Telltale Signs of Low Iron Levels

Are you feeling fatigued, weak, or sluggish? Do you notice that you're short of breath more often than usual? Maybe you're experiencing hair loss or restless leg syndrome. These symptoms might not seem serious at first, but they could be signs of low iron levels. 

Iron is a vital mineral that your body needs to function properly, and without it, you can become anemic. 

A vitamin or mineral deficiency can disrupt your well-being, causing unexpected symptoms. At Balance Hormone Center in Norman, Oklahoma, Gordon Hart, PA-C, Brian A. Yeaman, MD, and our expert wellness team provide top-quality nutritional vitamins and supplements to help you feel your best. 

Embrace a healthier lifestyle with our professional and compassionate guidance.

Low iron levels are a common problem, especially among women and people with a vegetarian or vegan diet. The good news is that we can usually treat anemia easily with nutritional supplements and dietary changes.

What are the signs of anemia?

Anemia happens when your body lacks healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells take oxygen to your body parts. When there aren't enough of these cells, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen and you may notice a range of symptoms.

Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the first and most common signs of low iron. Iron is necessary for your body to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. 

Without enough iron, your muscles and organs don't get the oxygen they need, leading to fatigue. You might have low iron if you're feeling unusually tired, especially after physical activity.

Shortness of breath

Another symptom of low iron levels is shortness of breath. Your body needs iron to create red blood cells, which carry oxygen. When iron levels are low, your body can't produce enough red blood cells, leading to shortness of breath. 

If you're feeling out of breath after climbing stairs or engaging in light exercise, call us at Balance Hormone Center to check your iron levels.

Hair loss

Iron is necessary for hair growth and strength, so low iron levels can lead to hair loss. As we mentioned above, iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the hair follicles. 

Without enough oxygen, hair follicles become weak and brittle, leading to hair loss.

Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is when you feel a strong urge to move your legs to relieve uncomfortable sensations. RLS has been linked to low iron levels, because iron is a key component in dopamine production. 

Pale skin

One of the most visible signs of low iron levels is pale skin. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color. As a result, your skin can appear pale or even yellowish. 

If you notice that your skin looks paler than usual, especially around your face and hands, it's worth getting your iron levels checked.

Treating low iron levels

Treatment for anemia depends on the underlying cause and may involve lifestyle changes such as IV therapy, nutritional supplements, or dietary modifications to increase red blood cell production or stop bleeding.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you may need a blood test to check your iron levels. By catching anemia early and treating it properly, you’ll feel like yourself again. Call us at Balance Hormone Center or request an appointment online.