Overview
Iron-deficiency anemia happens when the body does not have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells, so the blood carries less oxygen. It is the most common type of anemia worldwide. It usually develops slowly, so symptoms can be mild at first.
Symptoms
- Tiredness and weakness
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails or hair loss
- Headaches
- Unusual cravings for ice or non-food items
Causes & risk factors
- Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods
- Slow bleeding in the stomach or bowel
- Not getting enough iron from the diet
- Poor iron absorption from gut conditions
- Increased needs during pregnancy
- Frequent blood donation
Treatment & self-care
A clinician confirms the diagnosis with blood tests and works to find the underlying cause, which may include looking for a source of bleeding. Treatment generally involves replacing iron and addressing the cause, with follow-up blood tests to confirm recovery. Any iron supplementation should be guided by a licensed clinician, since the underlying cause matters as much as the iron itself.
See a doctor urgently if
- You feel persistently tired, breathless, or dizzy
- You have heavy menstrual bleeding or notice blood in your stool or black stools
- Symptoms continue despite dietary changes
- Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, a racing heart, or severe shortness of breath