Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Symptoms

Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can include:

• tiredness and lack of energy
• shortness of breath
• noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
• paler than usual skin

• headaches
  

Causes

Heavy periods and pregnancy are very common causes of iron deficiency anaemia. Heavy periods can be treated with medicine.

In pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia is most often caused by a lack of iron in your diet.

Bleeding in the stomach and intestines is another common cause of iron deficiency anaemia. This can be caused by:

• taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin
• stomach ulcers
• inflammation of the bowel or food pipe (oesophagus)
• piles (haemorrhoids)
• cancers of the bowel or stomach – but this is less common

Any other conditions or actions that cause blood loss could also lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Diagnosis

To check if you have iron deficiency anaemia, your GP will ask you about your lifestyle and medical history.

If the reason for the anaemia is not clear, they might order some tests to find out what might be causing the symptoms.

They might also refer you to a specialist for further checks.

Blood tests for iron deficiency anaemia:

The GP will usually order a full blood count (FBC) test. This will find out if the number of red blood cells you have (your red blood cell count) is normal. 

You do not need to do anything to prepare for this test.

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. There are other types, like vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia, that the blood test will also check for.

Treatment Options

Once the reason you have iron deficiency anaemia has been found (for example, an ulcer or heavy periods) the GP will recommend treatment.

If the blood test shows your red blood cell count is low, iron tablets will be recommended to replace the iron that's missing from your body.

You'll need to take them for about 6 months. Drinking orange juice after you've taken a tablet may help your body absorb the iron.

Follow the GP's advice about how to take iron tablets.

Some people get side effects when taking iron tablets like:

• constipation or diarrhoea
• tummy pain
• heartburn
• feeling sick
• darker than usual poo

Try taking the tablets with or soon after food to reduce the chance of side effects.

It's important to keep taking the tablets, even if you get side effects.

Your GP may carry out repeat blood tests over the next few months to check that your iron level is getting back to normal.

Prevention Tips

Things you can do to help with iron deficiency anaemia:

If your diet is partly causing your iron deficiency anaemia, your GP will tell you what foods are rich in iron so you can eat more of them. 

Eat more:

• dark-green leafy vegetables like watercress and curly kale
• cereals and bread with extra iron in them (fortified)
• meat
• dried fruit like apricots, prunes and raisins
• pulses (beans, peas and lentils)

Eat and drink less:

• tea
• coffee
• milk and dairy
• foods with high levels of phytic acid, such as wholegrain cereals, which can stop your body absorbing iron from other foods and tablets

Large amounts of these foods and drinks make it harder for your body to absorb iron.

When To See A Doctor

See a GP if you think you have iron deficiency anaemia.