What are the first signs of iron deficiency anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when the body has too little iron to make enough haemoglobin, the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. Early symptoms can be subtle: you may feel drained after ordinary tasks, find exercise harder than usual, or struggle to focus. Some people notice paler skin, cold hands and feet, headaches, a faster heartbeat, or cravings for non-food items. Symptoms can overlap with many other conditions, so they do not confirm the cause by themselves.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, a diet low in iron, reduced absorption, or blood loss from the digestive tract can all be relevant. A clinician may need to understand the pattern as well as arrange a blood test.

Arrange a GP appointment if tiredness, dizziness, weakness or concentration changes persist, recur, or affect work, study, exercise or daily activities. A blood test can check red blood cell measurements and iron stores, while your history helps look for a reason. Do not start high-dose iron without advice, because treatment depends on the cause and unnecessary iron can cause side effects.

Keep a note of bleeding, menstrual changes, eating patterns, breathlessness and medicines. Nutrition counselling may help you identify iron-rich foods and practical ways to include them, but food changes should sit alongside medical assessment when anaemia is suspected.

Seek urgent medical help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, confusion, a racing or irregular heartbeat, or bleeding that is heavy or does not stop. Prompt assessment is also sensible if symptoms are rapidly worsening, you have black or bloody stools, or you are pregnant and feel unusually weak or short of breath.

Ask which blood tests are appropriate, whether your symptoms could have another explanation, and what might be causing low iron. You can also ask how long treatment may take, what side effects to watch for, and whether menstrual or digestive blood loss needs investigation.