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What causes anemia in women. What are the external signs (symptoms) of anemia in adult women and how is anemia treated

Anemia is a phenomenon that can be a symptom of various diseases. Many diseases internal organs, especially the liver, intestines and spleen are accompanied by anemia. Therefore, the diagnosis of anemia itself requires additional research, since the correct treatment depends on its cause.

The main syndrome of anemia - low hemoglobin

Depending on the causes that caused the disease, anemia can be:

  • Hypoplastic. It is caused by disorders of the bone marrow, due to which the process of blood formation changes.
  • Hemolytic. Red blood cells are destroyed much faster than new ones are created.
  • Posthemorrhagic. It is caused by severe blood loss as a result of injury or trauma.
  • Scarce. Such anemia is caused by a lack of important trace elements, most often iron.

Features of iron deficiency anemia

This type of anemia is the most common and affects mainly women. Approximately 30% of women of reproductive age have mild symptoms anemia, but do not attach any importance to it, taking it for mild fatigue. Decreased hemoglobin long time may be imperceptible, since anemia in women develops gradually. In the vast majority of cases, it is caused by too much blood loss during menstruation or due to gynecological diseases.

After 40, the signs of illness in women become most noticeable, since at this age women rarely take care of themselves carefully, fatigue accumulates and the desire to be in time everywhere affects. Unfortunately, in our women, this condition is considered the norm, not the exception. The “inability” of the body to distribute iron and make reserves also affects. At a young age, girls rarely suffer from anemia, do not think about their diet, but pregnancy, diet, possible vegetarianism, stress, fatigue consume iron in the body, for its needs the body begins to take it from the tissues (hidden iron deficiency), and then from the blood . Thus, at the age of 40, a woman often feels unwell due to iron deficiency, which has been formed over the years.

Due to anemia (anemia), a person has a decrease in the number of red blood cells

After the age of 50, when menopause occurs, anemia often resolves as a woman no longer loses blood during her period.

Causes of iron deficiency anemia in women

Iron deficiency anemia develops under the influence of various factors. These include:

  • Gynecological diseases accompanied by blood loss: fibroids, too long menstruation (hypermenorrhea), endometriosis;
  • Wrong, inadequate nutrition;
  • Hereditary features;
  • Intestinal bleeding. This is one of the most annoying factors, as it can be difficult to detect. Unlike hemorrhoids, bleeding in the intestines may not give painful sensations, and they can be detected only by the changed color of the stool. Usually, few people pay attention to such trifles, because of which a person can lose a ml per day every day.

In addition to direct causes, there are also risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

  • A diet containing little folic acid, iron and vitamin B-12. Typically, this picture is observed in women who refuse to eat meat or animal food in general, while not choosing the right vegetarian diet.
  • Frequent intestinal disorders that interfere with the absorption of beneficial substances. Especially contributes to the reduction of hemoglobin dysbacteriosis.
  • Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the body consumes more iron than in the normal state, as it is necessary to ensure the blood circulation of the fetus. For this reason, the expectant mother needs to regularly check the level of hemoglobin in the blood in order to take action in time. Anemia can also be seen with breastfeeding and in the first time after childbirth.
  • Protracted illnesses. Kidney failure, diseases of the liver, intestines and spleen, ulcers slowly but surely lead to constant blood loss, and as a result - to anemia.
  • Family history. Some types of anemia (sickle cell anemia) are inherited.
  • Lifestyle. Bad habits, constant stress, huge pressure at work, insufficient rest and sleep can cause this disease.
  • Donation. One-time blood donation is not dangerous for healthy person, but systematic donation can lead to anemia, especially if nutrition is not enhanced at this time.

Refusal to eat meat or animal food in general can provoke the development of anemia.

Signs of anemia in women

Anemia is a disease whose symptoms are often mistaken for banal fatigue or lack of sleep. If a woman has had at least half of the signs listed below for a long time, then this is a reason to see a doctor.

  • Weakness, general fatigue, decreased performance.
  • Sometimes, for no apparent reason, subfebrile temperature appears.
  • Spasms of the legs and arms, goosebumps and numbness.
  • Impaired coordination of movements, trembling, muscle weakness.
  • Violation heart rate, tachycardia, shortness of breath even with minimal exertion.
  • Headache, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating on anything.
  • Nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, belching, feeling of weakness.
  • Unexpected preferences in tastes and smells - a person tries to eat dry cereals and pasta, he wants to eat clay, he likes the smell of paint and acetone, etc.
  • Feeling foreign body in the throat, perspiration, difficulty breathing and swallowing. There is a change in epithelial cells, which causes dryness and irritation in the mouth, small sores in the corners of the mouth, itching and dryness in the vagina.

