Know the Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
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You need iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein your red blood cells need to carry oxygen to all the cells of your body. If you have iron-deficiency anemia, your red blood cells are not carrying enough oxygen. Since all your cells need oxygen to function, iron-deficiency anemia can have many signs and symptoms.

It’s possible to have mild iron-deficiency anemia without any symptoms. When you do get symptoms, fatigue, or feeling very tired is the most common because your body is getting less oxygen and everything slows down. There are several other symptoms and signs your doctor may look for. Some of the symptoms may be surprising, and complications of iron-deficiency anemia can be severe and long-lasting.

5 Things You Didn't Know About Anemia

Common Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Along with fatigue, you may notice:

Common Signs of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

During a physical exam, your doctor may look for signs of iron-deficiency anemia. These can be caused by low hemoglobin and by the fact that you need iron for healthy skin, hair and nails. Common signs include:

  • An abnormal heart sound or heartbeat
  • Pale color of your skin, gums or nail beds
  • Enlargement of your liver or spleen
  • Brittle nails
  • Hair loss

Surprising Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

One of the most unusual symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia is a strange craving for chewing or eating. This craving is called pica. Doctors have recognized pica as a symptom of iron-deficiency anemia for centuries. They still don’t know why it happens. People with pica may crave chewing on ice or a rubber band. They may crave eating clay, starch, dirt, or paint chips. Children with pica may be in danger of lead poisoning from chewing lead paint chips.

Women with iron-deficiency anemia may experience anxiety when it comes to sex. This may cause sexual problems and avoidance of sex. Although doctors don’t know the cause, treating the anemia with iron supplements relieves this symptom.

Men and women with iron-deficiency anemia may be more likely to suffer from a condition called restless legs syndrome (RLS). RLS is a constant urge to move your legs. Your legs may feel strange and unpleasant. RLS can make it hard to sleep. RLS may be due to a lack of iron in certain brain cells.

Complications of Iron-Deficiency Anemia Are Serious

Untreated iron-deficiency anemia can have long-term or dangerous complications. These complications may be especially serious for pregnant women and children. They include:

  • Children may develop long-term mental, physical and behavior problems.
  • Pregnant women may be in danger of early delivery.
  • Babies may be born with low birth weight.
  • Mothers may develop depression after birth (postpartum depression).
  • Iron deficiency may weaken your immune system and lead to increased infections.
  • Abnormal or rapid heartbeat can eventually lead to heart failure.

Considering the long-term health effects of untreated iron deficiency, it’s important to see your doctor if you experience symptoms of anemia. Your doctor can test your blood and look for signs of iron-deficiency anemia.

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  2. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Iron-Deficiency Anemia? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ida/signs
  3. How Is Iron-Deficiency Anemia Diagnosed? National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.  http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ida/diagnosis
  4. Khan Y, Tisman G. Pica in iron deficiency: a case series. J Med Case Reports. 2010;4. 
  5. Impact of iron supplementation on sexual dysfunction of women with iron deficiency anemia in short term: a preliminary study. Gulmez H, Akin Y, Savas M, et al. J Sex Med. 2014;11(4):1042-6. 
  6. Anemia. FamilyDoctor.org. http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/anemia.html
  7. Iron deficiency anemia complications. National Health Service. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-iron-deficiency-/Pages/Complications.aspx
Medical Reviewer: William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Last Review Date: 2021 Sep 23
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