Feeling wiped out no matter how many iron supplements you take? You’re not alone—and you’re not crazy. In this episode, Tara breaks down the often-misunderstood world of iron, ferritin, and fatigue, revealing why the typical “take more iron” approach doesn’t always work (and can even make you feel worse).

She explains the key roles of iron transport, inflammation, and cofactors like copper and ceruloplasmin, and shares how low energy and poor lab results are often symptoms of a deeper imbalance—not a straightforward deficiency. If you’ve ever been told you’re anemic, or your labs show low ferritin, this episode is a must-listen.


What We Cover in This Episode:

  • Why low iron on labs doesn’t always mean you need more iron

  • The role of inflammation and gut health in iron absorption

  • How minerals like copper, retinol (vitamin A), and magnesium support proper iron function

  • The problems with relying on ferritin alone to assess iron status

  • Why Tara rarely recommends iron supplements—and what she uses instead

  • How excess iron can fuel oxidative stress, inflammation, and worsen symptoms

  • What to test for instead (and how to get real answers about your energy and fatigue)

 

Mentioned in this episode:

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HRT Made Simple™ – Learn how to confidently speak to your doctor about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy so you can set yourself up for symptom-free, unmedicated years to come without feeling confused, dismissed, or leaving the medical office minus your HRT script.

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The Hormone Balance Solution™ – My signature 6-month comprehensive hormonal health program for women in midlife who want to get solid answers to their hormonal health issues once and for all so they can kick the weight gain, moodiness, gut problems, skin issues, period problems, fatigue, overwhelm, insomnia, hair/eyebrow loss, and other symptoms in order to get back to the woman they once were.

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[BOOK A 30-MINUTE SESSION WITH TARA HERE]

 


Hi, I'm Tara Thorne, FDN-P, RHN, FNC, CMRCP. Basically? I’m a women's health and hormone expert. After serving thousands of women in my 10+ years of clinical experience, I bring you The Hormone Balance Solution podcast – a podcast aimed to educate and empower midlife women.

Midlife can be a confronting time but it doesn’t have to be a bumpy ride. No matter where you’re at, or where you’ve come from we can get you feeling better in midlife than you have in years – plus set yourself up for healthier decades to come.

I’ll be bringing you weekly doses of inspiration, education and conversations with amazing people to give you real, actionable strategies for supporting your health now and in the future.

So tune in, make sure you’re subscribed, leave a review, and get ready to learn important health information that isn’t readily available …. everything you need to know and nothing you don't.

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