Anemia has pronounced characteristic symptoms

  • Nails become dry and brittle, noticeably flattened. If anemia has developed for a long time, then the nails acquire a concave shape.
  • Pale skin with a marble effect (vessels are visible through the skin). Sometimes the skin may have a greenish tint.

Consequences of anemia

Even though none of the symptoms look frightening, treatment of anemia in women is necessary, as the consequences of this disease can be dire. Decreased hemoglobin leads to oxygen starvation all tissues and organs, including the brain.

Anemia without treatment can lead to the following results:

  • violation of the work of all internal organs, the appearance of edema, digestive disorders;
  • disorders of the nervous system, emotional instability, insomnia, decreased mental abilities;
  • disruption of the heart. Trying to compensate for the lack of red blood cells, it starts to work in a more intensive mode, wears out quickly and also experiences oxygen starvation. As a result, with severe anemia, cardiac arrest is not uncommon;
  • decreased immunity and susceptibility to various infectious diseases. Increasing chance autoimmune diseases.

Due to anemia, digestion and, in general, the work of all internal organs can be disturbed.

How to treat anemia

Let our grandmothers forgive us, but the usual recommendation in the spirit of “eat well”, especially buckwheat porridge, apples White pouring and pomegranates, frankly, not enough. As a preventive measure - for health, but in the form of treatment - no. Especially when the anemia is already “aged”, running (hemoglobin numbers for mild stage- g / l, moderate - g / l, severe - below 80 g / l).

It is not necessary, guided by inner instinct, to buy iron-containing preparations and vitamins in pharmacies for anemia and use them without any control:

  • First, these drugs have side effects, among which constipation - turns out to be the most harmless
  • secondly, in any case, anemia is treated taking into account personal specifics, and you have every chance of drinking a “not your own” drug, which, even if it does not cause harm, will not be able to help.

Important! In no case should you buy iron supplements at random and drink them just like that at any time of the day at your own peril and risk.

To determine the "own" drug in order to begin the treatment of iron deficiency, it is necessary to pass many different tests and tests. There are many aspects to treatment. this disease that differ from person to person. How exactly your treatment will take place is dictated only by the general condition of your body, but it is also determined by numerous (and sometimes very complex) laboratory tests and studies. Be patient and go through them all. This will greatly help your doctor to make a diagnosis: anemia is not treated at random, this process involves understanding the full picture of your illness.

To inspire you a little, let's share with you the forecasts of doctors: with the right treatment (if the doctor is competent, and the patient, in turn, is patient), iron deficiency anemia will be defeated, maybe even in a year. And in this case, a pleasant discovery awaits you: a completely full-blooded life with total absence anemia. With timely and effective treatment, the prognosis is usually favorable.

Prevention of anemia

Preventive measures (aka anemic prophylaxis) are initially aimed at preventing the formation of anemia in principle, and only after that at restoring the iron index in the body when initial stages illness. Preventive measures to cure iron deficiency anemia of the third stage (severe) will not work, no matter how hard you try. But in "alliance" with the treatment of the disease, you can also be prescribed proper nutrition.

Proper nutrition is key successful treatment and prevention of anemia

Human body can absorb iron from two main sources: animal products (chicken, beef, fish) and plant origin(lentils, beans, spices). It is necessary to eat two types of food, of course, unless for some reason your doctor prescribes the opposite.

The daily dose of iron is determined by sex and age:

  • Children (ages 1 to 10): 7-10 mg daily.
  • Women (ages 19 to 50): 18 mg daily.
  • Pregnant women: 27 mg daily.
  • Men (age 19 and older): 8 mg daily.

Anemia in women: causes, diagnosis, treatment

Anemia is a condition characterized by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. This is not an independent disease, but a symptom that indicates that not everything is in order with the body. There are several types of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed in 80% of cases. It develops due to an insufficient amount of iron in the body.

Causes

To the development of iron deficiency anemia may lead the following reasons.

Chronic bleeding (in 80% of cases):

  • uncontrolled donation;
  • loss of blood during transfusion or hemodialysis;
  • pulmonary and nosebleeds;
  • neoplasms in bladder and kidneys, polycystic kidney disease, urolithiasis, chronic pyelo- and glomerulonephritis;
  • fibroids, endometriosis, heavy and prolonged menstruation;
  • bleeding from digestive tract Key words: hemorrhoids, neoplasms, hookworm invasions, colonic diverticula, varicose esophageal veins, erosive gastritis, peptic ulcer.

