What is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of microcytic anemia (anemia characterized by small red blood cells). It occurs when the dietary intake or absorption of iron is insufficient, and hemoglobin, which contains iron, cannot be formed.

How do members experience iron deficiency anemia?

Top 5 symptoms reported by people with iron deficiency anemia*

Common symptoms
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Common symptom
Fatigue
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Amphetamine-Dextroamphetamine Vitamin B Complex Rest
Common symptom
Stress
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Listen to Music Cigarettes Individual Therapy
Common symptom
Pain
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Tramadol Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Hydrocodone-Acetaminophen
Common symptom
Dry eyes
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Lubricant Eye Drops Cyclosporine ophthalmic Punctal plugs (tear duct plugs)
Common symptom
Memory problems
How bad it is
What people are taking for it
Ginkgo Biloba CDP-Choline Writing

*Reports may be affected by other conditions and/or medication side effects. We ask about general symptoms (anxious mood, depressed mood, fatigue, pain, and stress) regardless of condition.

Top treatments taken by people for iron deficiency anemia*

Treatment
Type
How many have tried
Tried for
Treatment

(NatureMade Iron)
Type
Supplement
How many have tried
469
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (8)
Treatment

(Vitamin C with Rose Hips)
Type
Supplement
How many have tried
303
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (3)
Treatment

(Ferro-Sequels)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
128
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (2)
Treatment

(Fergon)
Type
Prescription Drug
How many have tried
100
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (2)

*Data from patients with iron deficiency anemia, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Compare treatments taken by people with iron deficiency anemia*

Treatment
Perceived effectiveness
Side effects
Total evaluations
Tried for
Treatment

(NatureMade Iron)
Perceived effectiveness
for iron deficiency anemia (12 evaluations)
Side effects
nausea digestive problems
Total evaluations
12
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (8)
Treatment

(Vitamin C with Rose Hips)
Perceived effectiveness
for iron deficiency anemia (1 evaluation)
Side effects
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (3)
Treatment

(Ferro-Sequels)
Perceived effectiveness
for iron deficiency anemia (1 evaluation)
Side effects
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (2)
Treatment

(Fergon)
Perceived effectiveness
for iron deficiency anemia (1 evaluation)
Side effects
itchy rash
Total evaluations
1
Tried for
iron deficiency anemia (2)

*Data from patients with iron deficiency anemia, who have ever reported treatments, ordered by their reporting frequency during the last 5 years.

Who has iron deficiency anemia on PatientsLikeMe?

Age

Age Proportion # of patients
<20 23
20s 151
30s 402
40s 572
50s 711
60s 370
70+ 195

Distribution of sex

Sex

Sex Proportion # of patients
Male 209
Female 2,194