What it is
Iron can run low because of blood loss (for example heavy periods, or bleeding from the stomach or bowel), because the body needs more (pregnancy, growth), because the diet has too little, or because the gut does not absorb it well.
The body stores iron before it uses it up, so stores can be low for a while before anaemia shows on a blood count.
Common signs
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Shortness of breath on effort
- Pale skin
- Headaches, feeling dizzy
- A fast or pounding heartbeat
- Brittle nails, hair loss, craving to chew ice
How it is usually diagnosed
- A full blood count, which includes haemoglobin and the size of the red cells
- Ferritin, which shows how much iron the body has stored
- Sometimes serum iron and transferrin, and tests to find the cause, such as a stool test, coeliac blood test or a camera test of the stomach or bowel
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood counts and ferritin results before, during and after treatment
- Reports of any investigations into the cause, such as endoscopy or colonoscopy
- Notes from gynaecology if heavy periods are the cause
- Records of iron tablets or infusions, with dates
Questions to ask your doctor
- What do you think is causing the low iron?
- Do I need tests to look for bleeding?
- How long should I take iron, and when will my blood be checked again?
- How should I take the tablets to absorb them best?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Black, tarry stools or blood in your stool or vomit
- Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
- Fainting
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.