How do you tell if you're anemic?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Anemia usually feels like tiredness sleep does not fix - plus breathlessness on mild effort, palpitations, pale skin (check your lower eyelid), and headaches. Less common signs: brittle nails, hair shedding, a sore tongue, restless legs, and cravings for ice or starch (pica). The honest limit: these overlap with thyroid trouble, depression, and plain exhaustion, so only a blood test - full blood count plus ferritin - confirms it, and starting iron blind is its own risk. Ask for the test if the pattern has lasted weeks, and expect the cause conversation: heavy periods, pregnancy, diet, gut bleeding, absorption problems. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you map symptoms before the draw.
What to do
- Check your eyelids: pull down the lower lid - pale pink rather than red supports the suspicion.
- Note the effort test: breathless climbing stairs you used to take fine is a real clue.
- Ask for a blood count and ferritin: the test is cheap and settles it.
- Do not self-prescribe iron first: excess iron harms, and the cause still needs finding.
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