Hello doc, I am feeling very tired and lazy fr last few weeks I do get low hemoglobin and I think it maybe because of that. Should I start having iron and folic acid medication?

Question

Dear user, low hb count causes anemia which causes tiredness, weakness, breathlessness on exertion etc. However there are many causes for anemia. For a 28 year old female, causes like menorrhagia, endometriosis etc have to be ruled out. If you start iron and folic acid and the underlying cause is not treated, it will lead to anemia again. It will be better if you meet your gynaecologist if you had any of the above mentioned complaints. Also injectable form of ferrous is better than compared to an oral form of iron tablets. Good luck.

Sharyl Eapen George · Accepted Answer

Dear user, low hb count causes anemia which causes tiredness, weakness, breathlessness on exertion etc. However there are many causes for anemia. For a 28 year old female, causes like menorrhagia, endometriosis etc have to be ruled out. If you start iron and folic acid and the underlying cause is not treated, it will lead to anemia again. It will be better if you meet your gynaecologist if you had any of the above mentioned complaints. Also injectable form of ferrous is better than compared to an oral form of iron tablets. Good luck.

Karuna Chawla · Answer

It's better you get your hb checked from some lab first. Foods rich in iron some of the best plant sources of iron are: beans and lentils tofu baked potatoes cashews dark chocolate pumpkin seeds watermelon, potato, apple, beet root, pomegranate, strawberries dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli non veg sources lean beef oysters chicken turkey eat a balanced, healthy diet that includes good sources of iron to prevent any deficiencies. Combine vegetarian sources of iron with vitamin c in the same meal.