What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
May 14, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is Dirk Ullmann and I am reaching out to you because I have recently noticed increased signs of fatigue, weakness, and concentration problems in myself. Additionally, I am experiencing increased hair loss, brittle nails, and a pale complexion. These symptoms are concerning me and I wonder if they may be due to an iron deficiency.
I am 35 years old, male, and generally have a balanced diet. However, I am very busy professionally and under a lot of stress, which may be negatively affecting my nutrition. Additionally, I regularly exercise, which could increase my body's need for iron.
I have tried to alleviate my symptoms by consuming more iron-rich foods such as spinach, legumes, and meat, but the symptoms have not improved. Therefore, I am wondering if it is worth seeing a doctor and if a blood test would be useful to check my iron levels.
Could you please inform me about the typical symptoms of iron deficiency and possible treatment options? Are there any alternative measures I could take to improve my iron levels? I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and advice.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Dirk Ullmann
Dear Dirk Ullmann,
Thank you for your detailed description of your symptoms. It is understandable that you are concerned if you are experiencing increased signs of fatigue, weakness, concentration problems, hair loss, brittle nails, and a pale complexion. These symptoms can indeed indicate an iron deficiency, especially if you have already tried to address your iron deficiency through diet and have not seen any improvement.
Iron deficiency is a common cause of fatigue and weakness, as iron plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells that transport oxygen in the body. When the body lacks sufficient iron, it can lead to inadequate oxygen supply to the cells, resulting in fatigue and weakness. Hair loss, brittle nails, and a pale complexion can also be attributed to iron deficiency, as iron is important for hair and nail growth, as well as skin health.
A blood test is indeed the best way to check your iron levels and make a diagnosis. If iron deficiency is confirmed, it can usually be effectively treated. Treatment typically involves taking iron supplements prescribed by a doctor. It is important to take the supplements regularly and for an extended period to address the iron deficiency.
In addition to taking iron supplements, there are other measures you can take to improve your iron levels. This includes consuming iron-rich foods, as you have already tried. It may also be helpful to consume iron-rich foods in combination with vitamin C-rich foods, as vitamin C enhances iron absorption in the body. Avoiding certain foods like coffee, tea, and dairy products while taking iron supplements can also improve iron absorption.
Overall, I recommend seeing a doctor and getting a blood test to check your iron levels. Only then can an accurate diagnosis be made and appropriate treatment initiated. I hope my information has been helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Best regards,
Isabel Schlosser
