Why Is Anemia More Common in Women? Let's Find Out

Blogs01 Oct 2024

Anaemia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, but it is notably more prevalent among women. This is due to the various physiological and lifestyle factors that are unique to women. Understanding why anaemia is more common in women can help in its prevention, early detection, and effective management. In this article, we will delve into the causes, symptoms, and management of anaemia, with a focus on why it affects more women than men.

What is anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the haemoglobin levels are lower than normal. When the body does not have enough haemoglobin, our blood is unable to carry enough oxygen to all of our organs and tissues. Anaemia generally affects more women and children and can be caused by low iron levels, poor nutrition, infections, heavy menstruation, pregnancy issues and genetics. However, anaemia is not permanent and can be treated.

Types of anaemia

To understand anaemia further, let’s briefly understand the different types of anaemia that one might face:

1. Aplastic anaemia: In this condition, the body stops producing enough new blood cells. It can cause more fatigue, bleeding and infections.
2. Iron-deficiency anaemia: As its name suggests, this occurs when our blood is deficient in iron, which is an important mineral required to produce haemoglobin, the main substance that carries oxygen around the body.
3. Sickle cell anaemia: This is an inherited disorder in which the shape of the red blood cells is affected. Typically round and flexible, in this condition, the cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons and can block blood flow.
4. Vitamin deficiency anaemia: In this condition, the lack of vitamin B-12 and folate leads to a lower number of healthy red blood cells which leads to a lower ability to carry oxygen in the body.

Anaemia Symptoms in Women

Some common signs and symptoms of anaemia include

• Feeling tired
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Having cold extremities
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath

In terms of severe anaemia, these serious anaemia symptoms in females may occur:

• Pale skin
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Bruising easily
• Feeling dizzy while standing up

Why Anaemia is More Common in Women

Here are a few main reasons why more women turn out to be anaemic in contrast with men:

1. Menstruation: Women who go through heavy menstrual cycles lose a lot of blood, red blood cells and iron, which can cause anaemia.
2. Pregnancy and Childbirth: Maternal blood volume expansion during pregnancy, and blood loss during and after childbirth, could also cause anaemia. Certain gynaecological and obstetric conditions may also lead to anaemia. In short, the causes of anaemia in pregnant women include excessive blood loss and complications in pregnancy.
3. Dietary Habits: Restrictive diets or a low intake of iron, B12 and folate are also major causes of developing anaemia. Women who have hectic schedules and miss getting their entire fill of nutrition have a higher chance of being anaemic.

Additionally, having inherited disorders, chronic conditions, infections, and inflammation may also cause anaemia.

When to see a doctor

Now that you know why women are more likely to be anaemic and what the anaemia symptoms look like, it’s important to keep a watch on them and consult your doctor if you face any of them. You must make sure to visit the doctor especially if you are facing severe fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual bleeding. Visiting a doctor early on can help in its effective management.

Preventing and Managing Anaemia in Women

As mentioned earlier, anaemia is not a permanent condition and can be managed with the right diet and changes. Here’s what you should try to do:

• Have an Iron-rich Diet: Have iron-rich foods like red meat, fish, poultry, lentils, cereals, green leafy vegetables etc., to have an iron-rich diet and prevent a deficiency. Furthermore, you can consider eating more vitamin C sources like oranges, lemons etc., as vitamin C can help in the absorption of iron.
• Iron Supplements: Iron supplements can be an effective way to treat anaemia, but it is crucial to consult a doctor for the correct dosage and to understand potential side effects. Over-the-counter supplements can vary in potency, and taking too much iron can lead to toxicity.
• Avoid foods that slow down iron absorption: Tea, coffee and cocoa if consumed immediately before/after a meal, may slow down the absorption of iron in the body. Hence avoid them as much as possible when trying to increase your iron levels and manage anaemia.
• Wash your hands and beware of infections: Infections can also cause anaemia, so make sure that you are washing your hands often and staying clean and hygienic. Avoid places with mosquitoes as malaria causes anaemia as well.
• Visit the doctor for heavy menstruation: If you bleed excessively during menstruation, check with your doctor for iron supplements or if you require hormonal medication to prevent anaemia.

Conclusion

Anaemia is a common condition that largely affects more women than men due to various physiological and lifestyle factors. Understanding the causes and symptoms of anaemia is essential for effective prevention and management. By adopting a diet rich in iron, enhancing iron absorption, considering supplements, and making lifestyle modifications, women can significantly reduce their risk of anaemia or manage it better.

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