How to Know if You Are Anemic

Anemia is a decrease in the number of your red blood cells, and while there are a number of causes, the most common is iron deficiency. You may not have symptoms if you are mildly anemic, and even if you do, they may go undetected or be mistaken for something else.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Iron Supplements

1. Examine your skin tone. Do you have very pale skin color? Even if you have a dark complexion, your lips may be pale and your skin may appear "washed out."
2. Consider whether you are fatigued or irritable all of the time. These are common symptoms of anemia.
3. Ask yourself whether you have frequent headaches or loss of appetite. These are usually early signs of anemia.
4. Consider if you've been constipated - also an early symptom, and may occur without any change in dietary habits.
5. Consider whether it is difficult for you to concentrate. This can affect your work and/or school performance.
6. Ask yourself whether you're craving unusual foods. This is called pica, and you may find yourself craving very bizarre non-foods, such as soil and paper.
7. Take note of your moods. Anemia can bring on feelings of depression.
8. Consider whether you've been short of breath. Red blood cells are a vital part of the respiratory process, and this symptom may occur when anemia is moderate to severe.
9. Take note of whether you feel a sense of coldness in your extremities. This may be caused by poor circulation as a result of anemia.
10. As yourself if you've been feeling weak and/or dizzy. In severe cases, you may feel too weak to get out of bed, and dizzy when you do get up.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you develop a sore tongue and/or sores in your mouth, or cessation of menstruation if you are a woman, anemia is well-established.
• If you eat on the run, eat primarily processed foods, skip meals or go on periodic crash diets, you may not be getting enough iron and other nutrients in your diet. If you are having symptoms, it is possible you may be anemic. Anemia may also be caused by an underlying medical disorder as well as insufficient intake and/or absorption of nutrients such as iron. Having a blood test is the only way to diagnose anemia. If you suspect you are anemic, you should see a doctor.
• Don't begin taking high doses of iron supplements if you do not know for a fact that you are anemic. Iron can be toxic in high doses. Symptoms of anemia can mimic those of other health problems, and iron deficiency is not the only cause of anemia.
• If symptoms persist or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns, contact a physician. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.