Symptom 4: Iron-Deficiency Anemia – More Than Just Fatigue
Feeling tired after a long day’s work is entirely normal. But when fatigue becomes a constant companion, dragging its heavy feet into every aspect of your life, it’s not just about being “tired”. Iron-deficiency anemia, a condition where your body lacks enough red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your tissues, might be lurking behind that curtain of weariness. And guess what? Colon polyps could be a contributing factor.
Regular, small amounts of bleeding from a polyp might not be noticeable in your stool. But over time, these tiny trickles can accumulate into a significant blood loss. This stealthy blood loss can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, leaving you wondering why you’re always so tired despite adequate rest.
While constant fatigue is a telling sign, other symptoms can accompany iron-deficiency anemia. Think pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, or even cold hands and feet. If these ring a bell, it might be more than just the Monday blues. The interconnectedness of our body systems means that what starts in the colon might manifest in completely unrelated symptoms. (4)
