Anaemia

What does anaemia mean?

Anaemia: Not having enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, often caused by low iron. Can leave you tired and breathless.

How it is used in the Splash library

• Heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anaemia.

  From “Fibroids: common, non-cancerous, worth knowing”

• Both can affect fertility, and many symptoms overlap with stress, PMS or anaemia, which is why a simple blood test is so useful.

  From “Your thyroid and your cycle”

• Iron deficiency anaemia is when you do not have enough iron to make healthy red blood cells, so less oxygen gets around your body.

  From “Anaemia: when heavy periods drain your battery”

• Low iron can lead to Anaemia, and only a blood test can tell.

  From “Iron and your period”

• Treatments exist, such as a hormonal coil (IUS) or tranexamic acid, and heavy bleeding can cause iron-deficiency anaemia.

  From “How your cycle changes in perimenopause”

Anaemia explained

Anaemia means you have fewer red blood cells, or less haemoglobin, than normal, so your blood carries less oxygen. The most common type is iron deficiency anaemia, and heavy periods are one of its most common causes.

What's typical

Symptoms include tiredness and lack of energy, shortness of breath, a fast or pounding heartbeat, pale skin, headaches, and feeling cold. Some people crave ice or non-food items.

A simple blood test checks your haemoglobin and ferritin (your iron stores). Low ferritin can cause tiredness even before anaemia develops.

It is usually treated with iron tablets, and by treating the cause, such as heavy periods (NHS). Iron-rich foods help, but diet alone often isn't enough to correct anaemia.

When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist

• You feel tired all the time, breathless or dizzy, especially with heavy periods.
• Your periods regularly flood through protection or include large clots (NICE NG88).
• You have chest pain, or are very breathless: get urgent help.

In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.