I have iron deficiency anemia. I was at 7.5 hemoglobin two weeks ago. After taking ferrous sulphate for two weeks Im at 8.5. I am still extremely fatigued, have headaches, no appetite, sleep 18 hours a day, I feel dizzy and almost passed out. I have a desk job but it is very stressful. Should I take more time off until my hemoglobin is closer to 10? Does resting help with getting the numbers up?
Hello! Welcome to Chat Doctor ! Fatigue, headache, dizziness are due to your low hemoglobin levels. A good diet intake is more important. Rest from work would also help you concentrate on your self. As due to work load we tend to neglect health at times. I would advise you to continue taking ferrous sulfate till hemoglobin has increased. Can easily tell this without a lab test. You will notice your stools become black and hard in consistency, that is when your iron stores in body have been replenished and do not need to uptake any more iron hence the black hard stools. I would also generally advice patients to eat a fibrous diet while on ferrous sulfate, as the hard stools might be difficult to pass if a good diet intake isn't maintained.  Hope that clarifies your concern. Thank you for the query. Take care