A condition where your blood is low in haemoglobin or red blood cells, which is required to carry oxygen to the body tissues is called anaemia. It is determined on the basis of age, sex, and physiological status. It is often a symptom of underlying conditions such as infections, nutrient deficiencies, chronic diseases, gynaecological problems, or inherited red blood cell disorders.
According to the World Health Organisation, anaemia can be caused by poor nutrition, infections, chronic diseases, heavy menstruation, pregnancy issues and family history. It is often caused by a lack of iron in the blood.
A report by WHO stated, “Anaemia is estimated to affect half a billion women 15–49 years of age and 269 million children 6–59 months of age worldwide. In 2019, 30% (539 million) of non-pregnant women and 37% (32 million) of pregnant women aged 15–49 years were affected by anaemia.”
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Causes Of Anaemia In Women
To understand the causes of anaemia in women in depth, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Shakuntla Kumar, Senior Obstetrician Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon, MD Nulife Hospital, GTB Nagar, Delhi.
Limited Iron And Vitamin Consumption In Women
According to Dr Kumar, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional cause of anaemia, usually resulting from inadequate dietary iron intake. “Deficiencies in other nutrients like vitamin A, folate, vitamin B12, and riboflavin can also lead to anaemia due to their roles in haemoglobin synthesis and erythrocyte production,” Dr Kumar said. Other factors that contribute to anaemia include nutrient losses, impaired consumption, and low iron stores at birth.
From Menstruation To Inherited Disorders
“Anaemia can also be a result of consistent blood flow during menstruation, maternal blood volume expansion during pregnancy, and blood loss during and after childbirth, mainly in cases of postpartum haemorrhage,” Dr Kumar said. At times, inherited red blood cell disorders are a common cause of anaemia, such as α- and β-thalassemia, sickle cell disorders, other haemoglobinopathies, abnormalities of red cell enzymes, or abnormalities of the red blood cell membrane.
Infections And Inflammation
As per Dr Kumar, anaemia can also be caused due to certain infections, particularly through high rates of infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and parasitic infections. These infections can disrupt nutrient absorption in blood and metabolism or cause nutrient loss leading to anaemia. Furthermore, Chronic conditions that cause inflammation can also lead to anaemia of inflammation or anaemia of chronic disease. “HIV infection can cause anaemia through various mechanisms, including ineffective production or excessive destruction of red blood cells, blood loss, and side effects of drug treatment,” Dr Kumar said.
Impact Of Anaemia On Women’s Reproductive Health
Talking about anaemia in pregnant women, Dr Kumar said, “Expecting women who are anaemic can be at risk of postpartum haemorrhage during childbirth. This is because women with anaemia cannot tolerate the same volume of bleeding as healthy women and become hemodynamically unstable even after a smaller blood loss.”
Dr Kumar further added, “It is crucial to register for antenatal care early on in pregnancy. Identifying and managing anaemia during this time can significantly reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. Providing iron supplements, promoting a healthy diet, and regularly monitoring haemoglobin levels are all critical aspects of comprehensive maternal care.”
According to a study conducted by The Lancet Global Health in India, women with severe anaemia are at a significantly greater risk of experiencing postpartum haemorrhage, with the odds being nine times higher compared to women who have mild or no anaemia.