If you experience symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, see your GP. A simple blood test can usually confirm the diagnosis.

Your GP may also carry out a physical examination and ask you a number of questions, to determine the cause of your anaemia.

Blood test

To diagnose iron deficiency anaemia, a blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm and a full blood count is made. This means all the different types of blood cells in the sample will be measured.

If you have anaemia:

• your levels of haemoglobin (a substance that transports oxygen) will be lower than normal
• you will have fewer red blood cells (which contain haemoglobin) than normal
• your red blood cells may be smaller and paler than usual

Your GP may also test for a substance called ferritin – a protein that stores iron. If your ferritin levels are low, there is not much iron stored in your body and you may have iron deficiency anaemia.

Read more about blood tests.

Vitamin B12 and folate deficiency

If your GP thinks your anaemia may be due to a vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, the levels of these substances may be tested. Folate works with vitamin B12 to help your body produce red blood cells.

This type of anaemia is more common in people who are over 75 years old.

Read more about vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia.

Finding the cause

To determine the underlying cause of your anaemia, your GP may ask questions about your lifestyle and medical history. For example, you may be asked about:

• your diet – to see what you typically eat and whether this includes any iron-rich foods
• any medicines that you take – to see if you have been regularly taking a type of medicine that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding (bleeding from the stomach and intestines), such as ibuprofen or aspirin
• your menstrual pattern – if you're a woman, your GP may ask if you have been experiencing particularly heavy periods
• your family history – you will be asked if your immediate family has anaemia or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding or blood disorders
• blood donation – your GP may ask if you regularly donate blood
• other medical conditions – your GP may ask if you have recently had another illness or experienced other symptoms, such as weight loss

Iron deficiency anaemia is common during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, your GP will usually only look for an alternative cause if a blood test has shown a particularly low haemoglobin level, or if your symptoms or medical history suggest your anaemia may be due to something else.

Physical examination

A physical examination will usually only be needed if the cause has not been found through your medical history and symptoms.

In these cases, your GP may:

• examine your abdomen (stomach) to check for any physical signs of gastrointestinal bleeding
• look for signs of heart failure (when your heart is not pumping blood around your body very efficiently), such as swollen ankles, as heart failure can have some similar symptoms to iron deficiency anaemia

Two other possible types of physical examination you may have are explained below.

Rectal examination

A rectal examination is usually only needed if you are bleeding from your bottom. This is a common procedure that can help your GP find out if there is something in your gastrointestinal tract that is causing bleeding. Your GP will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your bottom so they can feel any abnormalities.

A rectal examination is not something to be embarrassed about, as it is a procedure your GP will be used to doing. It should not cause great pain or discomfort, and you will only feel a slight feeling, as if your bowels are moving.

Pelvic examination

Women may have a pelvic examination if their GP suspects heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) may be the cause of their anaemia.

During a pelvic examination, your GP will examine your vulva and labia (external sex organs) for signs of bleeding or infection. They may also examine you internally. This will involve your GP inserting gloved, lubricated fingers into your vagina to feel whether your uterus (womb) is tender or enlarged.

A pelvic examination will not be done without your consent, and you can choose to have someone with you.

Referral to a specialist

In some cases, your GP may refer you to a gastroenterologist (a specialist in treating digestive conditions), who can carry out a more thorough examination.

For example, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist if your GP can't identify a cause and you have a particularly low haemoglobin level, or if your GP thinks there is a possibility your symptoms could be caused by stomach or colon cancer (although these are unlikely to be the cause).

If you are a woman with heavy periods, you may be referred to a gynaecologist if you don't respond to treatment with iron supplements.