Insufficient absorption of iron, as a result of such diseases:

  • intestinal amyloidosis;
  • malabsorption syndrome;
  • chronic enteritis;
  • resection of the small intestine.

Increased need for iron during sports, pregnancy and lactation, during intensive growth.

Insufficient intake of iron from food in vegetarians.

Together with food, a woman’s body should receive 15 mg of iron daily, and for pregnant women this figure is 30 mg.

signs

Iron deficiency anemia in women manifests itself in the following signs:

  • decreased performance, malaise, general and muscle weakness;
  • drowsiness, reduced concentration, fatigue, dizziness, headache, fainting;
  • tingling and dryness of the tongue, change in taste;
  • sensation of a foreign body in the throat, impaired swallowing, shortness of breath, palpitations;
  • dry hair and skin, brittle nails;
  • itching and burning of the vulva;
  • atrophic changes in the mucous membranes of the genital and respiratory organs, in the gastrointestinal tract;
  • loss of appetite, the need for salty, spicy, sour foods.

Iron deficiency anemia can be suspected by appearance. The skin becomes pale, flabby, dry, flaky, cheeks blush easily. Hair rapidly turns gray and thin, easily broken, thinner, gray, lose shine. Nails become brittle, delaminate, flatten, become dull and thin, white stripes appear on them. In severe forms of anemia, the nail plate becomes concave.

Diagnostics

To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, the doctor directs patients to take a general and biochemical analysis blood. The result of a general blood test will show the level of erythrocytes, reticulocytes and platelets, and a biochemical one will show the concentration of hemoglobin, bilirubin, ferritin, and iron.

The doctor can refer the patient to a consultation with a gynecologist to rule out pathologies of the uterus and appendages. The examination plan also includes endoscopic and X-ray examination of the intestines and stomach in order to exclude neoplasms, ulcers, polyps, diverticulum, ulcerative colitis. If there is reason to assume pulmonary siderosis, then they are sent for tomography and radiography of the lungs, sputum examination. If kidney disease is suspected, a general urinalysis, radiographic and ultrasound procedure organ.

Treatment

For effective treatment iron deficiency anemia in women, it is necessary to accurately determine the cause and, if possible, eliminate it (treat the underlying disease or eliminate the source of bleeding). Therapy of anemia should be complex. The treatment program consists of the following activities:

  • elimination of the cause of anemia;
  • complete medical nutrition;
  • ferrotherapy - replenishment of iron deficiency in the body;
  • relapse prevention.

Anemia sufferers need a varied diet, including plant foods (bread, buckwheat, rice, raisins, pomegranates, prunes, dried apricots, spinach, peas, parsley, soybeans, beans) and meat products (liver, veal). However, with the help of diet alone, it is impossible to compensate for iron deficiency in the body. Even when eating exclusively high-calorie foods containing trace elements, vitamins, iron salts and animal protein, about 3-5 mg of iron per day is absorbed in the body. Therefore, with anemia, it is imperative to prescribe iron supplements.

The list is currently medicines containing iron is wide enough. They differ in the following ways:

  • composition: different iron content, the presence of additional components;
  • dosage form: drops, tablets, capsules, solution for injections.

We list the drugs most commonly used to treat anemia in women: Totema, Ferrum lek, Ferroceron, Ferroplex, Ferrogradum, Feramid, Tardiferon, Maltofer.

The World Health Organization recommends the use of products containing ferrous iron in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The daily dose is 2 mg/kg of elemental iron. The duration of treatment is at least 3 months, in some cases up to 4-6 months. A good iron supplement should have the following properties:

  • optimal amount of iron;
  • simple scheme of application;
  • minimum side effects;
  • the presence of components that stimulate hematopoiesis and enhance absorption;
  • the best price-quality ratio.

Prevention

In order to avoid the development of iron deficiency anemia in women, the following measures are recommended:

  • rapid elimination of the source of blood loss;
  • the use of foods containing a lot of iron (liver, meat);
  • regular monitoring of the state of the blood;
  • prophylactic administration of iron-containing drugs.

Anemia in women is common. Iron deficiency negatively affects not only well-being, but also the functioning of the body as a whole. Therefore, when the first signs of iron deficiency appear, you need to consult a doctor.

Causes of anemia in women

You need to take great care of your health. Any deterioration in the condition should be recorded by specialists, as it can be a symptom of serious diseases. One of these is anemia - a pathological condition caused by a number of factors. Anemia in women can be for various reasons, which is why it is necessary to consult a doctor and follow-up therapy aimed at eliminating the source of the problem.

