anemia symptoms

Hello, I've been having some symptoms recently - tiredness, weakness, low energy, heavy periods (but this has been always), random bruising sometimes in excess (once had 15 appear on my thighs for no reason, although was drinking alcohol at the time) (again always had a lot, even in childhood) but they do always clear up fast usually a few days to a week, brittle nails. I also have healthy anxiety, generally an anxious person and suffering a bit from depression. I have been taking iron pills and noticed a drastic difference though in the way I'm feeling.

Does the fact the iron pills have worked mean that I simply just have an iron deficiency? Or could there still be an underlying cause like cancer? I hope you understand what I mean. I mean that if it was caused by cancer, would iron pills work and make me feel normal, or would this not be possible?

My health anxiety is convincing me that I could still have cancer. However, surely if I have taken iron and feel normal now, it's simply just a deficiency?

thanks in advance.

  • Hello ghg123, 

    I am pleased to hear that the iron pills you are taking are making things so much better for you. Perhaps you could get in touch with your doctor and ask this question as your GP will have the medical expertise to answer you properly. It could also be a good opportunity to mention that you do suffer from health anxiety and to ask whether they have any suggestions to help you cope and feel better on a daily basis. So don't hesitate to give your doctor a call and to be honest about your fears and how you are feeling at the moment. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator