Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by low levels of iron in the body. You might have low iron levels because you: 1 Have heavy menstrual bleeding.2 Are not getting enough iron in food. In women of reproductive age, periods are the most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia.
In women of reproductive age, periods are the most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia. Usually, only women with heavy periods develop iron deficiency anaemia. If you have heavy bleeding over several consecutive menstrual cycles, it is known as menorrhagia. Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron, leading to the decreased production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. A lack of iron can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia are outlined below. PREMENOPAUSAL WOMEN. Excessive menstruation is a common cause of iron deficiency anemia in premenopausal women in developed countries; however, a GI source (particularly erosive lesions in the stomach or esophagus) is present in 6 to 30 percent of cases. Iron deficiency anemia is diminished red blood cell production due to low iron stores in the body. It is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide and accounts for approximately one-half of anemia cases. Cohort studies 2, 5 of the elderly have found that the two most common causes of anemia in the elderly are chronic disease and iron deficiency (Table 15) . In 15 to 25 percent of elderly patients with anemia, no cause is found; even when no cause is found the prognosis is good. Iron deficiency anemia, the second most common cause of anemia in the elderly, usually results from chronic gastrointestinal blood loss caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–induced gastritis, ulcer, colon cancer, diverticula or angiodysplasia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States. It is also the most common cause of anemia (CDC, 2011). There are many reasons why a person might become deficient in iron. Pregnancy or Blood Loss Due to Menstruation. In women of child-bearing age, the most common causes of iron-deficiency anemia are heavy menstrual bleeding or blood loss during childbirth. The CDC found that about nine percent of women ages 12 to 49 years are deficient in iron (CDC, 2012). A person can have a low iron level because of blood loss. In women, iron and red blood cells are lost when bleeding occurs from very heavy and long periods, as well as from childbirth. Women also can lose iron and red blood cells from uterine fibroids, which can bleed slowly. Sickle cell anemia. The red blood cells of people with sickle cell disease are hard and have a curved edge. These cells can get stuck in the small blood vessels, blocking the flow of blood to the organs and limbs. The body destroys sickle red cells quickly. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting what they need to function properly. Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S. It affects about 3.5 million Americans. Women, young children, and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of anemia. Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. A cause is found in approximately 80 percent of elderly patients. The most common causes of anemia in the elderly are chronic disease and iron deficiency. Vitamin B 12 deficiency, folate deficiency, gastrointestinal bleeding and myelodysplastic syndrome are among other causes of anemia in the elderly. Iron deficiency anemia, the second most common cause of anemia in the elderly, usually results from chronic gastrointestinal blood loss caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug–induced gastritis, ulcer, colon cancer, diverticula or angiodysplasia. 1 Have bleeding inside your body. 2  This bleeding may be caused by problems such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, or cancer. 3  This bleeding can also happen with regular aspirin use. 4  Bleeding inside the body is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in men and in women after menopause. Then your body has less hemoglobin, and you cannot get enough oxygen. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by low levels of iron in the body. You might have low iron levels because you: 1  Have heavy menstrual bleeding. 2  Are not getting enough iron in food 1 Bleeding inside the body is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in men and in women after menopause. 2  Cannot absorb iron well in your body. 3  This problem may occur if you have celiac disease or if you have had part of your stomach or small intestine removed. Then your body has less hemoglobin, and you cannot get enough oxygen. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by low levels of iron in the body. You might have low iron levels because you: 1  Have heavy menstrual bleeding. 2  Are not getting enough iron in foo
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common causes of anaemia in women