Globally, it is estimated that 30% of women 15–49 years of age are affected by anaemia.1
Anaemia (iron deficiency) occurs when blood iron levels become too low. This occurs when there aren’t enough red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.2
It is recognised to cause issues within pregnant and postpartum women, and menstruating adolescent girls and women.1
Causes
Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common types of anaemia in women of reproductive age.3 A cause of this type of anaemia can be Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB).
Iron deficiency anaemia develops when the body doesn’t have sufficient iron to make enough red blood cells. Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. Heavy menstrual bleeding can deplete iron stores, making it difficult to produce enough haemoglobin and leading to anaemia.3
Other causes of anaemia can be nutrient deficiencies, inadequate diet, infections, inflammation, chronic diseases, gynaecological and obstetric conditions, and inherited red blood cell disorders.1
Symptoms
Anaemia can affect everyone differently, with a range of potential symptoms attached to the condition.3
- Tiredness (fatigue) and lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Mood swings
- Shortness of breath
- Noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
- Pale skin
- Hair loss (alopecia)
Severe anaemia can cause more serious symptoms including:1
- Pale mucous membranes (in the mouth, nose etc.)
- Pale skin and under the fingernails
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Dizziness when standing up
- Bruising more easily
In addition, if your iron levels are too low, it can affect your immunity, making you more susceptible to illness. This can lead to a deterioration of your overall health. 4
Treatment
Once the cause of your anaemia is identified, the next course of action is treatment. There are a range of options available, as recommended by your GP, based on the results of a blood test. When a low red blood cell count is registered through these tests, a patient will often be recommended a 6-month plan of iron tablets to provide the missing mineral.5
If you think you are suffering from anaemia caused by heavy periods, consider using the Heavy Period Diary to evidence your cycle and symptoms to discuss with your GP. From here, they can discuss the best course of treatment and #BeBloodyConfident. Read about how to prepare for your GP appointment here.
References:
1 World Health Organization. (2023, May 1). Anaemia. www.who.int. https://www.who.int/newsroom/fact-sheets/detail/anaemia
2 Your Guide to Anemia | NHLBI, NIH. (2021, November). www.nhlbi.nih.gov. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/your-guide-anemia
3 Iron deficiency anaemia symptoms and treatments. (2023, March 1). NHS Inform. Retrieved July 17, 2024, from https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/iron-deficiencyanaemia/#about-iron-deficiency-anaemia.
4 NHS. (2023, November 21). Iron deficiency anaemia symptoms and treatments. www.nhsinform.scot. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/iron-deficiency-anaemia/
5 NHS. (2024, January 26). Iron Deficiency Anaemia. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irondeficiency-anaemia/