only on hemoglobin, but normal hemoglobin levels do not necessarily mean there is no iron deficiency—ferritin is the key indicator of the body’s iron stores.
★ This book examines how iron deficiency affects mood, sleep, weight, and even fertility from multiple perspectives, including brain function and immune health. It also reviews the latest clinical guidelines and explains why there is such a large gap between the lower limit of the ferritin reference range (13 μg/L) and the recommended target level (60 μg/L). The author guides you on what tests to take, how to interpret your results, and which doctor to consult, putting your health back into your own hands.

Why should you read this book?
Because in Russia, 30 million women mistakenly believe their symptoms are simply “fatigue.” Chronic fatigue, low energy, excess weight, skin and hair problems, persistent anxiety and depression, infertility, and fetal development issues during pregnancy—behind all these often lies iron deficiency. This book will help you finally uncover the true cause that has been overlooked for years.
Because hidden iron deficiency cannot be detected through routine blood tests. Many people assume that as long as hemoglobin is normal, iron levels are fine—a dangerous misconception. The author explains why test results can sometimes be misleading, how to properly interpret a complete blood count, why ferritin needs to be tested, and why hidden iron deficiency is just as insidious as overt anemia. Diagnosing hidden iron deficiency is possible, and it can—and should—be identified.
Because the consequences of iron deficiency affect every aspect of life. Its impact goes far beyond hemoglobin. It impairs brain function (memory, attention, sleep, mood), reduces physical endurance, weakens the immune system, hinders lifestyle changes, and may even lead to infertility. This book reveals the full picture of the problem, not just its “shocking” parts.
This is because doctors do not always order the necessary tests. In Russia, ferritin testing is not yet included in the mandatory screening for pregnant women. Many general practitioners and gynecologists refuse to prescribe this test even when clear symptoms are present. The knowledge provided in this book empowers you to take control of your health: you’ll know which tests to get, how to interpret the results, and which doctor to consult.
The book contains the latest scientific data, drawing on relevant research and modern clinical guidelines. The author tracks the ongoing scientific debate over optimal ferritin levels (currently set at 30 µg/L, but with a target above 60 µg/L) and explains why laboratory “reference ranges” often do not align with actual medical standards.

[Author] Anastasia Arsenyeva, a hematologist with 18 years of experience. She graduated from the Institute of Pediatric Hematology and has worked at the D. Rogachev National Medical Research Center for Children’s Hematology for more than 10 years. She specializes in the treatment of anemia and iron-deficiency anemia in women and children. She is the author of three popular science books, the initiator of the “Moms Against Iron Deficiency” campaign, and the creator of the hashtag on iron-deficiency anemia, which has brought together tens of thousands of women.

Table of Contents

Preface ................................................................ 9

Part I: Why You’re Actually Tired and What It Has to Do with Iron Deficiency

Chapter 1: How Oksana Noticed Her Memory and Concentration Worsening After Childbirth and Attributed It to Age .... 15
Chapter 2: How Olya Struggled to Conceive but Ended Up Developing Anemia ............................ 32
Chapter 3: How Mila Thought Severe Fatigue During Pregnancy Was Normal—and Was Wrong .................... 46
Chapter 4: How Anya Went from Being a Stunning Beauty to an Energetic Mother of Three ........ 57
Chapter 5: Testing for Hidden Iron Deficiency ............................................................ 70

Part II: Could Your Other Problems Also Be Linked to Iron Deficiency? ........................ 73

Chapter 6: How Iron Deficiency Affects the Brain. Why Anya Feels Angry About Everything ........ 75
Chapter 7: How Iron Deficiency Affects the Body. Why Oksana Gave Up Exercising ................ 92
Chapter 8: How Iron Deficiency Affects Lifestyle. Why Olya Acts Like a Child .... 107
Chapter 9: How Iron Deficiency Affects Pregnancy. Why Mila Is at Risk of Preterm Labor .............. 118

Part III: How to Overcome Iron Deficiency and Reclaim Your Energy .................................... 139

Chapter 10: It’s Never Too Late to Get the Necessary Tests and Become Healthy and Beautiful Again, Like Anya ... 141
Chapter 11: Why 50% of Patients Can’t Find the Cause of Their Anemia, and Why Mila Asked for an IV Drip ... 161
Chapter 12: Myths About Liver, Buckwheat, and Pomegranate Juice, or What Oksana Learned About Iron-Rich Diets ... 183
Chapter 13: Why You Should Tell Your Friends About Ferritin, or How Olya Failed to Do So After Postpartum Testing ... 206

Afterword: Or Life Without Iron Deficiency ................................................ 219

Appendix: Which Vitamins Are You Still Lacking?
........................................ 225
Vitamin D and Earth’s Geography ............................................................ 226
Iodine and Russia’s Natural Environment ............................................ 233
Vitamin B12 and Other Types of Anemia ........................................................ 238

References .................................................................248
About the Author
.................................................................251
Alphabetical Index ..................................................................252