Anaemia
Feeling tired, breathless or not quite yourself?
Low iron could be part of the reason. Discover what anaemia is, the symptoms to look for and how a GP can help you find the cause.
Did you know?
Red blood cells contain haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around your body.
THE BASICS
What exactly is anaemia?
Anaemia means your blood has a lower-than-normal level of haemoglobin — the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your organs and tissues.
Iron is needed to make haemoglobin. Without enough iron, your body may struggle to produce healthy red blood cells, leaving you feeling unusually tired or short of breath.
Not all anaemia is caused by iron deficiency. Low vitamin B12 or folate and other medical conditions can also cause anaemia.
AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Low iron and anaemia are not the same thing
You can have depleted iron stores before your haemoglobin falls enough to cause anaemia. This is known as iron deficiency without anaemia and can sometimes cause symptoms, requiring treatment.
Blood tests and a clinical assessment help distinguish these conditions and guide appropriate treatment.
SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR
Common symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia
Symptoms can be subtle, and their severity varies. Many are also caused by other conditions, so blood tests are important.
Constant tiredness
Low energy, weakness or exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest.
Paler-than-usual skin
A noticeable change in skin colour, including inside the lower eyelids.
Breathlessness
Getting out of breath doing activities that usually feel easy.
Hair or nail changes
More hair shedding than usual, or changes in the shape of your nails.
Heart palpitations
Being unusually aware of your heartbeat, especially with exertion.
Restless legs
An uncomfortable urge to move your legs, often worse at night.
Headaches or dizziness
Feeling light-headed, dizzy or experiencing frequent headaches.
Unusual cravings
Craving non-food items or ice — sometimes called pica.
Recognising these symptoms is a useful first step, but they are not enough on their own to diagnose low iron.
LOOKING FOR THE REASON
Why does iron deficiency happen?
Treating low iron is only part of the picture. It is equally important to understand why your iron levels have fallen — especially when the cause is not obvious.
Sometimes the explanation is straightforward. In other cases, a GP may advise additional investigations or specialist referral.
Our doctors are careful to ensure underlying causes have been considered and investigated, as part of our comprehensive assessment process.
Blood loss
For example, heavy periods or bleeding from the stomach or bowel.
Low dietary intake
Not getting enough iron from food can contribute to deficiency.
Reduced absorption
Conditions such as coeliac disease may make iron harder to absorb.
Increased demand
The body may need more iron at particular life stages, such as pregnancy.
YOUR OPTIONS
How is iron deficiency treated?
Iron tablets
Oral iron is usually the first treatment for iron deficiency anaemia. Your GP can advise how to take it and what to do if it causes side effects.
Diet and addressing the cause
Iron-rich foods can help, but any underlying bleeding, absorption problem or medical condition also needs appropriate attention.
Intravenous (IV) iron
An infusion may be considered when oral iron is unsuitable, ineffective or cannot be tolerated, or when rapid replacement is clinically indicated. It requires assessment and carries risks.
The right treatment depends on the cause, severity and your individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is iron and why does the body need it?
Iron is an essential nutrient used to make haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.
What is iron-deficiency anaemia?
Iron-deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of iron means the body cannot make enough healthy haemoglobin. A clinician should assess blood results and the possible cause of iron deficiency.
What symptoms can low iron cause?
Symptoms can include tiredness, reduced energy, breathlessness, dizziness and difficulty concentrating, although symptoms vary. These symptoms can have other causes, so assessment and appropriate blood tests are important.
Why might someone consider an iron infusion instead of tablets?
IV iron may be considered when oral iron has not worked, is not tolerated, is not absorbed adequately, or iron needs to be replaced more quickly. Whether it is appropriate depends on an individual clinical assessment.
Will an infusion identify the cause of my low iron?
No. An infusion replaces iron but does not by itself identify why iron levels are low. Your clinician should consider the underlying cause and whether further investigation or follow-up with your GP is needed.