Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Headache, Head Pressure And Fatigue While On Iron Supplements?
Question: Hi. I'm a 25 year old female. After taking iron pills once a day daily for a month (65mg ferrous sulfate),I've felt more energized. However, I've been getting slight headaches and pressure in my head that comes and goes accompanied with fatigue. I would like to know if I'm taking too much iron or could it be something else?
Brief Answer:
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
Taking just one single iron tablet daily would not generally lead to a toxic level of iron. I would not expect this dosage of iron supplementation to contribute to symptoms of headaches as well.
A simple test you could do would be to discontinue the iron supplementation for a few days to see if you still have the headaches and fatigue.
The headaches and pressure may be related to underlying allergies or possible sinusitis. Fatigue may be related to inflammation as well.
I think it would be very reasonable for you to visit with your primary care physician to have a focused consultation, physical examination and possibly some laboratory studies as well if your symptoms persist.
Thanks again for the query,
Dr Galamaga
Considerations
Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.
Taking just one single iron tablet daily would not generally lead to a toxic level of iron. I would not expect this dosage of iron supplementation to contribute to symptoms of headaches as well.
A simple test you could do would be to discontinue the iron supplementation for a few days to see if you still have the headaches and fatigue.
The headaches and pressure may be related to underlying allergies or possible sinusitis. Fatigue may be related to inflammation as well.
I think it would be very reasonable for you to visit with your primary care physician to have a focused consultation, physical examination and possibly some laboratory studies as well if your symptoms persist.
Thanks again for the query,
Dr Galamaga
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
