2. You’re Pale
Hemoglobin gives your blood its red color and your skin a pinkish hue. That means that low levels of the protein can suck the color straight from your skin, says Dr. Jacques Moritz, director of gynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, via Fox News.
It’s easy to tell if you’re paler than usual if you have a light complexion. But even darker-hued people can do a quick spot-check. Examine the inside of your lips, gums, and the bottom eyelids—if they’re lighter than usual, it may be due to an iron deficiency.
3. You Have Heavy Periods/Excessive Blood Loss
In women, the leading cause of iron deficiency is periods that are too heavy, continues Dr. Moritz according to Fox News. “They lose too much blood, replace about half of it, and then lose too much again the following month,” he says. “It’s like filling up a car with a small hole in the tank.”
Your period should only consist of two to three tablespoons of blood each month. Most physicians recommend the tampon test: Changing your tampon more often than every two hours means you should talk to your doctor.
But both men and women of any age can experience blood loss that leads to anemia. Excessive blood loss can be caused by stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, stomach or colon cancers and medications (including longer-term use of NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
4. You Often Feel Out Of Breath
If you find yourself getting short winded doing everyday activities or activities you once did easily, it may be from a lack of iron. If simple tasks such as climbing stairs, doing housework or even walking from one room to another leave you feeling lightheaded, talk to a doctor.