My thesis explores the critical issue of iron deficiency in women’s health. Approximately one-third of the human population has iron deficiency,1 many of whom are physically active women of reproductive age.2 Through a series of novel projects, this thesis provides a multidimensional understanding of the impact, management and treatment of iron deficiency in active women. Comprised of two reviews (narrative and abridged Cochrane) and four original investigations (three cross-sectional investigations and one randomised control trial), with a preface and general discussion section to introduce and conclude the body of work, respectively; the thesis is structured under three overarching themes: Iron deficiency is a significant yet under-recognised public health issue. Despite its high prevalence, there is a lack of comprehensive research focusing on the unique physiological factors faced by women. The notable lack of research has allowed for the normalisation of iron deficiency in society.3 This oversight perpetuates a cycle of underdiagnosis and undertreatment, thereby allowing iron deficiency to common progress in severity, resulting in iron deficiency anaemia.2 Research has demonstrated the detrimental impact of iron deficiency (with or without anaemia) on physical capacity,4 and quality of life5 (figure 1). Additionally, broader societal issues arise as a result, such as declining economic productivity and poor gender healthcare equity.3 Figure 1 Understanding iron deficiency and anaemia in women. This figure outlines the core concerns …

中文翻译：

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铁与女性健康：活跃女性缺铁、管理和治疗的多维探索（博士学院奖）


我的论文探讨了缺铁对女性健康的关键问题。大约三分之一的人类患有缺铁症，1 其中许多是体能活跃的育龄妇女2。通过一系列新颖的项目，本论文提供了对活跃女性缺铁影响、管理和治疗的多维理解。由两篇综述（叙述性和删节 Cochrane）和四项原始调查（三项横断面调查和一项随机对照试验）组成，前言和一般讨论部分分别介绍和总结工作主体;该论文的结构分为三个总体主题：缺铁是一个重要但未被充分认识的公共卫生问题。尽管其患病率很高，但缺乏针对女性面临的独特生理因素的全面研究。3 这种疏忽使缺铁症在社会上正常化。3 这种疏忽使诊断不足和治疗不足的循环永久化，从而使缺铁的严重程度普遍恶化，导致缺铁性贫血。2 研究表明，缺铁（伴或不伴贫血）对身体机能4 和生活质量的不利影响5（图 1）。此外，结果还出现了更广泛的社会问题，例如经济生产力下降和性别医疗保健公平性差。图 1 了解女性缺铁和贫血。此图概述了核心问题......