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I've Struggled With Hemoglobin That Goes Up And Down. It
Question: I've struggled with hemoglobin that goes up and down. It has been doing that for years. 6 months ago it was 95 and 3 months ago it was 133 (I took iron tablets but then I stopped with a permission from doctor because I got too bad side effects). Now my hb is 116. My ferritin is 12. I've been dizzy, I regularly have headaches and exercise makes me tired. I struggle to focus on simplest tasks. Can my low iron cause these symptoms? Also, the suitable treatment is lacking.
Brief Answer:
Yes, iron deficiency anemia ( low hb) can cause these symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and Welcome to Ask a Doctor service. I have read your question and here is my advice.
Your point is very valid and these symptoms can very likely be caused by the low hemoglobin. Tiredness, fatigue, body aches, and low concentration are classical symptoms of low hemoglobin, so yes these symptoms may well be caused by your low hemoglobin. Because our body including the Brain needs good hemoglobin for proper function. While treating the low hemoglobin is important but more important is knowing the cause.
Causes of low hemoglobin are many, but your ferritin level reveals that your hemoglobin is low because of low iron. So you definitely need iron replacement. Iron tablets may have side effects but you can manage them by changing the brands or farmulation of iron tablets.
However more important is to know the cause of why your iron gets low. This may be related to diet, or hidden bleeding, or heavy loss in menses in females, or malabsorption, or worm infestation.Some causes may be serious. So it's always important to search for the cause of low iron, besides taking iron to replinish the iron store. So you would need to see your doctor who would assess you for the cause of low iron.
Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions or concerns. I will be glad to answer your questions.
Yes, iron deficiency anemia ( low hb) can cause these symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and Welcome to Ask a Doctor service. I have read your question and here is my advice.
Your point is very valid and these symptoms can very likely be caused by the low hemoglobin. Tiredness, fatigue, body aches, and low concentration are classical symptoms of low hemoglobin, so yes these symptoms may well be caused by your low hemoglobin. Because our body including the Brain needs good hemoglobin for proper function. While treating the low hemoglobin is important but more important is knowing the cause.
Causes of low hemoglobin are many, but your ferritin level reveals that your hemoglobin is low because of low iron. So you definitely need iron replacement. Iron tablets may have side effects but you can manage them by changing the brands or farmulation of iron tablets.
However more important is to know the cause of why your iron gets low. This may be related to diet, or hidden bleeding, or heavy loss in menses in females, or malabsorption, or worm infestation.Some causes may be serious. So it's always important to search for the cause of low iron, besides taking iron to replinish the iron store. So you would need to see your doctor who would assess you for the cause of low iron.
Hope I have answered your query. Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions or concerns. I will be glad to answer your questions.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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