Iron deficiency affects women more than men, especially pregnant women. The body needs iron to carry oxygen through the blood to all parts of the body.

The Association of Anesthesiologists estimates that the documented incidence of iron deficiency in women worldwide is 15 to 18%.

“Your body needs iron to make hemoglobin, which is part of the red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body through the blood,” explains the Women’s Health Bureau.

Iron deficiency anemia affects one in six pregnant women. Iron deficiency anemia occurs in up to five percent of women of childbearing age due to excessive bleeding during menstruation.

Bleeding can cause you to lose more blood cells and iron than is being replaced by your body, so if you have longer or longer periods than usual, uterine fibroids or any other condition that causes bleeding, you are more likely to be iron deficient.

Here are 10 symptoms of iron deficiency in women, according to the National Health Service (NHS) and the US Office of Women’s Health:

Fatigue (very common).

Weakness (very common).

Vertigo.

Headache.

Low body temperature.

Pale or yellow skin.

Rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Shortness of breath or chest pain, especially with physical activity.

Brittle nails.

ிகா Pica (craving for ice, very cold drinks or non-food items such as dirt or paper).

If you think you may have iron deficiency anemia, consult your doctor.

Your GB will ask about your lifestyle and medical history, and if the cause of your anemia is not clear, you may need a complete blood count or referral to a specialist.

If the blood test shows that your red blood cell count is low, iron tablets may be prescribed to replace the lost iron from your body.

Iron tablets that can be purchased without a prescription are not strong enough if you have a deficiency, so this step is very necessary.

Your doctor may perform regular blood tests over the next few months to make sure your iron level returns to normal.

Source: Express

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