Low ferritin, also known as iron-deficiency anemia, is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. Unfortunately, it’s estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of people with low ferritin don’t know they have it. This means that millions of people walk around feeling tired and weak, not understanding why they’re so tired or can’t seem to get out of bed in the morning.
They may suffer from headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness caused by low blood oxygen levels (hypoxia). Common symptoms like hair loss and chronic hunger also point to low ferritin. If a person’s nails are spooned or pitted, they might also have an iron deficiency.
To treat iron deficiency and anemia, a doctor will prescribe a course of oral iron supplements. These can be taken up to three months before blood tests are repeated to ensure the levels have returned to normal.
Iron deficiency is most commonly caused by gastrointestinal disorders like celiac disease and ulcerative colitis or following surgery on the small intestine. However, it can also result from heavy menstrual bleeding or excessive bleeding due to trauma or injury.
If anyone suspects that they might have an iron deficiency problem, it will help to read on for more details about these symptoms.
Fatigue
Low ferritin is a significant cause of fatigue, and a person should know that many other conditions can also cause it. For example, fatigue is often a symptom of anemia, an iron deficiency that occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. It can also be a symptom of chronic inflammation (such as rheumatoid arthritis), thyroid disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
In addition to these common causes of fatigue, there are other conditions less commonly associated with fatigue – lupus and multiple sclerosis are two examples. In these cases, it’s essential to determine whether or not the fatigue is caused by another condition to treat it properly.
While many people experience fatigue due to their thyroid disease brought by low levels of ferritin, it’s important to note that thyroid issues cause not all forms of fatigue. For example, if a person has hypothyroidism and experiences mild symptoms such as weight gain and sensitivity to cold temperatures, this may cause fatigue. However, if they suffer from severe exhaustion or weakness regularly (even when the thyroid levels are within the normal range), then other causes need to be evaluated.
