Iron Deficiency Anemia: Risk, Symptoms and Treatment

 

 

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(63) Comments have been made

It has been great finding this site. Marianne, your symptoms match mine, so I'm hoping that with iron tablets, like you I will feel better soon. My hair has been falling out and I get tired easily and suffer bone pains. My serum ferritin was 12 three months ago, I've just had another blood test and am awaiting results. My hair is still falling out, but my tiredness is definitely reduced, so fingers crossed.

 

I was diagnosed 2 mos. ago as being iron-deficient anemic (due to heavy menstrual flow) after a host of symptoms made me think I was dying! constant headache, shortness of breath, heart palitations, temp-regulation problem, weak muscles & leg cramping. After bloodwork, was told to take an iron supplement daily. I still had the resulting constipation, alternating with diarrhea & black stools. But after about a week I noticed improvements in how I felt. I still get the alternating constipation/diarrhea, leg cramps and now seem to have a new symptom - eyes hurt & feel tired? Anyone else experience that one? I haven't seen much mentioned about it so wonder if it's related to the anemia or the iron supplements. I've read of vitamin C helping increase the iron absorption, maybe I'm not improving as fast as I should so think I'll try taking the supplement with orange juice.

 

I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, lower than 5. I had had significant hair loss and my doctor never mentioned it could be related to the deficiency. Thanks to one of this site's postings from July, I now know hair loss is one of the symptoms. Thank you. I started on pills but they are very hard on my stomach. Any advice on how to counteract constipation? (fiber and water intake doesn't do the trick anymore).

 

I have been put on iron pills by my doctor for iron deficiency anemia. How long does it take for the pills to take effect and how lond before I start to feel better.

 

Hello. Can anyone tell me how long it takes for iron pills to start working? I have been on them for about 25 days now. I do not look as pale anymore, and I somewhat feel better. But I am still achy and my eyes are bothering me.

 

I am 44, female, and had heavy menstrual bleeding for many years off and on except not when I was on birth control pills. I have always been really tired in the afternoons, to the point I could sleep for 2 hours, then be up a few hours and go right back to bed. At a check-up, my primary physician noticed my white blood count was a little low. I went to the hematologist who looked at the last 4 years of labs in my file and said the WBC was just cyclical leukpenia and nothing to worry about. What he did note was that my ferritin was 9 (should be 50 - 100 even though the lab report intervals say 10-200) and my t-sat was 15% (min should be 20%). He said this is pretty serious iron deficiency anemia even though my Hgb is normal, the iron is very low. So he presribed 100 mg of IV iron Venofer which is a 20 min infusion over 5 weeks. That is equal to a half a gram of iron. He also gave me oral iron supplements. I have had 3 infusions, and I still feel tired in the afternoons, but not as much. I was eating crushed ice by the gallons full, and I don't crave it at all anymore!

 

Thank you for this very pleasant and user-friendly,informative site. I was looking for guidance as to how to clear up my bad reaction to overdosing iron supplements{which connection I learned just now} Off and on for several weeks I've had raised, dime-sized red, itchy, hot bumps and streaks on chest, shoulders or arms.They usually disappear fast but now my upper lip is very swollen.I guess I'll drink lots of water and lay off all vitamins for now.I thought problem was due to intense heat wave we've been experiencing but then I also sensed it was an internal problem.Right! Luckily I can hide til my face clears up...or go bandit! I am a healthy 72 year old female living on the Eastern end of LI. My doc prescribed iron supplmts for anemia months ago.

 

I had blood work done about 3 months ago because my insurance would pay us $50 (an incentive to have it done) and it has literally changed my life! It highlighted all sorts of numbers-all adding up to I was low in iron. I have been taking a ferrous sulfate 65mg dose, and it has been about2 months on that. Well, my life has literally changed!! I will list the major changes: No more cravings for ice (I see that as a marker for how long I have been low- at LEAST 10 years); I have come out of a fog-things are easy to understand, clearer-like I have been in a learning fog and didn't know it; much more energy!!!!; no more restless legs when going to bed- this is huge!!They just lie there in bed-feel fine! I am under a doctors care, so I will be checked to know when my blood is back to normal. I am having my 2 teenagers checked too-they weren't covered by the insurance thing, but they are always tired, so I am having them checked.

