The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Iron Deficiency Anemia

The hematologic dimension of the most common cause of anemia worldwide.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most common form of anemia, resulting from depleted iron stores impairing hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis. Hematologically, it is characterized by microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes on complete blood count, low serum ferritin, and reduced transferrin saturation.

Identifying the underlying cause is essential to treatment. Common causes include menstrual blood loss in women, gastrointestinal bleeding (ulcer, polyps, colorectal cancer), inadequate dietary iron, and pregnancy. Unexplained iron deficiency in men or postmenopausal women mandates investigation for an occult bleeding source.

Response to iron therapy is typically rapid: a reticulocyte rise occurs within 7-10 days and Hb normalization within 4-8 weeks. Iron therapy should be continued until stores are fully replenished.

Symptoms

Fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath
Pallor (skin, conjunctivae, palms)
Palpitations and dizziness
Cravings for ice, clay, or starch (pica)
Spoon-shaped nails (koilonychia)
Cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis)
Difficulty concentrating

Risk Factors

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Gastrointestinal bleeding (ulcer, polyps, cancer)
Diet inadequate in iron
Pregnancy and lactation
Celiac disease and malabsorption
Frequent blood donation
Prematurity and childhood

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When fatigue and pallor persist together
  • When low hemoglobin is detected on a blood count
  • When anemia does not improve despite iron therapy
  • New-onset iron deficiency anemia in men or older women (search for bleeding source)
  • When anemia is accompanied by blood in stool or dark stools (urgent)

Treatment Methods

01
Oral iron therapy: ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate (preferably on an empty stomach)
02
Co-administration with vitamin C improves absorption
03
Intravenous iron: for poor oral tolerance or malabsorption
04
Treatment of the underlying cause: bleeding source, celiac disease, etc.
05
Dietary counseling: increase consumption of red meat, legumes, and leafy greens
06
Transfusion: if needed in severe symptomatic anemia

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Hematoloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.