It was that time of the year for me to do my annual blood test. Each year I’ve done this, I’ve had a good experience, but this time I got some bad news. My iron level was below 8, which means I’m severely anemic. How can I be anaemic without feeling it? The answer is that I felt it the whole time – extreme fatigue, jitteriness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, or an irregular heartbeat. I noticed my heartbeat changed on my health monitor device, I thought it was caused by stress, which could also be. But I was wrong and my blood test proved me wrong. I was anemic. What is that anyway?
What is Anemia?
It’s called iron deficiency or low iron levels in the blood. It’s a medical condition where your body has fewer red blood cells or less hemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues all over your body. There are lots of reasons why someone might be iron deficient. The most common causes are vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, chronic diseases, bone marrow problems, and genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia.
You can only get a diagnosis of anemia through a blood test to check your iron level. However, the symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity. They often include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness or light-headedness, cold hands and feet, headaches, and chest pain.
How Can I Check My Iron Level?
It’s a good idea to get an annual health check to keep track of all your health markers. A blood test can check your iron level. Your doctor will usually order this test, and here’s an overview of the common tests used to evaluate iron levels:
- Complete Blood Count
This test looks at different parts of your blood, including hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and means corpuscular volume (MCV). If these numbers don’t add up, it could be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
- A Serum iron test
This blood test measures the amount of iron in your blood and gives you an idea of how much iron your body can use.
- Total Iron-Binding Capacity (TIBC)
This test looks at the total amount of iron that can be carried in the blood and how well the body can bind and transport iron. Typically, TIBC values are higher in iron deficiency anemia.
- Ferritin test
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. Your ferritin levels can give you a good idea of how much iron your body has stored. If your ferritin levels are low, it’s a pretty good indicator that you’re iron deficient, even if other tests come back normal.
- Transferrin Saturation
This test calculates the percentage of transferrin that is saturated with iron. Transferrin is a protein that transports iron in the blood. A low level of transferrin saturation can indicate iron deficiency.
Why is Important to Check Your Iron Level
Checking your iron levels is important because iron is a vital mineral that your body needs to function properly. Here are a few reasons why monitoring your iron levels is essential:
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Red Blood Cell Production
Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells, leading to a condition called iron deficiency anemia.
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Energy Levels
Iron is necessary for energy production. When your body doesn’t have enough iron, it can’t produce sufficient energy, which can result in fatigue, weakness, and a lack of stamina.
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Brain Function
Iron is also important for keeping your brain in good shape. Not having enough iron can affect your cognitive function and concentration.
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Immune System
Iron plays a role in the proper functioning of your immune system. Without enough iron, your immune system may not function optimally, leaving you more at high risk of infections and illnesses.
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Physical Performance
Maintaining regular physical activity is important for a healthy body, and maintaining adequate iron levels is crucial for optimal performance. Iron is necessary for transporting oxygen to muscles, and low iron levels can impair muscle function and physical endurance.
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Pregnancy
Pregnant women need extra iron to support the increased blood volume and to provide iron to the developing fetus. Iron deficiency during pregnancy can result in complications for both the mother and the baby, and also preterm birth and low birth weight.
How Often Should You Check Your Iron Levels?
How often you check your iron levels depends on various factors, like your age, gender, overall health, and any underlying medical conditions you may have. Your doctor can assess your risk factors and medical history to determine the most appropriate screening and monitoring schedule for you.
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Family History
if you have a family history of iron deficiency anemia or if you experience symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or pale skin, your healthcare provider may suggest that you have periodic screening tests.
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High-Risk Groups
Some groups of people may require more frequent monitoring of iron levels. People who are genetically at high risk of anemia, older adults, pregnant women, individuals with chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease or inflammatory bowel disease, and those who have undergone surgery that can affect iron absorption.
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Treatment Monitoring
Suppose you’ve been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia or another iron-related disorder, your doctor may suggest that you have your iron levels checked regularly to see how well the treatment is working and to make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Can Anaemia be Treated?
Treatment for anemia depends on what’s causing it, but it could include eating a healthy diet with lots of green veggies, vitamin B12, or iron or folic acid supplements, taking medication, or having procedures done to address underlying health conditions. It’s important for people experiencing symptoms of anemia to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
If you’re at high risk of anemia, don’t wait until you start experiencing symptoms. Have your iron levels checked regularly through annual blood tests so you can detect any deficiencies early on. This will help you get treatment and avoid complications.