 

I'm a 44 year old woman with a ferritin level of 3, severe all over loss of hair, joint stiffness, heart palpitations with exertion, ridged nails, endurance athlete, constantly cold, sudden onset of seborrheic keratosis (skin growths on back), so I'm scheduled for a stomach and colon scope in two days to look for excessive bleeding just in case. I will keep you updated on my progress. Doctors tell me to look for blood loss not just menstrual bleeding. Make sure you get scanned especially if you have any pain. I don't have pain, so I hope things work out okay.

 

I'm 16 and have iron deficiency anemia. I was diagnosed with it in March of this year, but I think that it has been going on for much longer and no one knew. I cannot be out in the sun for very long because i pass out. My doctor put me on birth control thinking that was why my iron was so low. I have 4 pills I take daily. I just had bloodwork a few days ago and my doctor called about it...we knew it was bad because the doctors never call they always have the people at the desk call about results for labs. It seems like every time that I have bloodwork my iron drops lower. My hemaglobin has just reached a 9.0 and when I first found out it was a 7.9. I can't remember what my iron was when I first found out I had anemia. But before my most recent bloodwork it was a 3 and now it's a 2. I've been referred out to a hematologist ocologist

 

To all those out here with low iron: there is a whole host of symptoms to watch out for like, hair loss, bone pain, numbness and tingling in different parts of your body, palpitations, shortness of breath, and mental confusion. I have been going like this for 15 years without a diagnosis. When I finally had a dx i was down to one in my ferritin count. I had an oncologist/hematologist look at my labs, and he stated it had low iron written all over it. The primary care doctors don't piece these symptoms together for dx because these symptoms vary from day to day, so it is hard for them and the people going through this. I did try taking iron pills but my ferritin didn't come up quick enough, so I had iv infusions. A lot of physicians are reluctant to do this because of insurance issues but I will tell you I felt like a 20-year-old, and all my symptoms gradually went away so it is worth it. I hope to help at least one person with this post.

 

I need to find out what I can use on a daily basis in the form of herbal medication or vitamins for the iron deficiency that I have. I have alopecia (hair loss) as well as brittle nails and very pale skin. I also have fatigue, so I need to take something to boost my immune system.

 

I am 51 year old and my hemoglobin level is 7.7 now. It was 7.4 one month ago. The doctor gave me iron tablets and now he has given me some syrup as well. I also have heart palpitations. Does it take long to increase the level?

 

Do iron tablets helps in regulating the menstrual cycle?

 

Hello, I have not been taking iron supplement as I should and I've noticed recently a sudden breakout of skin rash. Can this be attributed to the lack of iron in my blood?

 

My hemoglobin had always been low even after regularly taking iron supplements; of which some I had to discontinue as I did not tolerate them well. Later I learned about natural therapies (Biogetica) and decided to try them. I am happy to say I have now found something that has given me excellent relief, without reacted adversely to it. I prefer them over other hematinics as they are safe and natural, giving me quick and lasting results.

 

I am only 12 years old and I have an iron deficiency. Does that mean I will be more at risk? I am always tired and my medication has stopped working. My periods are were quite heavy. Am I at risk ?

 

I am told that this can cause your bones to hurt is this true?

 

I have been feeling bad for quite some time now, and finally went to see the doctor. My blood-work showed the following: My ferritin level is 4 and Iron 10.I would love to hear what treatments anyone and all have used to raise their ferritin and iron levels. What has worked for you? I have bad muscle, joint and "pins and needle" pain. This happens day and night. The pain is a lot worse in my feet and legs, but it also throughout my body. In addition, I'm very tired, weak, hungry and my eyes are sensitive to light and also tired. I would to hear from anyone with similar symptoms.

