Anaemia Symptom Checker
Free anaemia (anemia) symptom checker — tick your symptoms and risk factors to see if you should get a haemoglobin test, plus urgent warning signs.
Signs of anaemia
Anaemia means your blood carries less oxygen because haemoglobin is low. Mild anaemia may cause no symptoms; as it worsens, people feel tired, breathless, dizzy and look pale. In India more than half of women are anaemic, most often from iron deficiency. The WHO defines anaemia as haemoglobin below 12 g/dL in non-pregnant women, 11 g/dL in pregnancy and 13 g/dL in men.
| Common causes | Examples |
|---|---|
| Iron deficiency | Heavy periods, pregnancy, low-iron diet, blood loss |
| Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency | Vegan diet, poor absorption, some medicines |
| Chronic disease | Kidney disease, inflammatory conditions |
| Inherited | Thalassaemia trait, sickle cell |
This checker adds up your symptoms and risk factors and tells you whether to get a complete blood count (CBC). Do not start iron tablets without a test — not all anaemia is iron deficiency. Get urgent help for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or black, tarry stools.
Diagnosed with iron deficiency? Use the iron-rich diet plan and iron requirement calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What test checks for anaemia?
A complete blood count (CBC) measures haemoglobin. Your doctor may add ferritin (iron stores), B12 and folate to find the cause.
Can anaemia be treated with diet alone?
Mild iron deficiency may improve with diet, but most people need iron tablets for a few months, then diet to keep levels up.
Is anaemia dangerous in pregnancy?
Yes — it raises the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight and makes blood loss at delivery more dangerous. Pregnant women are routinely tested and given iron-folic acid.
Sources: WHO: Anaemia · NHS: Iron deficiency anaemia
Reviewed for accuracy against the sources above. This page is general information, not medical advice — talk to your doctor about your own health.