Frequency and Impact of Iron Deficiency in Pain Clinic Patients

Frequency and Impact of Iron Deficiency in Pain Clinic Patients

The goal of this study is to measure the proportion of patients who have iron deficiency and if iron deficiency is treated what is the outcome. Participants will fill out a questionnaire to assess positive impact of iron supplementation treatment to assess whether they are at potential risk of iron deficiency

The study is an observational clinical audit, with an unblinded clinical intervention. Iron deficiency and some chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia are more common in women of reproductive age. Iron deficiency can present with symptoms that are similar to those of fibromyalgia, but once recognized, iron deficiency is typically easily treated. The investigators intend to poll patients at the DeGroote Pain Clinic based on information from studies conducted in Australia and Great Britain. The investigators will determine who is at risk for iron deficiency based upon symptoms such as heavy periods, history of pregnancy, blood donation, diet, and any previous iron deficiency. The investigators will then confirm the results with lab testing, and provide treatment if necessary. The goal is to find out the percentage of women with chronic pain who also have iron deficiency, and assess the effect of treating iron deficiency on their pain symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient at the DeGroote Pain Clinic
• Menstruating women between the ages of 18-49
• Willingness to complete the questionnaire, and undergo laboratory tests if indicated.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The only exclusion criteria is unwillingness to participate