Low Haemoglobin Symptoms: When Should You Check Iron?
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You should check iron if you have tiredness, weakness, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, hair fall, or low stamina, especially if these symptoms are persistent or unexplained.
Full Answer
Low haemoglobin means your blood may not be carrying oxygen efficiently. One of the most common causes is iron deficiency, though B12 deficiency, folate deficiency, chronic disease, kidney disease, and inherited blood disorders can also cause anaemia.
Common symptoms of low haemoglobin include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Pale skin
- Cold hands and feet
- Reduced stamina
- Poor concentration
- Hair fall in some people
You should consider checking iron if these symptoms are affecting your work, daily activity, exercise tolerance, or general wellbeing.
Tests to ask your doctor about:
- CBC
- Haemoglobin
- Ferritin
- Serum iron
- TIBC or transferrin saturation
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- TSH
- Vitamin D
In adult men and post-menopausal women, confirmed iron deficiency should not be ignored. A doctor may need to look for hidden blood loss, especially from the gastrointestinal tract.