Signs You Need More Iron | Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Explained

A few years ago, I felt unusually tired all the time. My fatigue would hit early in the day, and despite sleeping well, I still woke up with weakness and cold feet. What worried me most was the rapid heartbeat and occasional breathlessness I experienced while doing simple chores. After a blood test, my doctor said I had low iron levels, but no anemia—my ferritin was just 9. 

I was diagnosed with an iron deficiency, even though my hemoglobin was 11.9. The doctor checked other markers like TIBC (469), iron saturation (22), transferrin (335), and iron (102), and confirmed it was early iron deficiency. I was prescribed 325 mg ferrous sulfate, along with a multi vitamin designed for women. After just one week, my ferritin increased to 24, and some symptoms like restless legs, tingling, and pins and needles in my hands and feet started improving. My dry skin, brittle nails, and hair also looked better.

Read More: How to Keep Your Joints Healthy

What many don’t realize is how a variety of neurologic and vascular signs like insomnia, swollen fingers, and even jaw ache can signal a deficiency. Iron plays a role in transporting oxygen in red blood cells, and its absence places stress on the heart, lungs, and nerves. For menstruating females, adult males, or post-menopausal women, iron loss can come from visible or hidden bleeding, sometimes linked to ulcers, autoimmune disease, or a family history of bowel cancer. In my case, a colonoscopy was scheduled in December to find a source of bleeding after a scoop test. Iron also interacts with proteins called acute phase reactants during illness or infection, making ferritin levels change rapidly based on stimulus, physical stress, or inflammation. 

Some patients, especially those with diabetes, thyroid, kidney, or liver issues, may experience numbness, creaky joints, or palpitations. Rule-out tests like Doppler, ultrasound of the abdomen, EKG, and even EMG can check for peripheral or motor neuropathy. While iron supplements are safe and often not fatal, always consult a neurologist for persistent sensor issues. It’s also smart to avoid poor intake, eat foods rich in iron, keep fluids and salt balanced, and stay consistent with therapy, even if triple antibiotics were resistant like mine. With clinical experience, I've seen progressing symptoms become stable in just a few weeks when addressed early.

Uncovering Hidden Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

As a 21-year-old female, I never imagined a simple routine checkup with my primary care physician would uncover something serious. After a trip to the clinic, I received some alarming blood test results that led to a referral to a hematologist. I was diagnosed with severe iron deficiency anemia, something I hadn’t even considered. Initially, the causes pointed to heavy menstrual bleeding, so I was given two iron infusions and prescribed an oral contraceptive, which eventually halted the excessive bleeding.

Over the following months, I started noticing the typical symptoms again — fatigue, dizziness, restless leg syndrome, and even headaches — all signs that the anemia might be returning. After consulting the hematologist once again, I was put on another infusion and advised to run more tests with my regular doctor to determine if something else was happening beneath the surface. I hopefully awaited answers, thinking back to how my symptoms began and whether there were common or similar experiences shared by others.

Having been through this journey, I now understand how tricky it is to uncover iron deficiency anemia when no clear cause is found. You can be diagnosed and treated, but without knowing why it’s happening, the condition can return — just like it did for me. That's why I always recommend pushing for more answers and never ignoring those typical signs. Whether it’s your first diagnosis or the last of many, every clue, from dizziness to fatigue, counts when it comes to understanding your body.

Why You Might Feel Weak When the Temperature Drops

When your body feels tired and you notice the temperature dropping rapidly, it's natural to feel more weakness and fatigue than usual. This can sometimes be more than just the cold weather—it might be a sign of anemia. I once felt the same during winter, unable to focus or find the will to work, and it turned out I had iron deficiency. When your body lacks enough red blood cells, it can’t carry oxygen properly, leading to symptoms like feeling cold, tired, or just not quite yourself. These signs should never be ignored.

It’s important to inform your doctor if you suspect something more than just weather changes. Getting diagnosed early can help avoid worsening health issues. In hematology, it’s well-known that anemia occurs for many underlying causes—the most common being a lack of iron. Whether you're any age, having your blood checked is a smart first step. Your doctor may give you medical assistance and spontaneous suggestions that fit your situation.

