Symptom browser

Extreme tiredness can affect more than just the body – you can suffer from mental fatigue too. If you are finding it hard to focus or manage your mood, it could mean that you are iron deficient.3
 

If you regularly feel like eating non-food items like clay, dirt, ash and starch, it is important not to give in to your cravings and seek medical advice.
 

One of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency is the desire to eat or chew ice. Regularly chewing ice can damage the teeth and the gums, so it is important to seek treatment. 2,10
 

If you feel the need to move your legs to get rid of uncomfortable or strange sensations while resting, you may have restless legs syndrome. The feelings are sometimes described as itching, burning or crawling and can often affect your sleep. 2,12
 

If you find yourself struggling to keep warm or your hands and feet get cold easily, you may have iron deficiency.13
 

If you are losing clumps of hair or more hair than normal, it could be an indication of iron deficiency. 2,6
 

If you have nails with abnormalities in colour, shape or texture, it could be because of a lack of iron. In particular, nails that are dipped in the middle and raised at the edges to give a rounded appearance like a spoon. 2,7
 

Iron deficiency can make you look pale. This is more noticeable on your face, nails, inner mouth and lining of your eyes. If you pull your lower eyelid down and it is a very pale peach colour or yellow, this may indicate that you have iron deficiency anaemia. 2
 

Bruising easily has long been associated with iron deficiency. 8

Mouth ulcers (sore white patches on the inside of your mouth) can occur for many reasons but, in some cases, mouth ulcers can also develop due to iron deficiency. 9
 

If you find you can’t exercise as much as you would like, or you get out of breath doing simple things like walking up the stairs, you may be iron deficient.14
 

If your body doesn’t have enough iron available then you may become prone to recurrent infections like common colds. 15
 

If you are getting more headaches or they are becoming more severe you should speak to your doctor to check your iron levels. 3,16
 

There are many reasons why you might suddenly struggle to hear properly and it is important you get a proper diagnosis but it could be associated with iron deficiency anaemia. 5
 

Feeling permanently exhausted or extremely tired is often referred to as fatigue – one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency. If you feel drained or have little energy or enthusiasm to complete daily tasks, you could be iron deficient. 2,3,4
 

Exhaustion, mood swings and an inability to concentrate can cause frustration. If you feel that you are easily irritated, it may be a sign of iron deficiency. 3,10
 

Are you forgetting little things more frequently? Talk to your doctor about what could be causing your short-term memory loss; it may be because of iron deficiency. 9
 

A lack of iron can lead to a low sexual libido and erectile dysfunction. You should talk to a healthcare professional, if you are experiencing either. 2