Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, is a common issue for women. Iron is an essential nutrient that produces the protein hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body.
When a person is anemic, she can experience unpleasant symptoms, but fortunately there are fairly simple treatment options that your PGOMG provider can recommend.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Symptoms of iron deficiency can depend on how severe the deficiency is, but they can generally include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Chest pains
- Feeling short of breath
- Frequent dizziness
- Brittle nails
- Cold hands and/or feet
- Low appetite
- A tingling feeling in your legs, also called restless leg syndrome
- Rapid heartbeat
- Susceptibility to infection
Some individuals may be more prone to anemia than others – these can include women (particularly pregnant women), babies and children, vegetarians and frequent blood donors.
Regardless of how common it can be, iron deficiency should always be taken seriously. As seen above, the symptoms of anemia can truly impact a person’s health, especially if the anemia is severe. If you believe that you may be anemic, contact your provider today to discuss your symptoms. We particularly encourage pregnant women to visit PGOMG to review their symptoms as soon as possible.
Treatment for Iron Deficiency
If you are anemic, your doctor will determine what treatment options best suit your individual needs. Treatment options for anemia generally include:
- Iron supplements
- Changes in diet (to increase iron consumption)
- Vitamin C supplements (helps the body absorb iron)
Symptoms of iron deficiency can be broad and can be confused with other underlying conditions such as a cold, so we encourage patients to speak with their provider to determine if iron deficiency exists or if there is another underlying issue.
