Other accompanying symptoms of iron deficiency

There are a variety of symptoms that can indicate iron deficiency anemia. In most cases, it is not one symptom, but rather the interaction of several symptoms that is typical of an iron deficiency. Among the possible symptoms are: The hair and nails can change in appearance.

The hair may appear brittle or even fall out. The skin of those affected often appears remarkably pale. Furthermore, the iron deficiency can lead to cracked corners of the mouth; in this context, physicians refer to these as so-called corner of the mouth rhagades.

The appearance of the tongue can also be altered. This appears then conspicuously smooth that it shows a tissue shrinkage. Mood swings can also occur in the context of an iron deficiency anemia, since the lack of iron can also affect the human hormone balance. In this context, a loss of libido can also become apparent.

Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
Concentration disorders and learning difficulties
Insomnia
Dizziness and headaches
Shortness of breath up to shortness of breath

Are the nail changes reversible?

An iron deficiency can usually be treated well with medication. The symptoms, which include changes in the nails, then recede over time. In the case of nails, the grooves or brittle areas simply grow out.

Since the growth of the nail is limited, it can take several months before the nail appears again in the old shine. If necessary, disturbing grooves can be polished out with a file. However, in order to avoid damaging the nail, those affected should seek advice from an expert, preferably in advance. The other symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as fatigue or paleness, should also recede or become reversible in the course of treatment.

How long does it take until the iron reservoirs are filled again?

The duration of iron deficiency anemia and the associated changes, such as the occurrence of brittle nails, depend on when iron therapy is started. As the body’s iron intake increases, the symptoms usually decrease. If the iron stores are filled, or if there is enough iron in the blood again, the symptoms should also disappear.

With fingernails it can take some time until they appear flawless again. Due to the growth, the old brittle nail should have been replaced by a firm and healthy looking nail after a few months. As part of the therapy, a blood check is performed by the doctor after a few months.

If the iron values are then back in the control range and thus the iron deficiency anemia corrected, the therapy can be terminated. The treatment of iron deficiency anemia usually takes about 6 months on average. Of course, this is only an average value, which can be prolonged by other existing underlying diseases or in severe cases of iron deficiency anemia.