Anemia is the most common blood condition in the United States. It affects more than a third of the world’s population � and a high number of younger women. Because anemia symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it can be easy to overlook.
Make sure you know the five most common signs of anemia in women, so you or a woman you know can get necessary treatment.
Make sure you know the five most common signs of anemia in women, so you or a woman you know can get necessary treatment.
What Causes Anemia in Women?
There are many types of anemia, but among women, iron-deficiency anemia is most common. You may develop iron-deficiency anemia if you don’t get enough iron from your food, or you lose too much blood. Women are at a higher risk of anemia because of these risk factors:
- Menstrual periods � According to the World Health Organization, one-third of all women of reproductive age are anemic. Heavy bleeding or clotting from menstruation means losing red blood cells, which lowers iron levels in the body. Lower iron levels increase the risk of anemia.
- Pregnancy � During pregnancy, women require twice as much iron as non-pregnant women. Your body needs the surplus of iron to provide a consistent supply of oxygen to your baby. Mild anemia in pregnancy and after delivery is common, but it’s important to have prenatal and postpartum testing to lower your risk of anemia.
- Aging � Women are at a higher risk of developing pernicious anemia as they get older. Pernicious anemia happens when your body can’t absorb vitamin B12 effectively. You’re more likely to develop this condition if you have a family history of pernicious anemia or another autoimmune condition.
Your doctor may suspect anemia during a routine blood test. However, it’s also important to talk to them if you have a risk factor or notice the common signs and symptoms of anemia.
1. Tired, Weak or Dizzy
Anemia results from not having enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s organs. As a result, your body must work harder to move oxygen around, which can make you feel extremely tired, dizzy or weak. You may also notice frequent headaches and shortness of breath.
2. Hair Loss
Iron-deficiency anemia can lead to hair loss. You may find more hair in your drain or brush, or even bald spots. There are lots of causes for hair loss, but a lack of nutrients, such as iron, can be a contributor. Without enough iron, your body can’t make hemoglobin to carry oxygen to your cells, including cells that help grow hair.
3. Cold and Skin Color Changes
Poorer blood circulation in people with anemia can affect both temperature and skin color.
Cold Hands and Feet
With iron-deficiency anemia, you don’t have enough red blood cells providing oxygen to tissues. That means blood doesn’t move as well throughout the body, especially to the areas furthest from the heart � the hands and feet. Less blood means colder temperatures.
Pale or Yellow Skin
The hemoglobin in blood gives it its red color. With lower levels of hemoglobin because of anemia, your blood changes color, which may make your skin appear pale or yellow.
4. Mood and Behavior Changes
Research has shown that people with anemia may notice a change in their mood or how they act.
Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Restless
In addition to helping make red blood cells, iron helps the body make brain chemicals, including serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals keep our mental health intact. When iron levels are low, you may notice increased symptoms of depression and anxiety because of reduced chemical levels. Lower levels of dopamine also can contribute to restless leg syndrome, when you feel the constant urge to move the legs.
Pica (Craving or Eating Non-Food Items)
People with pica often feel the need to eat non-food items, such as dirt, ice, hair or other substances that can be dangerous. Iron deficiency is one cause of pica. Because your body craves nutrients it’s not getting, it tries to replenish them however possible. If you think you have pica, a mental health evaluation may be part of your treatment.
5. Irregular Heartbeat or Chest Pain
When you have low levels of oxygen because of anemia, your heart has to work harder to move oxygen throughout the body. This extra work means the heart beats faster. You may notice irregular heartbeats or even have some chest pain.
Know that chest pain can also be related to a heart attack. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911 or seek emergency care right away.
Treatment for Anemia in Women
The types of anemia and its symptoms vary from person to person, along with treatments. Your anemia treatment may include diet changes, iron supplements or even infusions.
Even though anemia can be tough to diagnose, if you experience any anemia symptoms or risk factors, talk to your healthcare provider. At Ì첩ÌåÓý, we offer a full range of anemia care within our hematology department. We also have Women's Health providers to answer all your questions, especially about your risk of anemia during menstruation and pregnancy.
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