Anemia Symptoms in Women

The term anemia is commonly used to refer to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or low level of hemoglobin. It can be of several different types, and each type of anemia can be caused by different factors. As for example, it can be caused by deficiency of iron, or it can be associated with the deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12. It can produce several symptoms, depending on the specific types and the severity of the condition.

Causes of Anemia in Women

Women, particularly of the childbearing age, are more likely to develop this condition, mainly because of the loss of blood every month during the menstrual cycle. Many women can develop anemia in pregnancy as well. As mentioned already, there are different types of anemia such as, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin deficiency anemia, aplastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia and anemia caused by chronic disease and diseases of the bone marrow. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by loss of iron at a rate greater than the normal rate due to blood loss caused by hemorrhoids, peptic ulcers, polyps, tumors and heavy menstrual periods. A diet low in iron and poor absorption of iron too can cause iron deficiency anemia.

Vitamin deficiency anemia can be caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid, which in turn can be associated with a diet low in these vitamins and inability of the body to absorb vitamin B12 effectively. Apart from these, diseases like, cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn's disease, kidney failure, leukemia and myelodysplasia can cause this condition. Aplastic anemia on the other hand, is characterized by the inability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells effectively, while hemolytic anemia is the condition, where the red blood cells get destroyed at a rate much faster than the rate at which they are produced. Sickle cell anemia is a severe type of anemia, where the red blood cells assume the shape of sickle and they die within a short span of time.

Anemia Signs in Women

The signs of this condition in women are not very different from the symptoms observed in men. The symptoms can differ depending on its specific type and the severity of the condition. Mild anemia may not produce symptoms or produce only minor symptoms that can go unnoticed.

• Excessive fatigue and tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Cold hand and feet
• Poor concentration
• Pale skin
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Forgetfulness

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, women with iron deficiency anemia can experience a few additional symptoms like:

• Brittle nails
• Decreased appetite
• Weakness
• Restless leg syndrome
• Sore tongue
• Cravings for unusual substances like, ice, grass, dirt, paper, wax, hair, etc.

Apart from these, severe types of anemia such as, sickle cell anemia can produce a few other symptoms like swollen hands and feet, jaundice, frequent infections, pain in the chest, abdomen and the joints, and vision problems. Hemolytic anemia can also cause jaundice, pain in the abdomen and other parts of the body, and leg ulcers, along with the usual symptoms of anemia. The symptoms of aplastic anemia are more or less similar to the common symptoms to this condition. Additionally, it can cause nosebleeds, bleeding gums and delayed blood clotting.

Anemia Treatment

It depends on the underlying causes. The treatment for iron deficiency anemia is to locate the source of bleeding and then stop it. Iron supplements are also required for treating this anemia. A diet rich in iron containing foods too can help alleviate this type of anemia. Anemia caused by the deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid can also be treated with the supplements of these vitamins.

Blood transfusions and bone marrow transplant can be required for its treatment, if it is aplastic anemia. Bone marrow transplant, along with appropriate medications and chemotherapy are employed for treating anemia caused by bone marrow diseases. Treatment for sickle cell anemia can involve the administration of pain relieving drugs, antibiotics, blood transfusion, supplements of folic acid and administration of oxygen. So, the treatment can vary significantly depending on the specific type.

Many of the symptoms such as, fatigue, weakness, irritability, lack of concentration may go unnoticed, as they can be considered as the result of physical and mental stress associated with a hectic schedule. But, these symptoms should not be neglected and ruled out as minor problems, as these can be caused by anemia. If left untreated, it can lead to several health complications.