 

What are the main things i need to eat to get iron, especially because i'm pregnant and need it?

 

I found this article to be clear and understandable. It mentioned several facts that I have not heard in the past and have been treated for iron-deficeincy for the past 4 years ultimately needing iron infusions. Thank you

 

My ferritin level is below 3.

 

Ask your doctor about iron replacement through IV. It is done by oncologists/hematologists. It takes about 6 hours on IV, so bring a book and a friend to have lunch with. It is not that bad. One IV prick.

 

I am well past menopause (63) and am being treated with some medications for severe chronic pain that cause constipation. My iron level has been of great concern to the doctors for the last 6 months and now they feel I need to take iron despite the constipation. What does a person do to combat constipation when they have to add iron to the mix. My lifestyle has been severely hampered because of all the symptoms that accompany anemia and iron deficiency. The ongoing pain from back injury/surgeries, knee replacements and multiple other medical problems. Useful suggestions on how to keep bowels functioning would be appreciated.

 

Hi, I am on my way to get iron iv therapy. My body doesn't absorb iron at all I need this once a month. My iron now is 24; ferritin 5, h and h is 10/32; I get tired, anxious, can't sleep, have food cravings, restless legs, muscle cramps and slight pain. Keep at it, it took my doctors 10 years and many visits (neurologist, etc). My prayers are with all that have this problem. There isn't a simple answer. Hang in there

 

I am thankful to GOD for your messages. I feel for you and asked GOD to please help you. Thank you Caryn for the advice about yellow dock for chronic fatigue and possible fibromyalgia, I too believe in herbs, Yay GOD for giving them to us. I also appreciated that you said not try it if kidney stones were an issue and gave the recommendation of chancra piedre or "stone breaker" or vitamin c. Also Ginny, thanks for the advice about over the counter " slow FE " for iron deficiency.No side effects..this is a wonderful thing that you are all doing to help people. I think that maybe Doctors are not recommending herbs due to not being protected by government approval and understand this but as Caryn said. She suffered from chronic fatigue and possible fibromyalgia. I agree with your advice..to pray first. GOD answers.He really does! Thanks everyone. My sister Kathryn has some of these symptoms and I appreciate all of your advice. Amen.

 

Hi, I'm 38 years old and I've had problems with my hemoglobin levels for the past 20 years.yesterday I went to my doctor appt. and they told me my ferritin level was 8 is this dangerous for me also I have swelling feet.

 

I am undergoing iron treatments I am on my third one. I found out my iron was low because I was very tired and weak and dizzy. The out paient surgery gives me 10 cc a day through a iv it is a dark brown liquid and makes you smell and taste werid. I don't know if there is any side affects. But my iron was 9.0 and I have little ones to take care of. Thus far I dont feel much diffrent maybe a bit more strength but thats all. here's hoping it gets better.

 

What can happen if you don't take care of iron deficiency anemia?

 

i consume a fine portion of iron-rich food such as bananas, calallos etc, but still I get dizzy, weak in the joints and muscles, especially after a hard days work. Could this contribute to me suffering from a lack of sufficient iron?

 

For the past 3 yrs, I tend to get a bit dizzy on a daily basis.Each time i stoop down or raise out of my bed without resting for a long period of time, i always feel as if am about to faint and having to reach for security.

 

if ive been constantly tired and weak but have none of the other symptoms is it still possible that i have an iron deficiency?

 

I have had 3 iron injections,1 a week for the past 3 weeks 4th one tomorrow. I feel worse not better. How long does it take to work? Prior to this, I was on iron tablets which did not work; my levels went lower. What happens next if injections don't work?