To address this, try eating iron-rich foods like meat, spinach, or beans, which I personally added to my diet. Also, consult about supplements that can boost your iron levels and red blood cell count. These small changes can greatly increase your energy and help you feel stronger—even when it’s freezing outside.

Signs You Need More Iron

When I first found out my ferritin was low, around 15 ug/L, I didn’t think it would cause so many symptoms. But slowly, things started changing. I began experiencing random dizziness, tinnitus, and shortness of breath that made even light walking feel tiring. There was also ear pain, chest tightness, and an aching in my back that lasted for about 6 weeks. These weren’t just minor complaints—they were signs that something deeper was going on. After a blood test, I was told I had iron deficiency without anaemia, which can still cause all these issues. I started ferrous fumarate tablets right away, and honestly, I hope they help solve what has been a difficult time.

On top of that, I was already diagnosed with pernicious anaemia two years ago, so my iron problems weren’t entirely new. What’s been frustrating is that I only get injections every 12 weeks, and that hasn't been enough. I’ve been working with my doctor to change that to every 8 weeks, which now seems more reasonable. During my last appointment, the notes even said, "Given known pernicious anaemia, 2 monthly injections is reasonable." It was one of the more promising outcomes after a long stretch of feeling ignored and worried about what was really happening inside my body.

What scared me most were the three swollen lymph nodes in my neck that appeared over the last year. They didn’t grow, and an ultrasound showed nothing serious, but my mind couldn’t help but think the worst. I even twisted my neck once and wondered if that’s why one felt more slightly swollen. My focus now is to make progress with treatment, stay calm, and remind myself that I’ve already started doing the hard part—asking for help, and not giving up.

It’s been a long journey of struggling, trying, and staying alert to every small change in my body. Whether it’s keeping up with every doctor visit, remembering to take iron pills daily, or chasing down better care plans—this path has been anything but easy. Still, with each appointment, each bit of progress, and each new insight, I feel a little better, and that’s enough reason to keep going.

Low Iron Symptoms and Treatment

I remember when my iron levels were low — it started after a routine blood test at the end of Feb, and the results came back just last week. My ferritin was only 12, and my doctor prescribed iron tablets 210mg, to take three times a day. Even prior to the diagnosis, I was feeling drained, low on energy, and constantly catching colds. I also felt dizzy, sort of spaced out with brain fog, and my eyesight seemed fuzzy. The GP didn’t give me much time over the phone — the call was barely 4 mins — just a quick discussion of the symptoms, result, and prescription.

From what I understand (and yes, I checked Google too), lethargy, a weak immune system, and light headedness are pretty typical signs of low iron. Since I started the iron tablets on Weds, I haven’t noticed any improvement yet — it still feels the same. I’d just started a new job late last year, and being in a 6-month probation period, this has really been impacting my performance. I’m just focused on getting back on track as quickly as possible, and even wondering if it’s worth exploring an iron IV privately.

✅ Conclusion: Don’t Ignore the Signs of Low Iron

Iron is vital for your body’s ability to carry oxygen through the blood. When your levels are low, it affects everything — your energy, focus, immune system, and even how you feel emotionally. If you're experiencing persistent fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, or strange cravings, it may be your body's way of asking for more iron.

The good news? Iron deficiency is treatable. With the right diet, lifestyle changes, and medical guidance, you can restore your energy and protect your long-term health. Listen to your body — and don’t delay seeking help.

❓ FAQs: Signs You Need More Iron

1. What are the most common symptoms of low iron?
The most common symptoms include fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, cold hands and feet, and brittle nails.

2. How do I know if I’m iron deficient?
A blood test is the only accurate way to diagnose iron deficiency or anemia. If you have symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

3. Can I treat low iron through diet alone?
Mild iron deficiency can often be corrected with iron-rich foods like red meat, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. In more serious cases, supplements may be needed.

4. Who is most at risk for iron deficiency?
Women (especially during menstruation or pregnancy), young children, vegetarians, and people with digestive issues or chronic blood loss are at higher risk.

5. Is it safe to take iron supplements without a prescription?
No. Excess iron can be harmful. Always get your iron levels checked and follow your doctor’s advice before starting supplements.