Different types of anemia in women

The disease is called "anemia", as there is a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood. Also, this disease is caused by a combination of other hematological syndromes, against the background of the development of which there is a significant reduction in the number of red blood cells.

In turn, anemia is a symptom of other diseases:

  • Pathology of internal organs;
  • kidney disease;
  • liver problems;
  • Pathology of the spleen;
  • Diseases of the intestines and the gastrointestinal tract in general.

All these diseases are accompanied by the development of anemia, so the diagnosis includes a complete and comprehensive examination of the human body. In some cases, additional, in-depth studies are required, since from a timely appointment correct therapy depends on the duration of treatment and its result.

Severity of anemia by hemoglobin level

Experts distinguish several types of this disease. The differences are built on the reasons that influenced the decrease in red blood cells. Distinguish:

  • Hapoplastic anemia - the main cause is the negative processes leading to bone marrow disorders. As a result, changes occur in the biochemical processes of hematopoiesis;
  • Hemolytic - in the case of the development of this type of anemia, hemoglobin (red blood cells) are actively destroyed, and new ones, which are a replacement, are created slowly;
  • Deficiency - this type of disease is caused by a lack of vitamins and microelements in the human body, primarily iron, as the main component of blood.

With anemia in any of its manifestations in the blood, a decrease in the concentration of red cells - hemoglobin can be observed. Its normal content per unit volume of blood decreases simultaneously with a decrease in the level of other blood elements - erythrocytes. The risk group includes:

  • Women (under 55);
  • Pregnant and lactating mothers;
  • Small children;
  • Girls whose age is years.

To prevent the development of the disease, it is required to undergo an annual examination, eat right and varied, including red meat, vegetables and fruits in your diet.

Iron deficiency anemia: features of the disease

The peculiarity of the disease is due to the fact that in the risk group 95% are women of different ages. Among men, this problem is practically not observed. According to various medical observations, about 31% of women childbearing age faced with a similar disease mild form its currents - they feel constant fatigue, apathy, laziness. The problem associated with a lack of hemoglobin can not be noticed immediately, since the development of this type of disease is slow. In 94% of cases, iron deficiency anemia can be caused by big loss blood (menstruation, childbirth or gynecological diseases).

Signs of iron deficiency

The signs of the problem become brighter and more intense after a woman reaches the age of 40. This is due to the fact that the body does not know how to accumulate iron reserves, but its natural reproduction slows down by this time. As a result, a woman feels a lack of strength and energy, fatigue becomes constant.

The body begins to take iron from the tissues - a hidden deficiency occurs, then from the blood, which leads to the development of anemia. After menopause, there is a decrease in cases of the disease, the problem gradually disappears as menstruation stops.

Causes of the disease

The causes of iron deficiency anemia are very diverse. Factors affecting the likelihood of developing anemia:

  • Gynecological diseases that lead to the loss of large volumes of blood - fibroids, menstruation, endometriosis;
  • Incorrectly selected menu, malnutrition;
  • Hereditary and genetic features;
  • Intestinal bleeding - it is difficult to determine them, since pain in most cases, no;
  • Haemorrhoids.

Also, pay special attention to the qualitative composition of the blood will be required in a number of other cases, which can lead to the development of anemia. There are the following reasons that reduce the amount of iron:

  • Folic acid is not present in the daily diet, there are no vitamins and iron directly (vegetarianism);
  • There are frequent (3-4 times a week) bowel disorders;
  • Dysbacteriosis (noted in children or after taking a course of antibiotics);
  • Pregnancy - in the process of bearing a fetus, the body requires an increased amount of various substances, minerals and components, among which there is also iron, which is required in order to ensure normal blood circulation for the fetus. That is why it is required to regularly take blood tests, measure the level of hemoglobin, and, if necessary, take measures to eliminate iron deficiency.

Measures to regulate the iron content in the blood will also be required in case of protracted, chronic diseases, such as:

  • Renal and liver failure;
  • Diseases of the intestines and gastrointestinal tract;
  • The presence of ulcers;
  • Problems with the spleen.

Injuries accompanied by a large loss of blood also lead to the development of anemia. In order to recognize the type and extent of the disease, a family history is required, since some types of the disease, such as sickle cell anemia, are inherited. The lifestyle that a woman leads also affects the possibility of anemia. Increase the risk of developing bad habits, permanent stressful situations, high loads, work in hazardous production. Lack of rest and bad dream also negatively affect the quality of blood and the amount of hemoglobin in it.

