What are the Common Symptoms of Anemia/Low Iron?

Question

I get dizziness, short term memory loss, disorganization and fatigue daily. I'm trying to figure out what is going on with me. I exercise regularly- except lately I have been feeling really run down, I eat well, drink water, take multi-vitamins, get enough rest, etc. When I get enough rest and I have slept well, I can still fall asleep easily! Like in a meeting at work, or while driving even, and I don't snore or have sleep apnea. What the heck is wrong with me? I'm 5'3 and 150lbs, so I am not obese. Is it Anemia or low iron possibly?

Answer 1

Hi,

I am 16 weeks pregnant and have just been advised that I have low iron levels.

I was given an information sheet from the midwife at my hospital and this is what it says the common symptoms are:

* Fatigue

* Pale Complexion

* Dizziness

* Unsettled Sleep Patterns

* Fingernail Ridges

* Dry, brittle hair

* Poor Concerntration

* Impaired physical endurance and / or work capacity

* Depressed Immune Functioning

I know you mentioned that you don't want to go to the Doctor because of financial reasons but it's always best to get a Medical opinion on things such as this because if you are not low on Iron and you start to take Iron supplements you could end up having too much iron which is dangerous.

Maybe try eating iron rich foods and see if that helps, in the meantime you can start saving some money to see a doctor of your symptoms still persist.

Iron Rich Foods (also from my print out)

Wholemeal Bread

Rolled Oats

Wheat Germ

Egg Yolk

Liver

Liverwurst

Dried Peaches

Dried Apricots

Miso Paste

Almonds

Pine Nuts

Pistachio Nuts

Tahini (Sesame seed paste)

Pumpkin Seeds

Milo/Ovaltine

Cocoa Powder

Yeast Extract (Vegemite or Marmite)

Molasses

I hope this helps, good luck :)

Answer 2

That could be low blood sugar.  Try eating less, but more often, as to not change your over all caloric intake.

Answer 3

Back to school blues.

Mix Up your workout routines and Include two or more a week That has more of a social development.

High doses of B12 and vitamin C Has Always helped me for the first week or so By then something always comes up, Life.

Answer 4

Uh... well that could be a lot of things.

It could simply be allergies all the way to pregnancy.  

It could also be emotionally related... have you been stressed

and how old are you? More info please!

my friend just got mono... he had a lot of those symptoms...but like i said...could be just a cold.

Answer 5

could be one of many things.  I looked up your symptoms on webmd and weeded out stuff like mad cow disease.LOL  The three I came up with are: middle ear infection,depression,low blood sugar.  I'm guessing by the way you exercise low blood sugar along with the mild depression.  I used to jog 2 miles and workout hard 5-6 days a week, plus kept a bottle of water in my hand all day.  I completely cut out man made sugar.(cold turkey)  well, between working out, water , and sudden stop of the sugar my body was in shock.  I was having the same symptoms you are.  I read the book "body for life" by Bill Phillips.  This program changed everything.  I felt better and didn't spend so much time excerising and had better results.  

Depression can overwhelm you to the point where you have these symptoms as well.  

If you think your having ear problems, put some peroxide in you ears.  I know,  it sounds crazy, but it works.  leave it in until the bubbles stop, then clean with q-tip.    hope I could help.  good luck

Answer 6

well i dont think short term memory has to do anythin with it...i have anemia. And well you get it when you dont eat right. You dont get enough nutrition...such as iron. You began to feel weak and tired...dizzy. You become pale..bit yellowish

but you seem pretty healthy...so i doubt it...but just in case eat vegetables...