Since anemia is the lack of the oxygen-carrying component of the blood – signs of anemia tend to be similar to those shown when the body isn’t getting enough oxygen.

Signs of Anemia include:

• Headache – Like all part of the body, the brain requires oxygen to function properly. Any lowering of oxygen level in the brain can cause a swelling of the arteries of the area, causing headaches.

• Feelings of breathlessness – Your body gauges the rate of your respiration based on the levels of oxygen in your blood. As a natural response to low oxygen levels in your bloodstream, your body tells you that you need to breathe more, hence breathlessness.

• Weakness – You body needs oxygen to function. Without enough oxygen, your body cannot function at “full power.”

• Fatigue – For the same reasons that you would feel weak, you would also experience fatigue.

• Excessive thirst – The reason for excessive thirst isn’t necessarily known, but has been reported by some with anemia.

• Dizziness – Associated with lack of oxygen

• Fainting - Associated with lack of oxygen 

• Rapid or irregular pulse – When your organs are not getting the oxygen required, you body may try to increase blood flow by increasing your heart rate.

• Difficulty concentrating – Usually associated with the brain not getting the required amount of oxygen.

• Ringing in the ears – Can be due to a change in blood pressure and lack of oxygen

• Difficulty sleeping - When your body is not functioning properly is can be difficult to sleep.

• Pale complexion - Associated with lack of oxygen

• Abnormal menstruation – Anemia is a physiological stressor, which can affect the menstrual period.

What Causes Anemia?

The most common cause of anemia is a lack of iron. This deficiency is usually due to a poor diet lacking in the vitamins, minerals and proteins that the body requires to function properly. However, issues that are more serious can also be at the root of the problem. Conditions such as kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, congenital disorders or an issue with the body being able to absorb the nutrients ingested.

What to Do When You Experience the Signs of Anemia

Anemia due to a lack of nutrients can usually be solved with a simple iron supplement.
However, due to the seriousness of other issues that could be at the root of the problem, a visit to your doctor is highly recommended.