how do i know if i have anemia? - #20073
Hi, I’m almost 19 years old and I’m looking for advice about long-term fatigue. For over a year, I’ve been feeling constantly tired, even after sleeping around 10–12 hours. I also feel cold very often, and rest doesn’t seem to help. Over this time, I’ve also noticed some weight gain. I’m wondering if this could be something physical, like anemia, a vitamin deficiency, thyroid issues, or something else, versus burnout or stress. I don’t currently have access to an in-person doctor, so I wanted to ask what this sounds like and what steps I should take next.
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Doctors’ responses
Hello,
Your symptoms could be anemia, but weight gain + fatigue also strongly suggest thyroid issues.
To confirm you should do some tests dear
CBC, ferritin, thyroid tests , Vitamin B12 + Vitamin D
These conditions are treatable once identified.
Meanwhile: Eat iron-rich foods, good sleep, avoid starting iron tablets without testing.
Thank you
Hello dear Yes there can be chances of anemia or metabolic disorder However for exact clarification please get the following tests done for confirmation and share the result with general physician medicine for better clarity. Also donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Serum tsh Rft Lft Cbc Esr Serum RBS Serum ferritin CRP Vitamin d 3 Vitamin b 12 Hb Hba1c Regards
Hello Iania, thank you for sharing your concern. You issues might be due to one of many issues. What you should do is get done these blood tests to find out the cause of your problem.
CBC, FT3 FT4 TSH, HbA1C.
Review with reports.
Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine
Hello Lania Thanks for sharing your symptoms so clearly. Feeling tired all the time, needing a lot of sleep, feeling cold often, and gaining weight over a year can definitely be frustrating. These symptoms can be caused by several physical conditions, and you’re right to consider things like: - Thyroid problems (especially hypothyroidism): This is a common cause of fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain in young people. - Anemia: Low iron or vitamin B12 can make you feel tired and weak. - Vitamin D deficiency: Can also cause fatigue and low mood. - Other causes: Chronic stress, depression, or sleep disorders can also play a role.
What You Can Do Next
1. Basic Blood Tests (if possible): - Thyroid function tests (TSH, T3, T4) - Complete blood count (CBC) for anemia - Serum iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels - Blood sugar (fasting glucose)
2. Self-care while you arrange tests: - Eat a balanced diet with enough protein, fruits, and vegetables. - Try to get some sunlight exposure daily. - Keep a regular sleep schedule. - Gentle exercise (like walking) can help, even if you feel tired.
3. Monitor for other symptoms: - Hair loss, dry skin, constipation (suggests thyroid) - Shortness of breath, palpitations (suggests anemia) - Low mood, loss of interest (suggests depression)
Please make these tests done and consult me after.
Thank you
Thank you for explaining the possible causes. I understand that blood tests are important, but at the moment I’m unable to do them because of cost and family circumstances. For now, are there any symptoms I should monitor or safe steps I can take until testing becomes possible?
Hello Lania
Monitor for these symptoms: - Hair loss, dry skin, constipation (suggests thyroid) - Shortness of breath, palpitations (suggests anemia)
Till now you take following treatment as follows - Rx- Neurobion forte - for vit b complex - once a day after food Vit d3 60 k - once a week
Diet - Additional Tips - Vitamin B12 Sources: Include dairy products, eggs, fish, and fortified cereals. - Vitamin D Sources: Sunlight exposure is crucial; aim for 15-30 minutes daily. Include fatty fish (like salmon), fortified dairy, and egg yolks. - Iron Sources: Focus on red meat, poultry, lentils, beans, tofu, and dark leafy greens. Pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (like citrus fruits) to enhance absorption. - Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Thank you
thanks a lot, i will try to do all of those 🙏🏻
Hi Iania,
Your symptoms are real and important – long‑term tiredness and feeling cold can happen with anemia, thyroid problems or vitamin/vitamin D deficiencies, and they deserve proper checking.
The next best step is to get some basic blood tests when you can: CBC (for anemia), iron studies, thyroid (TSH), vitamin B12 and vitamin D; these are standard first tests for chronic fatigue.
Meanwhile, focus on regular meals with iron‑rich foods (leafy greens, lentils, eggs, meat if you eat it) and good sleep and hydration; gentle daily movement can also slowly improve energy.
This does not sound like something you are imagining or “just lazy” – it is very likely a medical issue that can be found and treated, and most causes are manageable once identified.
If you ever get chest pain, severe shortness of breath, very fast heartbeat, or feel like you might faint, seek urgent in‑person care.
Warmly, Dr Nikhil Chauhan
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