 

BEST ARTICLE I READ ON THE SUBJECT VERY INFORMATIVE THANKS

 

I have been taking ferrous sulphate for about 2 months now and I've noticed my menstrual cycle has become much heavier than normal

 

Wendy, I have received 3 Iron IV's. Feel great! I too, was concerned about side effects. I am given a steroid to offset side effects. Please ask questions but don't dismiss the idea based on what you read. I almost refused treatment, so glad that I moved forward with the the iv. Good luck!!!

 

I suffer from Iron Deficiency Anemis. I take 325 Ferrous sulfate but it gives me foul-smelling flatulence and stools. Can't stand myself. The effects on increasing my Hb are minimal at best. Bill from Pittsburgh

 

Caryn is absolutely right. Yellow Dock Root helps boost available iron. It has helped me tremendously within two days! I've been taking iron supplements for a month and haven't felt much better, but adding Yellow Dock gave me the energy I used to have. I am now taking iron supplements and Yellow Dock Root and feel much, much better.

 

Has anyone ever had iron treatment when pure iron is given straight by iv? My mother in law is having this done and tells me she could have severe side effects. I am trying to get some info on this. any help?

 

i just wanted to say that i am 14 and scared out of my mind about having anemia and this article has calmed me down about having anemia thanks

 

Hi, everyone just want to say that God has created everything we need to live an abundant life. I too thought that I was suffering from chronic fatigue, or possibly fibromyalgia. I've been interested in herbs and have been studying alot on them. The answer is:Yellowdock. Do a search on it yourself. But I promise you, you will start to feel better w/ in a matter of days, I promise!! Now if you have problems w/ kidney stones its contradindicated. And an excellent remedy for kidney stones is Chancra piedra or "stone-breaker" or vitamin C. So pray first,and always give thanks to His wonderful gifts that he put in the earth for us. Hope this helps. God Bless. Caryn

 

what can a person do if you have ostioporoses and need the calcium and have very low iron, that blood transfusions are recommended?

 

I took ferrous sulfate tablets ate fish...now i feels nauseous, weak, & my stomach hurts..what should I do?

 

To Angela, I am a nurse & can tell you that you need to see a DR immediately. Your condition is not normal & is extreme. You should not be bleeding like this. Please consult a DR ASAP. Gail

 

hi , I was told I had iron def anemia only yesterday - I am worried , will I have it all my life ? I'm only 13 and suddenly I have to take iron supliment medicine and have a more high iron diet such as more liver which I don't particulary enjoy , I don't want this all my life will it go ?

 

The only way to get helpful, legitimate information is to go to a doctor. Please do not sit around the internet looking for answers. If you cannot see a physician immediately, call a pharmacy. They may be able to provide you with educated advice than can tide you over until you're able to make an appointment. And always, eat well. Eat a good, healthful diet with a variety of nutritious foods. Poor nutrition is the primary cause and contributor to most if not all disorders of the body.

 

it is very good.

 

MY DAUGHTER HAS A NORMAL HCT OF 12.9 AND HGB OR 40 BUT HER FERRATIN LEVEL IS 13. WHERE WOULD I GO TO FIND OUT WHAT COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THIS. sHE CANNOT GET INTO HER DOCTOR THIS WEEK SO I AM WORRIED

 

Susan B--I can relate to your problems. I have had the same thing. I was just diagnosed with a fibroid tumor in my uterus and go for surgery in 2 days. This has been the cause of so much bleeding. They are going to do what is called ablation which is supposed to either stop bleeding or eliminate it to hardly anything without having a hysterectomy. Hope this helps.

 

when do you go for blood transplanet?

 

I have hemmoriods and a fissure tear that act up three to four days before I would start my period, I think due to inflammation in my body, and I lose so much blood that it sounds like I'm urinating from my rectum. This can happen up to six times a day for about 3 to 4 days. I turn ghostly white instantly, gums and under my lower lids are white, lips, etc.. my heart beats fast, its hard to breath, cant think or talk straight, get pressure on my head and sooooo thristy. Does anyone else have it this bad?

