Severe Iron Deficiency Anemia

Can severe iron deficiency anemia cause edema, or cause low
thyroid function? Can severe iron deficiency make it diffcult
to lose weight?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

The usual presenting symptoms in adults, as seen in current practice, are primarily due to anemia and include weakness, headache, irritability and varying degrees of fatigue and exercise intolerance.  Some patients with iron deficiency (with or without anemia) may complain of glossal pain, reduced salivary flow leading to dry mouth, and atrophy of tongue.

I am unaware of iron deficiency anemia causing edema or low thyroid function.  I am also unaware of a connection between severe iron deficiency and the ability to lose weight.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

if a person were anemic enough to cause heart failure, edema could result. Some kinds of anemia (pernicious anemia) can result from hypothyroidism, but not the other way around.