{"id":1926,"date":"2018-07-16T03:38:16","date_gmt":"2018-07-16T03:38:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1926"},"modified":"2021-05-19T14:33:20","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T14:33:20","slug":"12-common-iron-deficiency-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/12-common-iron-deficiency-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Common Iron Deficiency Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Are you physically fit, but find yourself gasping at the top of a flight of stairs? Do you feel exhausted all the time and struggle to get out of bed in the morning? If so, you might be among the 10% of women in the United States that are iron deficient. Lacking iron in your diet leads to a variety of different adverse health disorders that present a wide range of symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This essential mineral is a critical component of hemoglobin, the compound in red blood cells that moves oxygen to your lungs and transports it throughout your body. Hemoglobin production accounts for over 60% of the body\u2019s nutritional need for iron. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body cannot produce enough red blood cells to provide adequate oxygen to muscles and organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are 12 common iron deficiency symptoms found in people suffering from IDA. If you experience a combination of three or more of them, you could be iron deficient. Visit your physician for a diagnosis of the condition via a blood test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Extreme Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you feeling tired all the time? Persistent exhaustion and feelings of fatigue <\/a>are the most commonly reported symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Individuals living with anemia don\u2019t have enough iron available to create hemoglobin that feeds oxygen to the cardiovascular system, brain, and muscular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without sufficient oxygen, your body cannot fuel metabolic function and clear toxins from your brain, blood, and muscle tissues. This lack of oxygen to organs and muscles results in a persistent feeling of fatigue and physical weakness. You will find that you cant shake the feeling of exhaustion, even after a full night\u2019s rest. You will also experience moments of \u201cbrain fog,\u201d where you can\u2019t seem to focus on anything or recall memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a lack of iron in the diet, your body needs to work harder to produce energy. Individuals suffering from anemia usually experience fatigue in combination with several other symptoms of iron deficiency. In addition to feelings of fatigue, you may also experience heart palpitations and dizziness as a result of low energy levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Shortness of breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lack of oxygen <\/a>in the blood directly affects cardiovascular performance. Even fit individuals that exercise daily can experience this symptom of iron deficiency anemia. If you usually run a few miles in the morning but suddenly find yourself gassing out shortly after jogging out of the driveway, it may be a sign of anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The extent of shortness of breath is linked directly to the severity of the anemia. The heart will respond to the body’s demand for oxygen, by substantially increasing heart rate. In some cases of anemia, the cardiovascular workload may increase three or four-fold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This strain on the heart results in an unusually fast pulse rate and shortness of breath develops as the heart function’s reserve is being utilized. The body only has so much hemoglobin is available for metabolic function. Any physical effort requires extra blood to carry oxygen to muscles and organs. With lack of additional red blood cells to carry oxygen, shortness of breath occurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Recurrent Headaches and Migraines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As iron deficiency sets in due to a lack of hemoglobin <\/a>production, the body struggles to provide enough oxygen to the brain to sustain normal function. A lack of oxygen has a constrictive vascular effect, spurring the development of headaches and migraines. If you are predisposed to receiving headaches, you may experience an escalation in their severity, intensity, and duration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pharmaceutical medications provide relief for the pain and pressure associated with headaches and migraines. However, pain medication will not treat iron deficiency, which is the underlying cause of a headache. Headaches are a lesser reported symptom of iron deficiency. However, those that experience headaches find feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness often accompany them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an additional note; an excess of iron in the blood can create headaches and act as a trigger for migraines as well. Achieving an optimal iron balance in the body ensures that you steer clear of headaches and migraines associated with under or over-consuming iron in your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Pale or Lifeless Skin Tone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it requires sufficient oxygen flow within the body to maintain a healthy appearance. With diminished hemoglobin production, the skin loses its luster and glow, and begins to take on a lifeless, grey tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iron deficiency affects the skin in many different ways. Blotchy, discolored, or dry skin<\/a> are all examples of skin disorders that occur due to a lack of iron and low hemoglobin production. Check the inside of your gums and lips; they should be a natural red color. If you notice that the coloring is less red and looks grey or ashen, you could be suffering from low levels of iron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The skin is a useful marker to monitor treatment of your iron deficiency. The first place you will notice the recovery is in your face and skin tone as levels of iron rise to a healthy balance and hemoglobin production restored to optimal levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Brittle Nails<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The heart has to work harder to push blood to the extremities of the body in those individuals living with anemia. You may notice that your body feels unusually cold and you need to wear a sweater while everyone else is wearing a t-shirt. This feeling of cold is particularly noticeable in your fingertips and toes as circulation <\/a>weakens in these areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examine your fingernails and toenails for ridges and cracks. Low oxygen levels and weak circulation result in slow fingernail growth, as well as thin and cracked nails prone to breaking. Poor nail health is an advanced symptom of anemia and doesn\u2019t frequently occur with everyone suffering from the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may notice that your nail beds are thin and your nails may even feel loose. If diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, consider purchasing a moisturizing lotion to condition your nails and skin. Your doctor will prescribe treatment for your anemia. However, it may take your nails some time to recover to full health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. A Swollen Tongue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Does your tongue <\/a>feel thick and swollen, especially in the morning when you wake up? This symptom is another classic sign of iron deficiency anemia. The tongue carry\u2019s a large volume of blood. People who are suffering from anemia notice that the coloration of the muscle turns grey and looks lifeless. The lack of oxygenated blood in the tongue makes it take on a smooth, bloated appearance and changes the mouthfeel of food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s common for people suffering