There are many types of anemia, but one of the most common is [iron](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=140)-deficiency anemia. Statistically, it affects about 25 % of school-age children, 41.8 % of pregnant women, 30.2 % of non-pregnant women, and 12.7 % of men. Iron deficiency affects one in five inhabitants of the world, accounting for 80–90 % of all [anemia](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarydisease?id=1)s. ## Signs of anemia Have you noticed that you feel tired all the time, even if you've slept and not worked more than usual and besides, there are some more ===warning signs: - Your skin, nails, and hair have gotten worse - Your complexion has become pale and grayish - You have lost your appetite - Your menstrual cycle is constantly disrupted - You have a rapid heartbeat, even without physical exertion - You often experience nausea after eating ## Causes of anemia Anemia is usually caused by iron deficiency in food, the inability of the body to absorb iron, acute or hidden blood loss (internal bleeding), worm infestations, quite often anemia occurs during pregnancy. ## What you should do if you have these symptoms You will need to see your doctor, who will order blood tests. Additionally, a comprehensive physical examination is necessary. ## What kind of check-up will a doctor prescribe? - General blood test (determining the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) - Blood test for [reticulocytes](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=74) - [Hemoglobin](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=190) level test - [Hematocrit](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=79) determination - [Red blood cell width](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=30) distribution - The average volume of red blood cells - The concentration of hemoglobin in the erythrocyte - Iron levels - [Ferritin](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=88) test - [Vitamin B12](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=215) test Keep in mind that you should not attempt to interpret the results of the tests obtained in the laboratory on your own, because each of them is important in its intersection with the others, and individual norms may go beyond the recommended limits. Do not panic — even if several parameters are above or below the reference values, it does not mean that you are sick. ## What to do if anemia is confirmed The easiest fix is to adjust your diet. Prioritize iron-rich foods every day such as meat, fish, milk, legumes, and green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. You should give up alcohol and smoking. But do not self-prescribe supplements and iron supplements: for each patient, the daily rate is calculated individually. They come in various forms: - Tablets, syrups, drops and injections - Divalent (Fe2+) and trivalent (Fe3+) - Combined (with [folate](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=212), vitamin B12, and [C](https://ul.orna.me/KOge/librarybiomarker?id=50)) and mono drugs Any medications should only be taken under the guidance of your doctor. ## How long will the treatment take? Mild anemia may take 1.5 months to treat, while a moderate case may take 3 months and a severe case may take 6 months. In the vast majority of cases, following the doctor’s recommendations will return iron levels to normal.