Signs and Symptoms - Iron Deficiency Causes & Symptoms

There is tremendous variability among individuals as to when the following symptoms of anemia develop.

Tiredness
Shortness of breath
Paleness
Lightheadedness
Headache
Heart palpitations and chest pain

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What Causes It?
Anemia may have the following causes.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, or other vitamin deficiencies

Certain chronic conditions
Gastrointestinal blood loss (caused by ulcers, cancer, parasites)
Genitourinary blood loss (such as from heavy menstruation)
Excessive blood loss (after surgery or regular blood donations)
Excessive alcohol or drug use
Malabsorption syndromes (for example, celiac disease)
Congenital diseases (for example, sickle-cell anemia)
Malnutrition