Why Women Are More Prone to Anemia
Understanding Causes, Symptoms & Treatment**
Anemia is one of the most common health problems in women. Nearly 1 in 2 Indian women suffer from low hemoglobin due to blood loss, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and pregnancy-related demands.
Anemia lowers energy levels, affects immunity, weakens concentration, and disrupts menstrual and reproductive health. Recognizing the early signs and taking corrective action can prevent long-term complications.
This blog explains why women are more vulnerable, the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and how to maintain healthy hemoglobin levels.
🔍 What Is Anemia?
Anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin — the protein that carries oxygen.
Low hemoglobin = Low oxygen supply = Fatigue, weakness & poor organ function.
🩸 Why Are Women More Prone to Anemia?
Women experience several biological and lifestyle-related factors that increase their risk.
1️⃣ Monthly Blood Loss During Periods
Heavy menstrual bleeding can cause significant depletion of iron and hemoglobin.
Women with:
- PCOD
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Clotting disorders
…are at even higher risk.
2️⃣ Pregnancy-Related Iron Deficiency
During pregnancy:
- Blood volume increases
- Baby needs iron for growth
- Women may need double the iron intake
Without supplements, anemia occurs easily.
3️⃣ Inadequate Diet
Many women eat:
- Low protein
- Low green vegetables
- High tea/coffee (reduces iron absorption)
This leads to chronic iron deficiency.
4️⃣ Post-Pregnancy Nutritional Loss
Lactation increases nutritional needs. Lack of proper diet causes severe anemia.
5️⃣ Hormonal Imbalance
Conditions like PCOD, thyroid issues, and estrogen fluctuations worsen anemia.
6️⃣ Lack of Awareness & Late Diagnosis
Many women mistake symptoms for:
- tiredness
- stress
- weak digestion
This delays treatment.
⚠ Early Symptoms of Anemia in Women
- Constant tiredness
- Pale skin and nails
- Hair fall
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cold hands & feet
- Headaches
- Cravings for mud/ice (pica)
- Weak immunity
If you notice several of these, get tested immediately.
🔬 Diagnosis: Tests You May Need
A doctor may recommend:
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Serum Ferritin
- Iron Studies
- Vitamin B12 / Folate levels
- Thyroid profile
- Ultrasound (if heavy periods or fibroids suspected)
These tests help identify the exact cause of anemia.
💊 Types of Anemia Common in Women
1️⃣ Iron Deficiency Anemia
Most common; due to blood loss or low iron intake.
2️⃣ Vitamin B12 Deficiency Anemia
Causes nerve symptoms, tingling, and fatigue.
3️⃣ Folate Deficiency Anemia
Important during pregnancy.
4️⃣ Anemia Due to Chronic Diseases
Thyroid issues, inflammation, kidney problems.
💉 Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity and the cause.
✔ Iron Deficiency
- Oral iron tablets
- Iron-rich diet
- IV iron injections (if severe)
✔ Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- B12 injections
- Supplements
- Dietary improvement
✔ Folate Deficiency
- Folic acid tablets
✔ Severe Anemia
- Blood transfusion (only if extremely low levels)
✔ Treat the Root Cause
- Fibroid treatment
- Managing heavy periods
- Thyroid correction
- PCOD management
🥗 Best Foods to Boost Hemoglobin
Iron-Rich Foods
- Spinach
- Beetroot
- Jaggery
- Dates, raisins
- Ragi
- Eggs, fish, chicken
- Sprouts & dals
Vitamin C Foods (help iron absorption)
- Lemon
- Orange
- Tomato
- Amla
B12 Foods
- Milk
- Eggs
- Meat
- Curd
Folate Foods
- Beans
- Green vegetables
- Nuts & seeds
🚫 What Women Should Avoid
- Excess tea/coffee (blocks iron absorption)
- Skipping meals
- Over-relying on home remedies
- Ignoring heavy periods
- Self-medicating with supplements
🛡 Prevention Tips for Women
- Routine hemoglobin check every 6–12 months
- Healthy balanced diet
- Control heavy periods
- Proper pregnancy supplements
- Post-delivery nutrition
- Treat thyroid & hormonal issues
- Avoid nutritional deficiencies
- Increase protein intake
Small corrections can prevent long-term health problems.
👩⚕️ When Should Women See a Doctor?
Visit a specialist if you have:
- Persistent tiredness
- Pale skin
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Dizziness or breathlessness
- Very low energy
- Hair fall with weakness
- Recurrent infections
Early treatment provides fast recovery and prevents complications.
🏥 Anemia Screening & Treatment at Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
We offer:
- Hemoglobin & ferritin testing
- Vitamin deficiency screening
- Treatment for heavy periods
- Diet counseling
- IV iron therapy
- Treatment of thyroid/PCOD/fibroids
Complete and personalized care for women’s health.
📍 Clinic & Contact Details
🏥 Dr. Ankur Surgical Clinic
Shop No 4, Laxmi Krupa, Edulji Road, Charai, Thane West – 400602
📞 +91 86910 33066
🌐 https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmmGNbgFyhGcqfvV6
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ankur_surgicalclinic/
🏥 Aayush Multispecialty Hospital
👨⚕️ Dr. Ankur Bhanushali – General & Laparoscopic Surgeon
1st Floor, Marigold Apartment, Almeda Road, Panch Pakhdi, Thane West – 400602
🌐 https://drankurbhanushali.com
Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Msc7YZqVkV9mQMQ7
Email: dr.ankur.bhanushali@gmail.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573840205822
IG: https://www.instagram.com/surgeon_dr_ankur_bhanushali
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ankur-bhanushali-b85aab2a6/
📞 +91 86910 33033
🌐 Online Booking: https://bestsurgeoninthane.com
