Anaemia in Women - Symptoms, Detection, Treatment and Prevention

Introduction

Anaemia is a prevalent health concern that affects women more, particularly during pregnancy, menstruation and menopause. This condition is characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or haemoglobin, an essential component needed for transporting oxygen throughout the body. The optimal haemoglobin levels are different for men and women. For men, a normal level ranges between 14.0 grams per deciliter (gm/dL) and 17.5 gm/dL. For women, a normal level ranges between 12.3 gm/dL and 15.3 gm/dL. Women, due to physiological factors, are more susceptible to anaemia. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for those affected by anaemia.

Symptoms of Anaemia include

any one or multiple of the following:

• Tiredness, weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale or yellowish skin, more obvious on white skin
• Irregular heartbeat
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Chest pain
• Headaches

Consequences of Anaemia:

Mild iron deficiency anaemia usually doesn't cause complications. However, left untreated, iron deficiency anaemia can become severe and lead to health problems, including heart problems and complications during pregnancy.

Causes of Anaemia:

• Iron deficiency anaemia: Too little iron in the body causes this most common type of anaemia. Bone marrow needs iron to make haemoglobin. Without this, the body cannot make enough haemoglobin for red blood cells.
• Vitamin deficiency anaemia: Besides iron, the body needs folate and vitamin B12 to make enough healthy red blood cells. A diet deficient in these nutrients causes anaemia.
• Bone marrow diseases such as leukaemia and myelofibrosis can affect how the bone marrow makes blood, leading to anaemia which can be mild or life-threatening.
• Anaemia of inflammation: Diseases that cause ongoing inflammation can keep the body from making enough red blood cells. Examples are cancer, HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney disease and Crohn's disease.
• Haemolytic Anaemia: Caused by red blood cells being destroyed faster than bone marrow can replace them. Certain blood diseases increase how fast red blood cells are destroyed.
• Inherited Anaemia: Some types of Haemolytic Anaemia can be passed through families, such as Sickle Cell Anaemia.

How to diagnose and test Anaemia:

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask you about your medical and family history, do a physical exam and order blood tests. Tests might include:

• A complete blood count (CBC) is used to count the number of blood cells in a sample of blood. For anaemia, the test measures the number of red blood cells in the blood, called hematocrit and the level of haemoglobin in the blood.
• A test to show the size and shape of the red blood cells. This looks at the size, shape and colour of the red blood cells.

Treatment for Anaemia:

• Healthcare providers may recommend changing your diet or taking supplements if you have iron deficiency anaemia or Pernicious anaemia.
• If you have anaemia because you have a chronic disease, your doctor will treat the underlying condition. They may prescribe medication to boost red blood cell production.

Prevention of Anaemia:

• Changes in diet can help reduce Anaemia in some cases, including:
  • Eating foods that are rich in iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A and other nutrients,
  • Eating a healthy diet with a variety of foods, especially red vegetables or fruits and green leafy items.
  • Taking supplements recommended by your doctor
• Practising good hygiene to prevent infections
• Managing chronic diseases like obesity and digestive problems
• Waiting at least 24 months between pregnancies by birth control
• Iron supplements or hormonal contraceptivesfor heavy menstrual bleeding as per doctors' recommendation.

The duration and severity of anaemia depend on the underlying causes. Seeking timely medical attention, adopting a healthy lifestyle and addressing the root causes are essential steps in managing Anaemia.