Anemia in Reproductive Age Women

Anemia is a condition that affects 30 percent of people in the world, but it is more common in women than men.

Anemia is when you have low hemoglobin levels in the blood. Hemoglobin gives your blood its red color and is carried by the red blood cells.

Women of reproductive age may want to watch out for signs of anemia. Women who have heavy menstrual cycles or pregnant women usually need more iron, so they can be left dealing with anemia.

According to M. Saad Khan, M.D., a Fellowship-trained physician with Medical Oncology and Hematology at Mercy Medical Center, symptoms can be minimal or extreme.

"Some of the subtle symptoms are just like fatigue, you know, being tired. Some of the more serious symptoms are getting shorter of breath especially while exertion. One of the peculiar symptoms we see is a craving for things like ice or cravings for things like cornstarch," Dr. Khan said.

Dr. Khan added that adjusting your diet by eating iron-rich foods - like spinach, red meats and legumes - can help, but if you are actually iron-deficient, you can take iron pills or get iron infusions. Always first consult with your doctor.

View Mercy physician Dr. M. Saad Khan's interview regarding anemia in women of reproductive age.