from anemia to experience heightened sensitivity and tenderness of the tongue making it challenging to swallow food. When visiting your doctor\u2019s office for an anemia diagnosis, your physician will check your tongue with a depressor for any signs of discoloration or irregular shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After starting treatment for your anemia, you can expect the symptoms of an enlarged tongue to dissipate quickly. As hemoglobin flows into your muscular system, the mouth muscle will return to its original size and natural red color in a matter of days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. A Thumping Heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The cardiovascular system struggles to transport oxygen throughout your body in those individuals suffering from iron deficiency. As a response to escalating demand for oxygen, your heart begins to pump harder to provide blood to vital organs. This symptom only occurs in the advanced stages of iron deficiency anemia<\/a> and requires immediate attention from your medical practitioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The excessive strain on the heart can lead to heart palpitations as well as place further stress on conditions such as high blood pressure. Individuals suffering from iron deficiency may notice that their heart beats harder and faster than usual when trying to fall asleep. As a result of this uncomfortable feeling, it may be challenging to fall asleep, affecting your rest and further increasing feelings of fatigue during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardiovascular issues should be checked out by your physician immediately. While they are a symptom of iron deficiency, heart issues could be a sign of another more severe underlying health concern that requires treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Heavy Menstruation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women that experience a heavy flow during their menstruation <\/a>are prone to a variety of uncomfortable occurrences that diminish their quality of life. Traveling around town with extra tampons to curb excessive bleeding and dealing with cramps are just the beginning of the problems associated with a heavy period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavy bleeding can also create an iron deficiency. The body\u2019s iron levels become depleted inducing the disorder. Studies on 236 women planning to undergo the insertion of a hormonal IUD or a hysterectomy that would reduce their flow found that 60 percent were severely iron deficient and 27 percent of the women were anemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twelve months after IUD insertion or a successful hysterectomy, the anemic women reported improved physical and social functioning, better energy levels, and a noticeable decrease in depression and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it\u2019s important to note that the women did not undergo any treatment for their anemia, other than the hysterectomy or IUD. Further studies into the group showed that it took an average of five years for the group to return to balanced iron levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Heightened Anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, over 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety<\/a>. This mental health issue requires assessment by a clinical psychologist and medication to manage the effects of the disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treatment of anxiety may also include non-pharmacological strategies such as yoga, meditation, dietary supplementation, and counseling. An iron deficiency can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety due to an elevation in heart rate as a result of the body\u2019s attempt to push more blood into muscles and organs to satisfy the need for hemoglobin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This elevated heart rate translates into a biofeedback loop. The nervous system ramps up feelings of edginess and anxiety which in turn cause the heart to beat faster. If left untreated, this symptom of iron deficiency can create severe cardiovascular complications that result in the development of other chronic diseases such as hypertension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals experiencing high anxiety should visit their physician for a blood and hormone panel to determine the state of their health and any nutrient deficiencies that could exasperate their condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Thyroid Disorders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The thyroid <\/a>is a butterfly-shaped gland found just above your Adam’s apple. This gland is responsible for regulating the release of hormones that manage metabolic rate. Almost 10% of Americans live with hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid doesn\u2019t produce enough hormones to cover metabolic function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A loss in thyroid function can affect body weight by slowing metabolism and making the body more prone to storing body fat. Numerous factors can cause anemia, and it\u2019s common knowledge in the medical community that hypothyroidism can cause various types of anemia, including macrocytic, normocytic, and microcytic anemia. One of the first signs of hypothyroidism is anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thyroid hormones directly or indirectly affect the growth and production of erythroid colonies through erythropoietin. An iron deficiency slows thyroid function and diminishes the body’s ability to boost metabolism. Variations in body temperature, as well as weight gain, fatigue, weakness, and a loss of cognitive function, are all symptoms of an underactive thyroid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Strange Cravings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Are you experiencing cravings for non-edible items? If you find yourself chewing on your hair, or feeling an urge to eat things like paper and chalk, you could be suffering from the effects of Pica syndrome. This disorder has links to nutrient deficiencies in iron and zinc<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pica <\/a>anemia is a condition associated with eating nonfood items because of an iron deficiency in the body. Many people living with the disorder don\u2019t even notice the symptoms. This subconscious craving cannot be controlled and only subsides after restoring the individuals nutrient balance. After restoring iron levels to optimal levels, symptoms subside shortly after that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Individuals suffering from mental health diseases such as schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder are prone to developing Pica syndrome as well. If you experience symptoms of this disorder, contact a physician for a blood test to confirm any nutrient deficiencies. Should your test results indicate that you don\u2019t have a nutrient deficiency, contact a mental health professional for a consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Unexplained Hair Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you noticed your hair thinning and falling out? People lose about 100 hairs a day on average, this is entirely normal and nothing to concern you. However, if you notice that your shower or bath drain is clogging up with more hair than usual, this could be an indicator of iron deficiency or anemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No clinical evidence suggests anemia or iron deficiency leads to hair loss<\/a>, particularly in women, but some research suggests they could be related. As hemoglobin levels in the blood diminish, the body struggles to send oxygenated blood to the scalp. The lack of oxygenated blood to the scalp affects the production of new hair follicle cells, reducing the thickness and length of hair growing from damaged follicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that iron deficiency does not scar the hair follicles. Therefore, with iron levels restored to a balanced state, hair follicles should respond and return to health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>