Anemia in Women : a detrimental yet prevelant condition.

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Anemia is undesirable in both males and females, but it has a substantial impact on Women. Anemia is defined as the absence of healthy Red blood cells in the blood leading to reduced oxygen flow to the various body organs. It is characterized by hemoglobin levels less than - 12 grams/dL in Women and 13.5 grams/dL in men. 

Anemia is characterized by shortness of breath, hair fall, weakness, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headache, pale skin, lethargy, brain fog, etc. 

Anemia may begin in early childhood and is associated with Pica (eating non-nutritious substances - mud, ice, chalk, etc.) Anemia in childhood is associated with stunted growth, poor cognition, delayed development of motor skills, etc. 

Anemia is seen in Women with menorrhagia, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.

Anemia in pregnant and lactating women may cause poor brain development of the baby, pre-term delivery, low birth weight infants and weakness, delayed healing for the mother, reduced work capacity, and poor quality of life. 

Dietary modifications play a crucial role in the management of Anemia. Taking a diet rich in dates, beetroot, animal liver, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and seafood is important. 

Treatment of Anemia involves the use of Iron supplements such as Ferrous sulfate, Ferrous gluconate, Ferric ammonium citrate, etc. 

Iron supplements should be taken only after a meal as taking them empty stomach can lead to stomach cramps and upset stomach. 

Do not take Iron supplements with milk, calcium supplements, or antacids as they reduce the absorption of Iron. ( Maintain 2 hours between the two)

Remember that Iron supplements may lead to black or dark-colored stools.  

It is important to take Vitamin C supplements as well, as Vitamin C increases the absorption of Iron. 

Thus preventing and managing Anemia in Women is vital for maintaining Women's health, Quality of life, and also health, cognition, and well-developed motor skills for the coming generations. 



( Iron deficiency Anemia is described in this blog as it is the most common type of Anemia. Other types of Anemia include -Pernicious anemia, Megaloblastic anemia, inherited anemia like sickle cell anemia, etc.) 

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