Iron is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. It is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of the body. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia, a condition that can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other health issues. If you have been prescribed iron supplements, it is important to know how to determine if they are working effectively.
One of the most common ways to measure iron levels in the body is through blood tests. Two common tests used to measure iron levels are serum iron and ferritin levels. Serum iron measures the amount of iron in your blood, while ferritin measures the amount of iron stored in your body. If your iron levels are low, your doctor may recommend iron supplements. After taking iron pills for a while, your doctor may order another blood test to check whether the iron pills are working or not.
Another way to determine if iron pills are working is through the observation of symptoms. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If you are taking iron pills to treat anemia, you may notice an improvement in your symptoms after a few weeks. If your symptoms improve after taking iron pills, it is a sign that they are working. However, it is important to note that some people may not notice an improvement in their symptoms even if their iron levels have improved.
Hemoglobin levels are also a good indicator of whether iron pills are working or not. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. Low hemoglobin levels are a sign of anemia. If you have been diagnosed with anemia, your doctor may recommend iron supplements to increase your hemoglobin levels. After taking iron pills for a while, your doctor may order a blood test to check your hemoglobin levels. If your hemoglobin levels have increased, it is a sign that the iron pills are working.
The Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is a measure of the average size of your red blood cells. Low levels of iron can cause your red blood cells to become smaller than normal, which can be seen in MCV levels. If you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend iron supplements to increase your MCV levels. After taking iron pills for a while, your doctor may order a blood test to check your MCV levels. If your MCV levels have increased, it is a sign that the iron pills are working.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in your body. If your ferritin levels are low, it is a sign that your body is not storing enough iron. If you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend iron supplements to increase your ferritin levels. After taking iron pills for a while, your doctor may order a blood test to check your ferritin levels. If your ferritin levels have increased, it is a sign that the iron pills are working.
In conclusion, iron pills can be an effective way to increase your iron levels if you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. To determine whether iron pills are working or not, your doctor may order blood tests to check your iron levels, hemoglobin levels, MCV levels, and ferritin levels. You may also notice an improvement in your symptoms after taking iron pills for a while. If you have any concerns about taking iron pills, speak to your doctor.
