Does iron deficiency anemia lead to low BP and weight loss?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 17-years-old female. I used to be good at studies, and actually, I am. I know I can do much more and score more, but from the start of this year, my blood pressure is always low. Whenever I think of studying or doing anything, I just cannot. I have had full-body aches for the past five months, but whenever I check my blood pressure, it is always below 90/60 mmHg, and I feel sleepy. I have lost weight around 5 kg the previous month from 40 kg to 35 kg now. I took some tests that showed some minor health issues like iron deficiency. But this time, my blood level also decreased, and it has been months that I can not concentrate on my studies, and I feel like I am always tired. Apart from this, I am so stressed that it affects my studies. I told my parents about this, but they were like you do not do household work and do not eat much, which is why you are getting weaker every day. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The symptoms you have reported are indicative of iron deficiency anemia. It is a common condition among females of reproductive age and can easily be corrected with proper management. Your symptoms of the inability of being able to concentrate, feeling tired, and low blood pressure are caused by the decreased iron levels. I will be able to suggest a better solution if you kindly share your blood reports.

Apart from iron deficiency anemia, you are severely underweight and require weight management, including a healthy diet to bring your body weight to an average level. I recommend improving your nutritional choices and including more iron-dense foods in your diet, for example, potatoes - preferably baked, sweet potatoes, carrots, dark green leafy vegetables, like spinach, beans, and lentils, rajma, apricots, peaches, oranges, apples, mangoes. If you consume meat and meat products, you can also increase red meat intake, for example, mutton - goat meat and goat liver, as they have high iron content. Since nutritional management takes a couple of months to make lasting changes, I recommend supplemental therapy for you, including Vitamin B12, folate (folic acid), and a mineral and vitamin supplement that you can obtain quickly. Another important aspect of therapy for your complaints is to get at least 15 to 30 minutes of sunlight daily before 11 AM. Suppose you get it regularly (if not possible, get it at least two to three times a week), you will observe significant changes in the next two months. Once your iron deficiency and weight are managed, we will work on your daily movement, which will help you feel better physically and mentally, enabling you to study as you used to and achieve your full potential as you wish. Thank you for your query. I wish you good health and a speedy recovery.