Living With Iron-Deficiency Anemia

If you have iron-deficiency anemia, you need to see a doctor for treatment but you can recover, feel well, and live a normal life.

Ongoing Health Care Needs

You will need regular medical checkups to make sure your iron levels are going up. At your checkups you may have changes made to your medicines or supplements, or you may get further advice on a healthy diet.

During treatment for anemia, you may feel fatigue (tiredness) and have other symptoms until your iron levels return to normal. This can take months. Tell your doctor if you get any new symptoms or if your symptoms get worse.

Take iron supplements only with your doctor's approval. Don't decide to take them on your own. It is possible to get too high a level of iron in your body and cause a condition called iron overload.

A pregnant woman with iron-deficiency anemia is usually tested for anemia at 4-6 weeks after delivery, if she:

• Was anemic during the third trimester of pregnancy
• Lost a lot of blood during childbirth
• Had a multiple birth (such as twins)