US Medical Term · conditions
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Anemia por deficiencia de hierro
Also: Anemia ferropénica (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Iron Deficiency Anemia |
| Spanish (Español) | Anemia por deficiencia de hierro |
| Chinese (中文) | 缺鐵性貧血 |
| Korean (한국어) | 철결핍성 빈혈 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Thiếu máu thiếu sắt |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Iron Deficiency Anemia |
| Portuguese (Português) | Anemia ferropriva |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โลหิตจางจากการขาดธาตุเหล็ก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 鉄欠乏性貧血 |
What it means
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, occurring when the body does not have enough iron to make adequate hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without enough iron, red blood cells become smaller and carry less oxygen. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, headaches, and unusual cravings for non-food items (pica). Common causes include poor dietary intake of iron, blood loss from heavy periods or internal bleeding, and pregnancy. Treatment involves iron supplements or IV iron infusions, and identifying and addressing the underlying cause of iron loss.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor told me I have iron deficiency anemia and recommended I start taking iron supplements.
Mi médico me dijo que tengo anemia por deficiencia de hierro y recomendó que empiece a tomar suplementos de hierro.
I have been taking iron tablets for a month but my energy level has not improved — can we check my blood again?
He estado tomando tabletas de hierro durante un mes, pero mi nivel de energía no ha mejorado. ¿Podemos verificar mi sangre de nuevo?
My heavy periods are causing my iron deficiency anemia and I want to discuss treatment for both.
Mis períodos abundantes están causando mi anemia por deficiencia de hierro y quiero hablar sobre el tratamiento para ambas condiciones.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
D50 Iron deficiency anemiaRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026