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Iron Infusions in Waterloo
If you have been told your iron is “fine,” but you still feel exhausted, weak, short of breath, foggy, restless, or like your body is running on empty, it may be time to take a closer look at your iron status.
Is it really your hormones or is it Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in women, especially in people who menstruate, are pregnant or postpartum, have heavy periods, follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, donate blood frequently, or have digestive conditions that affect absorption.
It's estimated that 30% of reproductive age women are iron deficient, and it's so often overlooked on lab work.
Many symptoms of low iron overlap with symptoms we often think of as hormonal, including fatigue, brain fog, low mood, anxiety-like symptoms, poor exercise tolerance, hair shedding, restless legs, dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, and feeling like your body just cannot keep up.
For some patients, low iron is not the whole story. Hormones, thyroid health, sleep, stress, nutrition, blood sugar, and perimenopause can all play a role too, but they often exist together!
That is why when we explore Iron Therapy together, we look at the full picture.
When IV iron may be recommended
IV iron may be appropriate if:
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Your ferritin is low, generally below 30 mcg/L, or low relative to inflammation
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You have iron deficiency anemia
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Oral iron has failed after 3 or more months
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You cannot tolerate oral iron
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You have poor absorption, such as celiac disease, IBD, or post-bariatric surgery
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You have ongoing iron loss, such as heavy menstrual bleeding
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Your symptoms are significantly affecting daily life
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You require iron repletion before surgery
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You are pregnant, after the first trimester, with iron deficiency
IV iron is not recommended based on symptoms alone. Lab work and an assessment are required.
How it works
Before treatment, we require blood work completed within the last 3 months.
Required labs include:
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CBC
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Ferritin
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ESR or CRP
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eGFR
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Transferrin saturation
This lab work can be ordered by us or sent to us if it has already been completed by another health care provider.
Blood work ordered by the ND is not OHIP-covered, but may be eligible for submission through extended insurance.
Step 1: Lab work and assessment
IV iron requires a prescription.
After your assessment, your case may be referred, with your consent, to our collaborating Nurse Practitioner.
The Nurse Practitioner will review your case, prescribe IV iron if appropriate, and provide a follow-up lab requisition for 4–6 weeks after treatment.
You will pick up the iron from your pharmacy and bring it to your IV appointment.
Step 2: Prescription process
At your appointment, we review consent, check your vitals, and start the infusion.
The iron is diluted in saline and given slowly through an IV. You are monitored throughout the appointment.
Infusions typically take 30–90 minutes depending on the dose.
We will plan to follow up 6 weeks after your infusion once you've repeated the blood work to see how you're doing!
Step 3: Your IV appointment
Appointment options and fees
Here's how you can get started
IV Initial Appointment: $165
Best if you are only interested in IV iron or are being referred by another health care provider.
OR
Initial Naturopathic Visit: $375
Best if you want comprehensive care, including nutrition, supplements, hormones, exercise, and lifestyle support.
Blood work: Approximately $150–200 if ordered by the ND and not already completed.
NP referral/delegation fee: $100
Includes NP case review, prescription if appropriate, and follow-up lab requisition.
Iron prescription:
Often covered by drug plans. You may wish to ask your insurance provider if they cover Monoferric or Venofer when prescribed by an NP. Uninsured cost is approximately $300-600
IV appointment fee: $160
IV supply fee: $30-50
Follow-up appointments are booked as needed. Most extended insurance plans cover ND visit fees (IV initial, Initial Naturopathic Visit, IV infusion visit). Some plans also cover lab work covered by NDs, be sure to check in with your plan provider directly
For Health Care Providers
We accept referrals for IV iron therapy at our clinic. We ask that patients still complete the IV initial intake to assess safety for infusions. You will remain the primary provider on their care.
Please fax a short referral letter and recent labs to Fax: 226-646-1290, or simply have the patient book the IV initial appointment and we will take it from there.
Questions?
If you have any questions for us please do not hesitate to email us at admin@drkatend.ca and we can help guide you!
If you're ready to jump in to your assessment you can use the link below!