 

I WAS ONCE DIAGNOSED WITH IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA, EARLY 40'S. I AM 58 NOW. I HAVE BEEN ON LEXAPRO FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER AND SO THE LEXAPRO. I DID NOT TAKE ANY IRON FOR A LONG TIME. NOW, I WANT OFF OF THE LEXAPRO. I HAVE SUCH FATIGUE, SUCH HEART PALPITATIONS AND LIGHTHEADEDNESS WHEN I DON'T TAKE THEM. I GET SO WINDED. COULD THE IRON DEFICIENCY WHICH I QUIT TREATING. I HAVE HAD THE HEART THING SINCE THE IRON DEFICIENCY WAS DIAGNOSED AND WAS ONCE TOLD I HAD A HEART MURMUR. AFTER READING YOUR ARTICLE, I TOOK AN IRON TABLET TODAY. HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE BEFORE I MIGHT SEE A DIFFERENCE?

 

Hi i have recently started to take ferrous sulphate tablet and my stool has become instantly black and i am concerned aboutt his pleae let me know if to stop or continue

 

I have been iron deficient for 10 years. The doctor misdiagnosed my problem, said it was my thyroid, I almost died. Had to be hospitalized and was given 3 pints of blood. The prescription iron medicine they prescribed was horrible. I found out from a nurse working in a pharmacy that an over the counter iron pill works best - it's called "Slow Fe," and no side affects. Hope this helps anyone with anemia - your doctor won't tell you about an over the counter remedy.

 

Hello, Im quite concern because I have heavy menstrual cycle, with lots of membrane! It is out of control! Definitely, this was some of the cause for iron deficiency, but Im worried! How can I suppress this night-mare? Hellllllllllp!

 

wtf? BOROCCOLI!!! :o

 

IM DEALING WITH IRON DEF. ANEMIA. MY DR CALLED ME FRIDAY WITH LAB RESULTS OF FERRITIN OF 5. WHAT'S A NORMAL LEVEL. MY HEMOGLOBIN IS 7. I WAS GIVEN AN IRON INFUSION. MY QUESTION IS I SUFFER FROM PICA? I CRAVE PREIUM CRACKERS AND THEY HAVE TO BE DARK LIKE REALLY BROWN. SOMETIOMES I'LL BY 6-10 BOXES AT ONE TIME. AND I HAVE CRAVINGS FOR GRAPE TOMATOES.. IS THER ANY NUTRITIONAL VALUE TO THESE FOODS AND HOW CAN I GET IT UNDER CONTROL.

 

Hi Dee, my condition is similar to yours, ie. levels close to needing a blood transfusion. I understand it takes around 1 month for the haemoglobin level to increase by 1.

 

Hi, I recently did alot of research on hairloss and thyroid disease and possible thyroid cancer. I have severe hairloss problems, fatigueness, stress, headaches, stiff neck 24/7, blurry vision and a very irrtated itchy skin with a permenant rash. Could a regular intake of iron supplements lower the risk of cancer or thyroid disease and will this help with all my symptoms? I also have an abnormal menstrual cycle and heavy stomache pain in the morning. Lately I've been experiencing sharp pains through my breasts aswell and it feels like its heavy and dragging on the floor in the morning when i get up. Please help me!

 

i would like to know i am anemic and i was perscribe with the black color iron pills can i find them in a walgreems or any drug store and whats the name of the pills

 

Due to 15 years of nutritional supplement (small bowel partial obstruction) developed low iron stores. What replacement recommended.

 

I went to the ER last week due to heart palpitations and shortness of breath, after taking a blood test they said I was severely anemic that by levels were close to needing a blood transfusion, since I have been taking my prescribed iron pills, but the palpitations are not completely gone, when can I expect some relief?

 

what about an iv infusion of iron?