Frequent blood donation - donation, leads to the development of anemia against the background of iron loss. It is important to remember that donating blood once is difficult to harm your health, but doing it all the time, you can reduce the amount of iron in the blood to dangerous values. If it is assumed that there will be a blood donation, it is necessary to eat heavily before and after the procedure in order to speed up the processes of hemoglobin recovery.

daily iron requirement. Table

Other causes of anemia

You can also face the problem of iron deficiency for the following reasons:

Anemia also develops in the presence of various tumors in the body. Problems in the synthesis of hemoglobin become the reason for its decrease. If present in Everyday life one or more causes that may be a factor in the development of the disease, is required immediate appeal to the doctor for a full and comprehensive study.

Signs and symptoms of anemia

There are main signs of iron deficiency anemia in women that should be the reason for visiting a doctor:

  • Constant feeling of fatigue and lack of sleep, even with all the rules a long period time;
  • Weakness;
  • General fatigue (even without physical exertion);
  • Decreased activity and performance;
  • Appearance subfebrile temperature(no reason to do so);
  • Spasms of varying intensity in the limbs;
  • Numbness of hands or feet;
  • Feeling of goosebumps on the skin;
  • Cold fingers;
  • Paleness of mucous membranes;
  • peeling of the skin;
  • Loss of consciousness (rare manifestation of the disease)
  • Violations (sometimes pronounced strongly) of coordination of movements;
  • Pain in the tongue when spices or other spicy foods get in;
  • Deterioration of the condition of the hair;
  • Trembling in the muscles and their weakness;
  • Violations occurring in the work of the heart (confused rhythm, tachycardia);
  • The appearance of shortness of breath with small physical exertion;
  • Headache turning into migraine (or frequent occurrence pain of varying intensity);
  • Sudden or frequent blackouts in the eyes;
  • Loss of concentration during prolonged work;
  • Attacks of nausea of ​​varying duration;
  • Significant or frequent loss of appetite;
  • Vomiting or urge to it;
  • Pain in the stomach;
  • Belching;
  • Changes in tastes and preferences in food;
  • The need for strong odors (paint, acetone);
  • Sore throat (without colds or acute respiratory infections);
  • Sensation of the presence of a foreign body in the throat (lump);
  • Difficulties in the process of swallowing;
  • Confused breathing;
  • Pain in the chest;
  • The appearance of dry mouth (change in the number of epithelial cells);
  • The appearance of inflammation or sores in the oral cavity;
  • Itching and dryness in the vagina.

Since the symptoms of anemia are similar to the manifestations of various diseases and conditions, it is impossible to establish an accurate diagnosis on your own; qualified assistance from a specialist is required.

Characteristic signs of anemia

The appearance of anemic problems can be confirmed if there are signs characteristic of this disease:

  • The appearance of brittleness and dryness of the nails (they noticeably flatten, a concave shape of the nail plate appears);
  • The skin turns pale, acquire a marble effect, as the vessels begin to appear through the skin;
  • The appearance of a greenish tint to the skin.

The appearance of dryness and wounds on the skin, the desire to include inedible foods in the diet is also a signal indicating the presence of problems with the blood. Particular attention should be paid to all these signals after 30 years. In addition, with anemia, there may be depressive states requiring specialized treatment, therefore, it is impossible to delay the diagnosis of the body.

Clinical manifestations of anemia

Clinical manifestations of anemia caused by iron deficiency:

  • redness of the tongue;
  • The presence of angular stamotitis (jam at the corners of the mouth).

It is important to remember that most visual symptoms do not appear in women if the disease is mild or moderate in severity.

Diagnostic measures

In order to establish the cause of the development of the disease, its type and degree, the doctor conducts under conditions medical institution a number of diagnostic measures. They are simple in case of iron deficiency anemia:

  • Questioning the patient;
  • Determining the symptoms that a person has;
  • Laboratory tests and studies (blood sampling for analysis).

The structure of the blood in anemia

The doctor finds out the time of the first appearance of the main symptoms, whether there are chronic or hereditary diseases. Then a visual inspection is performed to determine the condition of the skin. If obvious signs of anemia are found, and then this is confirmed by the results of the tests, the next stage of diagnosis begins - additional research to determine the type of anemia. Hardware methods of study are used, which allow additionally determining the causes of pathological changes. Mandatory research - differential diagnosis for comparison with other types of anemia.

Treatment of anemia must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. Folk ways maintaining an optimal amount of iron in the blood does not always work. The inclusion of foods such as buckwheat, pomegranate, apples in food can maintain a good result, be an addition to therapy, but not the main way to eliminate anemia if it appears. This is especially important for older women. Indicators of the development of anemia (hemoglobin content) for women over 50 years of age by stage:

  • g/l – mild form of iron deficiency;
  • 80-90 g / l - the average form of the severity of the disease;
  • 80 g / l and below this indicator - a severe form of anemia.

