Feeling tired? Doctors say anemia could be to blame

If you find yourself feeling tired, weak and lightheaded, it may not be due to a lack of sleep — it might be a common condition called anemia.

As a busy mom, Yackie Rodriguez says she often ignores feelings of fatigue, but she became concerned after a frightening moment while driving recently.

“I felt really dizzy, lightheaded. I couldn't really see the road too well," Rodriguez said.

A blood test showed she was anemic, meaning she didn't have enough red blood cells. Those red blood cells carry energy-boosting oxygen to body tissues and organs.

“The most common cause of anemia is a low blood iron level due to loss of blood," said Consumer Reports' medical advisor Dr. Marvin Lipman. "Studies show that as many as one in seven pre-menopausal women have heavy or irregular periods, and that can lead to anemia."

Gastrointestinal bleeding can often cause iron deficiency anemia, too. Too much aspirin or ibuprofen over time can trigger the condition, according to Consumer Reports.

Bleeding can also alert your doctor to check for other underlying conditions, like hemorrhoids, or more serious issues, like ulcers, polyps and even cancer.

The treatment, Lipman said, depends on how severe the condition is.

“If the iron deficiency is very mild, iron-rich foods can sometimes do the trick," Lipman said.

Spinach, kale, legumes like lentils and beans, as well as beef, chicken and fish can boost the iron in a person's blood, Lipman said.

Sometimes, though, stronger measures are needed.

Oral iron supplements could be helpful for some people, but only if they're recommended by a doctor.

In severe cases, a blood transfusion might be necessary, doctors say.

Consumer Reports warns that people shouldn't take iron supplements on their own or without a doctor's knowledge. Supplements can have harmful side effects, and iron can also interfere with other medications.

Iron supplements should also be kept out of the reach of children.