Patient presentation
Chief complaint: Pallor + chronic fatigue + dizziness on standing for 6 months. Mild dyspnoea on exertion.
History: Postgraduate student. Vegetarian. Heavy menstrual periods (7 days, soaks pad in 2-3 hours). Tried iron tablets 3 months — GI intolerance, stopped. Hb 7.8 g/dL, MCV 72 (microcytic), Ferritin 8 ng/ml. No other comorbidities.
Your Assessment (self-test)
Before revealing the answer, write what you think the diagnosis + treatment approach is. Optional but helpful for self-testing.