Following several months of feeling more and more tired, blood tests showed that I had iron deficiency anaemia. Can you tell me what this means?
Anaemia is a condition where there are low numbers of red blood cells or decreased amounts of haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the red blood cells. There are several causes of anaemia which can be broadly grouped under three main headings: blood loss; inadequate production of red blood cells; or the excessive destruction of red blood cells.
Iron deficiency anaemia results from low or depleted stores of iron, which is needed to manufacture sufficient red blood cells. The condition tends to develop gradually as it can take several months for the body's iron reserves to be used up. As iron reserves decrease, the bone marrow, where red blood cells are manufactured, gradually produces fewer red blood cells, which over time leads to an decreased number of small blood cells being produced.
Is this type of anaemia common and is it related in any way to having heavy periods?
Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anaemia, with blood loss the most likely reason for the condition in adults. Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause iron deficiency anaemia in premenopausal women. In men and post menopausal women, blood loss is more likely to be from the digestive tract.
Iron deficiency anaemia can also occur in premature or low weight babies, children and adolescent girls. Symptoms include fatigue, listlessness, headache and poor concentration.
Others may complain of irritability, pallor or breathlessness on exertion. If the deficiency has been long-standing, nails can take on a brittle, spoon-shaped appearance, cracks at the corners of the mouth may develop, and numbness/tingling of the hands and feet may develop.
How is iron deficiency anaemia treated?
Once the source of the blood loss has been rectified, replacement iron is given in the form of iron supplements. Most usually taken by mouth, it is best absorbed when taken 30 minutes before breakfast with a source of vitamin C, in the form of a vitamin C supplement or orange juice. Repeat blood tests should be performed on a periodic basis to ensure iron supplies remain within normal limits.