If you suspect your blood iron levels are not normal, your best bet is to speak to your doctor, who will get you tested. If you can't afford this option, try donating blood. Even if the technicians won't tell you the exact level of iron in your blood, they will test hemoglobin with a needle. The test is done to rule out donors with too high or low iron levels. Also, be on the lookout for symptoms of low and high iron levels, so you know when you should see your doctor.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Go to the Doctor
Step 1. See your doctor if you suspect your iron levels are low
A medical exam is the best way to get your iron levels checked. Schedule a visit to the doctor within a week or two of symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue. To begin, your doctor will ask you if you have a history of iron problems, then ask you questions about your symptoms and your recent health status.
- If you suffer from palpitations or are short of breath, go to the emergency room right away. If you have chest pains and trouble breathing, call an ambulance.
- Your doctor may ask you what your diet is. If you are a woman, she will also ask you if you have recently had a heavy period.
- It may be helpful to write down your symptoms before you go to the doctor. This way you won't forget any details when you are in the clinic.
Step 2. Wait for the physical exam
The doctor will look at you in the mouth, look at your skin and nails, auscultate the heart and lungs, as well as feel the abdominal area. He will look for symptoms of abnormal iron levels.
- Some of the symptoms of low iron levels include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, cold in extremities, paleness, poor appetite, and a desire to ingest inedible items (a disorder known as pica). Let your doctor know if you have noticed any of these signs.
- The doctor will also look for brittle nails, swollen tongue, sores on the sides of the mouth, and frequent infections.
Step 3. Prepare for the blood test
Your doctor will ask you for blood tests if he suspects your iron levels are not within normal range. More than one type of test can be performed to check these levels. Usually, you will receive the results after 1-3 days of testing.
These tests give the doctor an idea of your hemoglobin levels. They measure how much oxygen binds to red blood cells
Method 2 of 3: Check Iron Levels Before a Blood Donation
Step 1. Find a place where you can donate blood
Visit a donation agency's website to find out where you need to go. For example, you can go to the Avis website to search for local donation centers. Alternatively, you can participate in special events organized by your community.
Avis guarantees to undergo a series of laboratory tests required to ensure the safety of the donor and the recipient, including the analysis of iron levels
Step 2. Go donate blood
This method requires that you are willing to donate blood, because testing is part of the donation process. You can usually just show up at an authorized center - you don't need to make an appointment. However, you must be healthy, over 18 and weigh more than 50 kg.
To donate blood, "healthy" means you need to be able to go about your normal routine and, if you have chronic illnesses, be under control. You also don't have to have infections like colds or flu, or certain diseases like malaria, syphilis, and HIV
Step 3. Expect to receive a prick on your finger
Before donating blood, the technician will pierce your fingertip with a small spring needle. He will then use the drop of blood to check hemoglobin levels.
Step 4. Ask about your hemoglobin level
The technician will likely not tell you an exact value, however this test is used to rule out donors with too high or too low hemoglobin levels. Consequently, if you are denied the opportunity to donate, you can ask if it is because of your hemoglobin level and if the values were too high or low.
- The technician looks for specific hemoglobin levels in your blood, but the test will likely only determine if that value is within a given range, which is considered healthy. If you are not within the range you will not be able to donate.
- For example, if your hemoglobin is below 12.5 g / dL for a woman or 13 g / dL for a man you cannot donate, because your iron levels are probably too low.
- If your levels exceed 20 g / dL, whether you are a man or a woman, you cannot donate because the iron levels are too high. These are very rare cases.
Method 3 of 3: Look for Low or High Iron Level Signals
Step 1. Notice if you are feeling fatigued or weak if you suspect you have low iron levels
Fatigue is one of the main symptoms of this health problem. Iron is essential for red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. When the number of erythrocytes is low, the body does not get enough oxygen; this can make you feel very tired and weak.
In general, this symptom is more pronounced than fatigue that lasts for a day or two. It is a state of intense fatigue that persists over time
Step 2. Watch out for shortness of breath and dizziness
If you have low iron levels and your body is not getting enough oxygen, you may experience dizziness or lightheadedness. In extreme cases this problem can lead to difficulty breathing, for example by giving you the feeling that you cannot take deep breaths. These are rare symptoms, usually associated with ongoing bleeding.
You may also experience headaches, a related symptom
Step 3. Notice if you feel cold in the extremities
When you have low iron levels, your heart has to work harder to pump blood, because there aren't enough oxygen-carrying cells available. As a result, the fingers and toes may become colder than usual.
Step 4. Look in the mirror and see if you are pale, a symptom of low iron levels
Since your heart doesn't pump blood efficiently, you may have pale skin. You may also notice the same symptom in your nails and gums.
Step 5. Watch out for heart problems if you have low iron levels
Since your heart has to work harder to pump blood around the body, you risk developing problems with that organ. For example, you may have arrhythmias or heart murmurs, which give you the impression that your heart is skipping beats.
Step 6. Notice if you have strange cravings for inedible items
Your body knows it does not have enough iron available and can give you strange cravings for non-food items. For example, you may be tempted to eat dirt, ice or starch.
Step 7. Watch out for stomach problems, which can indicate high iron levels
The main symptoms of this problem are related to the stomach. You may suffer from constipation, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
Stomach problems are symptoms of many diseases, so don't immediately assume that high iron levels are the cause
Warnings
- If you notice symptoms of low or high iron levels, ask your doctor for a referral for a blood test.
- Always talk to your doctor before you start taking a supplement like iron and before you stop taking it. He can advise you on the dosage that is best for you, if it is a safe product and if you need it.
