Warning signs

One of the main symptoms of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia is fatigue, a more extreme version of tiredness. If you are experiencing fatigue, you may feel physically and mentally exhausted and lack energy for a number of days each week, even if you have not been doing any physical activities that are particularly tiring¹. You may be too exhausted to complete normal daily tasks such as getting dressed or going shopping, and you may often feel too tired to spend time with friends or family.

If you would like to assess your level of tiredness you can use our Fatigue Survey.

Tiredness and fatigue are well known symptoms of IBD² and anaemia. If you are experiencing fatigue it is important to speak to your doctor so that they can find out what the most likely cause may be.

There are also many other signs that may indicate that you have iron deficiency or iron deficiency anaemia. These include:

• Dizziness³, irritability⁴ and loss of concentration⁵
• Looking pale⁶
• Shortness of breath and a racing heart⁷
• Sore tongue or dry mouth^8,9
• Cold intolerance or cold hands and feet¹⁰
• Headache¹¹
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS)^12,13
• Hair loss¹⁴
• Brittle or spoon-shaped nails¹⁵
• Increased susceptibility to infections¹⁶

Use our Symptom Browser to see the complete list of symptoms that iron deficiency can cause and to understand what each of these symptoms involves.

If you are iron deficient, treating your condition with extra iron can improve your quality of life on a daily basis. It could improve your concentration and productivity at work and give you more energy to exercise and socialize. You don’t have to get used to feeling tired all of the time.

Because there could be many underlying conditions causing your symptoms, it is important that you discuss all of your symptoms with your doctor.