It must be understood that self-medication in this case can only harm. So taking medications and vitamins containing iron, must be approved by a doctor, since there are individual characteristics organisms, requiring a special approach to the method of treatment.

Blood counts are normal. Table

Special drugs are prescribed by a doctor and included in the treatment program based on the results of the examination. Doses and times of administration are calculated in such a way as to minimize possible Negative consequences such as constipation. In addition, a self-selected remedy can harm other organs.

In order to determine the iron preparation suitable for a particular patient, the doctor prescribes various studies and analyzes, since there are a large number of aspects and features in the treatment of the disease, which differ for each person. Diagnostics will allow you to derive a treatment program based on the results of all tests. If measures to eliminate anemia were taken on time, then in most cases iron deficiency anemia will be cured. It should be remembered that the recovery process and subsequent prevention can take a long period of time. Treatment can be carried out from 1-2 months to a year, but in general, the prognosis of specialists is favorable for patients.

Dietary nutrition for anemia

Development of a special dietary restriction - therapeutic diet is an integral subject of therapeutic effects on the body in order to eliminate anemia. The basic principle of the diet is very similar to the proper nutrition system, so there should be no difficulty in following the recommendations. Meals should be small in terms of the amount of food per serving, but frequent - at least 5 times a day. Of these - the main ones - 3, snacks 2-3.

The first meal (breakfast) is formed from an omelet with meat (beef), cocoa, porridge and a piece of bread with whole grains. Lunch should contain vegetable salads, soups based on chicken or meat broth. For dinner, you should eat porridge, fruits or vegetables. Snacks and afternoon snacks are formed from fermented milk products, fruits and nuts.

You should also include carrots, asparagus, strawberries, blueberries in the menu. The use of all these products contributes not only to the normalization of the iron content in the blood, but also to the solution of related health problems, such as indigestion or gastritis.

The consequence of the disease

The need for timely complex treatment lies in the fact that there are unpleasant consequences for the body. Each symptom in itself does not cause significant harm, but in combination they can cause more complex and dangerous diseases. Reduced hemoglobin leads to oxygen starvation, as blood circulation slows down. All organs and tissues suffer, including the brain, which leads to disturbances in the functioning of the body.

Anemia, left without attention or treatment, can lead to the following consequences:

  • violation of the work of all internal organs;
  • the appearance of puffiness;
  • violation of the processes of digestion with the subsequent appearance of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
  • disruption of the nervous system, including emotional instability;
  • the occurrence of insomnia;
  • decrease in mental performance and abilities;
  • disruption in the work of the heart and blood vessels (arrhythmia, tachycardia appears, as a result of compensation for the insufficiency of erythrocytes and hemoglobin);
  • decreased immunity (frequent colds).

It is important to remember that there are cases of sudden cardiac arrest caused by severe anemia. In addition, the likelihood of various autoimmune diseases increases significantly, especially in the older age group.

Prevention of iron deficiency anemia

In order to eliminate or prevent an anemic crisis, it is necessary to take measures to prevent the disease. All of them are aimed at preventing the development of symptoms. Also, prevention aims to restore and maintain the level of iron in the body at optimal levels, including at the very beginning of the development of anemia.

It is important to remember that preventive measures will be useless if a person suffers from severe anemia - it is necessary to combine prevention with basic treatment to achieve good results. The main prevention is:

  • proper nutrition (compliance with recommendations and norms, the quantity and quality of dishes);
  • The diet should include both plant and animal components - poultry, beef, vegetables and fruits, various legumes.

The daily dose of iron that should be contained in the body is determined by sex and age:

  • Children - up to 10 years old need 7-10 mg per day.
  • Women under 50 will need at least 18 mg per day.
  • Pregnant women 27 mg per day.

For men, this element is also important in the composition of the blood. They require at least 8 mg per day to prevent anemia.

Thus, the development of deficient blood diseases - anemia can occur at different ages. Immediate diagnosis and treatment will be required to prevent serious complications.

Anemia in adult women: symptoms, causes and treatment

Before talking about the causes and symptoms of anemia, you should understand in detail what such a disease is, what varieties it is divided into. It can cause great discomfort. Therefore, it is so important to know how anemia manifests itself, the symptoms and treatment in adult women.

What is anemia: types of disease

So, anemia is a fairly common ailment associated with a significant decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Naturally, after this the question arises, what is hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a special protein that is contained in red blood cells, medically called erythrocytes.

