By Ironlife
New data indicates link between anaemia, anxiety and depression among young women
- IronLife is the first and only UK organisation dedicated to tackling iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia, particularly in women’s health.
- New findings from IronLife’s ‘SHINE’ screening programme reveals strong links between anaemia, anxiety and depression in young women
- ‘SHINE’ stands for: ‘Screening for Heavy periods, Iron deficiency, Nutritional and Emotional health in women’
London, 13 February 2026: Today, to mark World Anaemia Awareness Day 2026, the ‘IronLife’ charity launches as the first and only organisation in the UK dedicated to tackling iron deficiency, a preventable condition, the most common cause of anaemia and a top 5 cause of disability in women, that remains widely overlooked yet affecting 1 in 3 women.
Anaemia remains a hidden but widespread health issue among women of reproductive age, commonly driven by heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). While the physical effects of anaemia are well recognised, its impact on women’s mental health has received far less attention.
New findings from the SHINE screening programme (which falls under the auspices of IronLife), highlight a clear and concerning association between anaemia, anxiety and depression among female university students.
The study
SHINE conducted a prospective screening programme among female students and staff at the University of East London. Screening stalls were hosted across campus, with participants completing a digital women’s health questionnaire covering iron deficiency risk factors and heavy menstrual bleeding. Point-of-care haemoglobin testing was undertaken, alongside validated mental health assessments for anxiety (GAD-7) and depression (PHQ-9).
Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin below 120 g/L.
Key findings
Of 1,146 women approached, complete data were available for 863 participants (average age 31 years):
- 27.1% were anaemic
- 17.0% reported heavy menstrual bleeding
- Women with anaemia reported significantly higher anxiety and depression scores
- Clinically significant anxiety was present in 32.4% of anaemic participants
- Clinically significant depression was present in 37.2%
Women experiencing both anaemia and heavy menstrual bleeding showed an additive worsening of mental health scores, underlining the compounded burden faced by many.
Why this matters
These findings suggest that anaemia is not only a physical health issue, but a significant and under-recognised contributor to poor mental health in women. Many affected women require clinical review yet remain undiagnosed and unsupported.
Professor Toby Richards, Chair of the Board of Trustees and clinical lead for IronLife, said: “Iron deficiency is one of the most preventable causes of poor mental and physical health in women. We see women living with exhaustion, brain fog, low mood, anxiety with a direct impact on their ability to work and relationships, including with their families and children. A simple test and timely treatment could restore their quality of life almost immediately.”
He added: “By launching the IronLife charity and releasing these results today, World Anaemia Awareness Day 2026, we hope to create awareness for national action here in the UK. Screening, awareness and better access to treatment will save the NHS money, improve women’s wellbeing, restore productivity and unlock the full social and economic potential of millions of women.”
Conclusion
Anaemia is common among female students and is strongly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. IronLife is calling for urgent action to improve awareness, screening and early intervention, so women can access timely support for both their physical and mental wellbeing.
To enable IronLife to fund the SHINE screening programme for women and girls, the charity is inviting donations. Please visit the following webpage, if you wish to contribute click here