Iron Deficiency Anemia

Low iron is more common in women then many realize. Approximately 75% women have mild iron deficiency Anemia. It is not standard practice to run a Ferritin lab so it goes undiagnosed for years, as a CBC, the standard lab will show up normal.

 

When your iron is at normal level (60-200)- you generally feel balanced and have good energy.

 

When iron is low this can cause:

• Tired/ fatigue/ weak

• Increase in Migraines

• Hair falls out

• Cold

• Pale

• Painful joints

• Restless legs - RLS

• Brittle nails.

• *If really low - you can also get Short of breath, Palpitations, and Dizzy.

• *A sign that someone you know may have issues is they eat “odd things” called “Pica” or lots of ice. Typically, the person will not find this “odd.”

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Who should get checked?

Iron deficiency anemia should be checked if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, heavy menses, eat as a vegetarian, have had bariatric surgery, have inflammatory problems or liver disease, and/or take a PPI (Prilosec/ omeprazole or Protonix).

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To get technical:

The lab “CBC” – shows hemoglobin and hematocrit- this tells if you are “anemic.”

Vs the lab “Ferritin”- shows your iron storage- being “iron deficient.”

 

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What to look for:

Decreased Hemoglobin / Hematocrit, or Increase in RDW and Decrease in MCV on CC.

Or FE <60 (not 20 which is typical lab standard).

*of note if FE is high- this also needs attention, please contact your provider.

Can also look at Transferrin.

 

 

Easy Fix:

Take iron supplement 65mg (325mg) daily, by itself or with Vit C for 1 hour as iron is difficult to absorb. Depending on how low may take up to 4, common side effect. 33% none, 33% constipation, 33% diarrhea. Recheck lab every 3-4 months to confirm you are actually absorbing iron, as you may need IV infusion.

 

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**Do not use this article as sole medical advice, talk with your provider or make an appointment with us.

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