You feel tired and weak
Fatigue is probably the symptom most commonly associated with iron deficiency. The reason for the exhaustion? A lack of oxygen flowing through your body. “When you have anemia, you have fewer blood cells to carry oxygen to vital organs of the body,” says Ian Tong, MD, chief medical officer at Doctor On Demand. “This oxygen deficit is global and can cause vague symptoms like fatigue, headache, and weakness.” Not the problem? Maybe these 9 other reasons why you could be feeling fatigued apply.
You’re even more short of breath when you exercise
When you have iron deficiency, it’s hard for your body to get the oxygen it needs when it’s active. That’s why one of the more common signs of iron-deficiency (and its more serious form, anemia) is the decreased ability to exercise, explains Marc J. Kahn, MD, the Peterman-Prosser professor and senior associate dean at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. So if you now find yourself short of breath during a brisk walk that was a piece of cake a few months ago, see your health provider.
You develop restless leg syndrome
A disorder called restless leg syndrome creates a “pins and needles” feeling and prompts an unconscious urge to move your feet. This can disturb your sleep. It’s one of the more unusual symptoms of iron deficiency, according to Dr. Tong.