Is anemia fairly common in teenage girls?

[Stropalotopus83]

DD13 has been having headaches on and off for a few weeks now, they have been fairly mild and she said they ease off quite quickly. I had, to be honest, put it down to the warmer weather and was pushing more water and less screen time etc.

She told me last night that they have been getting worse in intensity but are still only short. Basically, if she is lying down or sitting and stands up she gets a pounding in her head with black spots in her vision. I asked if the black spots were like something floating in front of her eyes but she said no, just dark spots in her vision.

Obviously made an appointment with the GP today and GP has checked blood pressure and her heart. All ok. GP thinks may be anemia and we have to go back for blood tests next week. Have also made an appointment with the opticians as she does wear glasses.

Just a bit worried as didnt think anemia was all that common in young girls but may be completely wrong.

Plus I made the mistake of googling headaches that are worsened by standing etc and have now scared myself silly with things like CSF leaks.

thanks x

I have iron deficiency anemia and that doesn't sound like it! Has she had her period yet? Is she tired? Has she had any hair loss? Patchy skin or nails? Pica?

She has started her periods about 18 months ago. But no she doesn't have any of those other symptoms so I'm still worried to be honest.

She does have the optician on Monday so I guess that's at least a few most tests I can cross off the list.

But having google anaemia symptoms I'm not convinced that's the answer

I've always but those headaches down to low blood pressure, but I am also anaemic so.

Anaemia is common in teenage girls, especially if there's heavy periods. It's also an easy diagnosis that doesn't need follow up, because 'puberty' and 'just deal with it'. So if you think it's something else keep pushing.