Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Tiredness And Fatigue?
Brief Answer:
Information on assessment for anemia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If she has a diagnosis of low iron, then that should be pursued rather than an enerby boosting vitamin.
Here is what I would recommend:
1. Get a complete blood count and check for low hemoglobin. Also look at MCV on the CBC (mean corpuscular volume) as that can indicate whether there is low iron. If vegetarian, also check a B12 level to make sure no pernicious anemia.
2. Depending on the results of the above tests, if indication for low iron, get blood work for iron studies (TIBC, etc)
3. If low iron, access for causes of possible blood loss. As she is most likely a menstruating female (at age 38), are her periods excessively heavy? This may respond to low dose oral contraceptives. Does she have any signs of occult gastrointestinal bleeding such as abdominal pain and black tarry stools?
4. Depending on the above, she may benefit from iron supplementation (may need prescription depending on the degree of anemia).
So - that is the usual way physician's proceed given a history of low iron in the past.
The other thing to consider if there is persistent fatigue is to check (blood tests) for thyroid function with a TSH and free thyroxine level test.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Information on assessment for anemia
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If she has a diagnosis of low iron, then that should be pursued rather than an enerby boosting vitamin.
Here is what I would recommend:
1. Get a complete blood count and check for low hemoglobin. Also look at MCV on the CBC (mean corpuscular volume) as that can indicate whether there is low iron. If vegetarian, also check a B12 level to make sure no pernicious anemia.
2. Depending on the results of the above tests, if indication for low iron, get blood work for iron studies (TIBC, etc)
3. If low iron, access for causes of possible blood loss. As she is most likely a menstruating female (at age 38), are her periods excessively heavy? This may respond to low dose oral contraceptives. Does she have any signs of occult gastrointestinal bleeding such as abdominal pain and black tarry stools?
4. Depending on the above, she may benefit from iron supplementation (may need prescription depending on the degree of anemia).
So - that is the usual way physician's proceed given a history of low iron in the past.
The other thing to consider if there is persistent fatigue is to check (blood tests) for thyroid function with a TSH and free thyroxine level test.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
