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What Are The Effects Of Iron Deficiency In The Body?

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Posted on Thu, 19 Jan 2017
Question: hi i have low iron levels what happens if I don't take my iron tablets I had tablets for nearly 2 mouths and I haven't started taken them yet Iwas wondering what will happen
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (44 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

So if I understand you correctly, you have iron deficiency anemia and were prescribed iron supplementation but have not started taking them yet?

If you continue to not take any iron, you will likely continue to be anemic which means you will be more fatigued and possibly short of breath than you may be once your iron levels rise to normal. Note that return to normal won't happen over night but will take a few weeks to feel better.

Some people find iron tablets a bit constipating or a little irritating on the digestion, but most do fine with iron and have no problems. I took iron during pregnancy and had no trouble at all.

I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
but what happens my iron levels don't go back to normal
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (27 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
They should return to normal. If they don't, then the cause of iron loss should be looked into. Menstruation is the most common cause of low blood iron in women your age and if heavy or long menstrual periods are your situation, then hormone therapy such as certain contraceptive pills can eliminate or decrease the problem.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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What Are The Effects Of Iron Deficiency In The Body?

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello, So if I understand you correctly, you have iron deficiency anemia and were prescribed iron supplementation but have not started taking them yet? If you continue to not take any iron, you will likely continue to be anemic which means you will be more fatigued and possibly short of breath than you may be once your iron levels rise to normal. Note that return to normal won't happen over night but will take a few weeks to feel better. Some people find iron tablets a bit constipating or a little irritating on the digestion, but most do fine with iron and have no problems. I took iron during pregnancy and had no trouble at all. I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.