Anaemia: When fatigue finally gets a name

The haematologist we spoke to told us that he sees three to four patients a week, on average, for this very reason: unexplained fatigue.
They come from all walks of life: a university student, an active man in his fifties, a young mother. And after blood tests, the diagnosis is often the same: chronic iron deficiency anaemia.

Two years without a diagnosis

Salima, 38, was referred to the haematologist after two years of persistent fatigue, which she had put down to her busy life.

What caught the doctor's attention was how precisely Salima described her symptoms: breathlessness when climbing stairs, palpitations at the end of the day and difficulty following conversations in meetings.

"Those symptoms aren't caused by overwork. They are the signs of a body that isn't getting enough oxygen."

Salima's haemoglobin level was 8 g/dL. The normal range for an adult woman is between 12 and 16 g/dL.

There is always a reason behind anaemia

This is the key point the specialist always stresses to his patients: anaemia is a symptom, not a final diagnosis. Behind that low number, there is always an underlying cause to identify, whether it is a nutritional deficiency, chronic blood loss, an inflammatory illness or a digestive condition.

In Salima's case, heavy periods left untreated for years had gradually depleted her iron stores, which are essential for producing haemoglobin. It is a common mechanism, and one that is often underestimated, including by patients themselves.

Seeing treatment through to the end

Iron supplements, taken orally or intravenously depending on tolerance and severity, are effective. But they take time: iron stores are rebuilt over several months. This is often where things go wrong. Patients expect to feel better quickly, stop their treatment too early or don't come back for follow-up blood tests.

"I always tell my patients: don't measure your progress week by week. Measure it by what you can do today that you couldn't do two months ago."

As for Salima, she took up swimming again four months after starting treatment. Not because it was prescribed, but because she finally had the energy, and the desire, to do it.

What many people still don't know

Untreated chronic anaemia can have real long-term consequences for the heart, cognitive function and overall quality of life.

"Persistent fatigue deserves to be taken seriously. A simple blood test is all it takes to find out what's going on. Taking that first step is often the hardest part," the haematologist concludes.

The stories featured on this site are personal testimonials intended for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for medical consultation and should not be interpreted as medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation. If you experience any symptoms or have a medical concern, we encourage you to consult a healthcare professional.