Understanding Anaemia in women and teenage girls

Understanding anaemia
More about anaemia

Feeling tired all the time? Losing hair? Getting breathless even after a short walk?

These are not “normal issues.”

These are often signs of anaemia — one of the most common health problems in women and teenage girls today.

The best part?

It’s easily treatable once you know the cause.

Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.

⭐ What Exactly Is Anaemia?

Anaemia means your blood doesn’t have enough haemoglobin, the part that carries oxygen.

When haemoglobin is low, your body runs on “low battery.”

So you feel:

  • tired
  • weak
  • low on energy

And it affects everything — work, studies, mood, and even immunity.

⭐ Why Are Women & Teen Girls Affected More?

Because their bodies go through a lot more changes:

  • Periods → monthly blood loss
  • Teenage growth spurts → need more iron
  • Skipping meals/dieting → not enough nutrients
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding → higher iron requirement
  • Vegetarian diet → may lack enough bioavailable iron

So even a small deficiency can quickly become anaemia.

⭐ Common Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Even 2–3 of these deserve attention:

  • Feeling tired no matter how much you rest
  • Pale face or pale inner eyelids
  • Hair fall
  • Dizziness or frequent headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Craving ice/mud/chalk (yes, that’s a symptom!)

Most women brush these off — but they are early warning signs.

⭐ Why Does Anaemia Happen?

The most common reason is iron deficiency.

Other reasons:

  • Low Vitamin B12
  • Low folic acid
  • Thyroid problems
  • Very heavy periods
  • Poor diet
  • Digestive issues that reduce absorption

⭐ How Do We Confirm It?

With simple blood tests:

  • CBC → to check haemoglobin
  • Serum Ferritin → to check iron levels
  • B12 & Folate → if needed
  • Thyroid test → in some cases

That’s it.

No complicated tests needed for most people.

⭐ How to Improve Anaemia

✔ 1. Add Iron-Rich Foods Daily

Make small changes that are easy to follow:

  • Spinach, methi, bathua
  • Jaggery (gur)
  • Raisins & dates
  • Beetroot
  • Ragi (nachni)
  • Lentils: chana, rajma, black chana
  • Eggs, fish, chicken (if you eat non-veg)

Pro tip:

Squeeze lemon on meals or eat amla/guava → boosts iron absorption.

Avoid tea/coffee right after meals — they block iron.

✔ 2. Iron Supplements

Your doctor may prescribe:

  • Iron tablets
  • Iron syrup
  • Iron + folic acid combination
  • Or IV iron for very low levels

Side effects like constipation or metallic taste are common but manageable.

Most people need treatment for 2–3 months.

✔ 3. Treat the Root Cause

  • Very heavy periods? Must be evaluated.
  • Low B12? Supplements or injections help.
  • Thyroid issues? Need correction.
  • Teenage girls? Deworming every 6 months helps.

⭐ Prevention Is Easier Than Treatment

  • Don’t skip meals
  • Include one iron-rich food daily
  • Deworm every 6 months (for teens)
  • Track your periods
  • Do a simple health check once a year

These habits alone can prevent most cases of anaemia.

⭐ When Should You See a Doctor?

  • If you’re tired all the time
  • If periods are too heavy
  • If you feel dizzy or faint often
  • If your hair fall has suddenly increased
  • If diet changes are not helping

Early treatment = faster recovery.

⭐ Final Takeaway

Anaemia doesn’t just lower your haemoglobin — it lowers your energy, confidence, and overall quality of life.

With simple diet changes and the right supplements, most women feel better within weeks.

Healthy blood → Healthy you. ❤️