Anemia in medicine is divided into several varieties:

  • iron deficiency;
  • posthemorrhagic;
  • aplastic;
  • deficient in B12.

Naturally, these types of anemia have one thing in common - these diseases begin to gradually increase with failures in the formation of red blood cells or with fairly large blood losses.

Symptoms and signs of anemia in adult women

Accordingly, all types of this disease have certain general symptoms, one of which is increased heart rate, as well as weakness.

In addition, anemia, regardless of the type, has other common symptoms:

  • sudden shortness of breath that occurs during normal physical training or loads;
  • "flies" running before the eyes, severe dizziness;
  • pale shade of mucous membranes and skin;
  • an increase in or just a sudden onset of angina attacks;
  • serious violations in the menstrual cycle.

Symptoms of anemia vary by type. So, for example, for hemolytic anemia the following symptoms are typical:

  • staining in yellow shades of mucous membranes, as well as skin integuments due to an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood;
  • enlargement of the spleen, also called splenomegaly.

The most widespread in our country is iron deficiency anemia, which begins to develop gradually and completely imperceptibly with a lack of iron. Iron deficiency anemia has its own symptoms:

  • strong and sudden dizziness accompanied by tinnitus;
  • muscle weakness and high degree fatigue;
  • shortness of breath during physical activity and pain in the area of ​​​​the heart muscle and heart palpitations;
  • the desire to use clay, chalk and other perversions of taste;
  • pallor of mucous membranes and skin.

In addition, there may be a decrease in the secretion of gastric juice, hypotension and tachycardia.

Pernicious or B12 deficiency anemia has its own symptoms:

  • a sharp decrease in appetite;
  • deterioration of bowel function;
  • nausea or vomiting.

As for aplastic anemia, it develops quickly and acutely most often, and if we talk about the symptoms of such a disease, then they include the following:

  • well-marked pallor of the face;
  • severe weakness;
  • tinnitus accompanied by dizziness;
  • tachycardia. In addition, with aplastic anemia, other symptoms can be observed, such as nosebleeds, severe bleeding in the gums, and constant bruising.

Treatment of anemia in women with folk remedies at home

Folk recipes can act as an adjunct to the main therapy. Therefore, they must be agreed with the attending physician. To eliminate the disease, mixtures of vegetables, herbs can be taken.

  • The juice of carrots, radishes and beets is mixed in equal proportions. The mixture is put for 2-3 hours for slow languishing over low heat. Take the consistency before meals, 1 tbsp. the treatment period can reach several months.
  • Fortified juices are effective for anemia. They can be mixed according to the principle described above, or drink a drink from the same variety. For treatment, you can use pomegranate, birch, beetroot, grape, apple drinks.
  • Chicory drink is useful for general lethargy associated with iron deficiency.
  • Birch and nettle leaves are brewed in a thermos with boiling water. Drink the mixture before meals.
  • Rose hips have a tonic effect. They can be brewed in a thermos.

It should be taken into account that folk methods do not provide fast action. the course of admission is usually more than 1 month. Therefore, such treatment is effective in the early stages of the development of the disease.

Treatment of anemia with medication: drugs

Physicians prescribe medications to the patient high content gland. Self-administration of drugs is not recommended. Only after a comprehensive examination, the specialist will prescribe the necessary medications.

Popular drugs include:

As complex treatment folic acid, B vitamins can be prescribed.

If basic therapy does not give a positive result, then the doctor prescribes treatment hormonal drugs. Experts advise to contact early manifestations anemia, symptoms and treatment in adult women should be linked. Very often the disease manifests itself in patients in menopause. Therefore consultation of the endocrinologist, the gynecologist is necessary.

“I’m terribly tired”, “I often feel dizzy”, “I don’t have the strength for anything” are common female complaints about well-being. As a rule, we tend to attribute the causes of increased fatigue and drowsiness to the weather and stress. Although often the reason is different - or, in common parlance, anemia.

Anemia - a syndrome caused by a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood, occurs most often as a result of a lack of iron in the body. Anemia is generally spoken of as a "women's disease". During menstruation, the weaker sex regularly loses blood, and with it precious hemoglobin. So, according to harsh statistics, iron deficiency anemia becomes a life partner for 10% of women of childbearing age, and every fifth representative of the beautiful half of humanity is at risk.

Unpleasant symptoms should alert the young lady. If you can’t remember the last time you felt cheerful, if you got into the habit of happening, tinnitus and palpitations when climbing stairs, plus you have low blood pressure and a chronic desire to sit down somewhere, and even better lie down, you may be to blame anemia. The advanced stage can be complicated muscle weakness, constipation, depression, problems with hair, nails and teeth. Patients often do not notice the development of anemia, because they do not regularly take blood tests. In this regard, doctors advise to strengthen prevention. Anemia can manifest itself unexpectedly, and the level of hemoglobin can balance for a long time on the border of normal and pathology.

