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A 19-year-old female asked:
Can iron deficiency anemia be a symptom of another problem?
4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Ryan Phasoukanswered
Family Medicine 20 years experience
Yes: There can be many reasons for iron deficiency anemia. It is best to have an evaluation by a physician for possible causes.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Dennis Higginbothamanswered
American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology 32 years experience
Certainly: It is a symptom of low iron, the question then would be why is the iron level low. The other problem could relate to diet, absorption, chronic blood loss, etc.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Pamela Pappasanswered
Psychiatry 44 years experience
Yes, absolutely: Iron deficiency anemia can result from chronic blood loss in the body. The source must be found and treated. It can be an occult tumor in the colon, or excessive menstrual bleeding too. Poor diet or absorption can be responsible too. Other possible sources as well.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Alvin Linanswered
Geriatrics 32 years experience
Iron deficiency: Iron deficiency can result from either blood loss or inadequate dietary intake. Blood loss in young women is typically due to heavy and/or frequent menses. In older adults, iron deficiency is worrisome for colon cancer or bleeding ulcers. Vegans & vegetarians are at greater risk for inadequate iron consumption as it's typically derived from animal protein. However, excess iron is not good either.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 33-year-old member asked:
What are problems with untreated, iron deficiency, anemia?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Enrique Molinaanswered
Gastroenterology 37 years experience
Anemia: Your hemoglobin will go down, and you will end up requiring blood transfusions. Usually there is an underlying problem causing the anemia (most commonly from the intestines or the bone marrow), and this needs to be sorted out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jul 24, 2020
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