---
title: "Iron deficiency anaemia: symptoms, causes & treatment"
description: "Low iron causes tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin — common in menstruating women and after blood loss. Needs blood tests to confirm before treatment."
url: "https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency/"
source: "Sanara Health"
licence: "Quote with attribution and a link to the url above."
---
# Iron deficiency anaemia: symptoms, causes & treatment

Low iron causes tiredness, breathlessness and pale skin — common in menstruating women and after blood loss. Needs blood tests to confirm before treatment.

Editorial information by **Kaiser Khan**. Not clinically reviewed.

## Symptoms

- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin or nail beds
- Breathlessness on exertion
- Headaches
- Craving ice or unusual foods (pica)

## Why it happens

Heavy periods, pregnancy, poor dietary intake, coeliac disease, or slow blood loss from the gut. Men and post-menopausal women need investigation if iron is low.

## Treatment

Iron tablets after confirmed deficiency — with investigation of underlying cause via GP. Online blood tests can check levels before GP review.

## Self-care that helps

Iron-rich diet (red meat, pulses, leafy greens) with vitamin C to aid absorption; avoid tea with meals.

## When to get help

Black stools, significant blood loss, fainting or iron deficiency in men — urgent GP assessment.

[See our iron deficiency anaemia support →](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/compare/)

Go deeper

## Related guides

[Iron deficiency symptoms UK: tiredness, tests and treatment — Iron deficiency anaemia in the UK — symptoms, who is at risk, blood tests, iron tablets and when you need urgent GP review.](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/guides/iron-deficiency-symptoms-uk/)

Available without prescription

## Products that can help

[Everyday health — Vitamin D3: 1000 IU explained](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/vitamin-d3-1000iu/)

[Everyday health — Omega-3 fish oil](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/omega-3-fish-oil/)

[Everyday health — Daily multivitamins](https://www.sanarahealth.co.uk/supplements/daily-multivitamin/)