thalassemia minor

I'm just been diagnosed as an alpha thalassemia minor. I have always been slightly anaemic (around 10.5-11.5) and as such have been on iron tablets all these years. As I now know that I'm thalassemic, I've to cut down on iron supplements but I find that I'm out of breath and feel dizzy more often. I'm 41 female. What should I do to improve my health such that I'll have more energy and don't feel dizzy? I'm active in sports and gym but find that I feel dizzy very fast these days.

[Jordanna Joaquina, MS, CGC]

We recommend that you speak with your physician regarding your symptoms, concerns and diagnosis. You can also benefit from meeting with a hematologist. You can find a hematologist at the American Society of Hematologists website.

You may also benefit from meeting with a medical geneticist. A medical geneticist can be found at the American College of Medical Genetics website. We wish you the best.

[Burenden]

A related discussion, alpha-thalassemia trait (2 gen damaged) was started.