5 Signs You May Be Iron-Deficient and What to Do About It

If you’re feeling persistently fatigued, struggling with low energy, or noticing other odd symptoms, an iron deficiency could be the cause.

Iron deficiency, the most common type of anemia, occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough hemoglobin due to low iron levels. This is problematic because hemoglobin is what enables your red blood cells to move oxygen throughout your body. 

Dr. Mark Rosenberg and our team at Macomb Medical Clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, have helped countless patients identify and address iron deficiency symptoms. 

Here, we explain five key signs of iron deficiency and how we can help you address them.

1. Persistent fatigue and lack of energy

Feeling tired is normal after a long day, but persistent fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest can signal iron-deficiency anemia. Without enough iron, your body struggles to carry sufficient oxygen to your muscles and tissues, leaving you feeling drained.

Many of our patients report chronic exhaustion that affects their daily lives. If you’re noticing unusual levels of fatigue despite a good night’s sleep, schedule a consultation with our team at Macomb Medical Clinic. Blood tests can provide clarity and identify if low iron is the culprit.

2. Pale skin or unusual pallor

Is your skin looking unusually pale? Iron deficiency often reduces the red coloration in your blood, leaving your skin looking lighter than usual. This may also include pale gums, a lighter tongue, or even pale inner eyelids.

Pallor is one of the visual signs we frequently look for during physical exams at Macomb Medical Clinic. Your appearance can be an important indicator of underlying anemia, which may be confirmed with diagnostic testing.

3. Shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat

If climbing stairs, exercising, or even light physical activities make you feel breathless or cause your heart to race, it may be due to iron deficiency. When your body doesn’t have enough iron, your oxygen delivery system is compromised, making your heart and lungs work harder than usual.

We can conduct advanced screenings to measure your essential blood markers. If the cause is iron deficiency, we ensure you get the best treatment.

4. Brittle nails and hair loss

One of the lesser-known signs of iron deficiency is brittle, weak nails and noticeable hair thinning or loss. Your body prioritizes vital organs over less critical areas, like nails and hair, during periods of low oxygen supply, which can cause these symptoms.

If you’ve recently noticed nails that break easily or unusual hair loss, it’s worth seeking a consultation to rule out anemia as a potential cause. 

5. Cravings for non-food items (pica)

Unusual cravings, such as a desire to eat ice, dirt, paper, or other non-food items, can sometimes be linked to iron deficiency. This condition, called pica, is characteristic of people who are severely anemic.

At Macomb Medical Clinic, our team focuses on understanding your unique symptoms and offering tailored solutions. Addressing pica often involves raising iron levels through diet, supplements, or other treatment options.

How we can help you at Macomb Medical Clinic

At Macomb Medical Clinic, we treat iron deficiency with care, compassion, and personalized services, such as:

Comprehensive screenings

Our in-house diagnostics make it easy to check your iron levels and identify anemia.

Customized treatment plans

Based on your needs, we may recommend making iron-rich dietary changes, taking oral supplements, or receiving iron infusions for quicker relief.

Preventative care

We work with you to identify underlying causes of anemia, such as heavy periods or gastrointestinal issues, and create a long-term prevention strategy.

Don’t delay in addressing your symptoms. Book an appointment online, or call us at Macomb Medical Clinic for compassionate and expert care in Sterling Heights. Together, we’ll help manage and prevent iron deficiency so you can feel your best.