Various circumstances can push the body to an unpleasant surprise. Every month, during your period, you lose blood, while you do not lead an active lifestyle, but try to lose weight and diet - this is how iron stores in the body gradually melt. Exacerbates the situation. "Anemia of pregnancy" develops in every third expectant mother.

To understand how to deal with anemia, we will understand the mechanisms of the disease. In the blood that fills the vessels of each of us, there are very important cells for health - red blood cells. These biconcave crumbs carry hemoglobin, which combines with oxygen and allows the blood to carry it throughout the body - to all tissues, organs and parts of the body. The complex protein hemoglobin consists of the protein globin and the iron-containing heme. Having worked out the function of oxygen transfer, iron falls out of the metabolism, and the task of a person is to regularly supply the body with the most valuable atoms. Normal iron in men is 13-30 µmol, in women 12-25 µmol per liter of blood serum. If there is no compensation for iron consumption, and the "metal reserves" are quickly exhausted as a result of various kinds of blood loss or diseases (infections, inflammations that interfere with iron absorption, bleeding ulcers, hemorrhoids,), then a state of iron deficiency occurs, which can lead to anemia varying degrees gravity.

We defeat the "bloodsucker"

If you have symptoms of anemia, or a blood test ( we are talking about the usual test from the finger) showed iron deficiency, it is very desirable to treat an unpleasant syndrome. You need to do this with a therapist or a narrower specialist - a hematologist. To begin with, the doctor will advise you to undergo an examination. It includes a visit, a gastroenterologist and some other experts who will advise you according to complaints. The essence of the examination is to exclude the possibility of diseases that cause hidden blood loss or impaired absorption or transport of iron. If something completely dangerous does not happen to your health, you need to undergo therapy aimed at compensating for iron deficiency. The basic principles of "metallization" of blood are taking iron supplements and a proper diet.

Iron preparations are prescribed, as a rule, with significantly low levels metal in the blood. The course of treatment lasts 6 months. It must be completed completely, strictly obeying the recommendations of doctors. Most likely, you will feel better in a couple of months, but keep in mind that the body absorbs only a third of the iron from the drug, and you should not stop prematurely. To prevent anemia from returning, be attentive to the diet.

Among the products that you definitely need to include in your diet, first of all, nutritionists call meat (beef, pork, chicken, veal) and liver. For example, 200 grams of veal will give you 7 mg of iron, and 100 grams of liver will give you 19 mg. Meat products are valuable because they contain hemoglobin, and they hide easily digestible heme iron. There is also non-heme iron, which is more difficult for the body to absorb, but it can be found in a wide range of foods. Egg yolks, yeast dough, peaches, apples, buckwheat, raisins, dry beans and peas are excellent sources of non-heme iron. The list of products will be advised by your doctor. Where it will be harder for patients with anemia - vegetarians. Since there is no meat in a vegetarian diet, they need to eat foods rich in iron, which enhances the absorption of iron by cells. By the way, about vitamins. No matter how much you respect meat, be sure to get a multivitamin complex that contains iron that suits you. When choosing, consult with a specialist and buy multivitamins that do not contain “incompatible” ingredients in a tube.

Remember that anemia is a serious disease that cannot be left to chance. Be sure to exercise, encouraging the body to carry oxygen intensively and demand a lot of iron in exchange. Next, be sure to satisfy the “greed” of your blood with proper nutrition. In no case do not resort to hunger strikes in order to lose weight. Physical exhaustion is fraught with the development of severe forms of anemia, which may require much more substantial treatment, up to blood transfusions.

What are the consequences of low hemoglobin in women, and how to be treated.

From this article you will learn

1. Anemia in women, and how to treat?

  • Different types of anemia and their causes include
  • Risk factors
  • Symptoms of anemia in women

2. How to treat low hemoglobin in women

Anemia in women, and how to be treated?

It is also called anemia - not just a separate disease, it is a whole group of clinical and hematological various syndromes that are united by one common point - a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in human blood, more often there is a simultaneous decrease in the number of red blood cells. The term "anemia" itself cannot indicate any particular illness or disease; simply speaking, we should consider anemia one of the important symptoms of various pathological abnormalities. Ibn Sina wrote a lot about this in his books on medicine.

Note that there are several different types of anemia, and each of them has various reasons; Iron deficiency is the most common form of the disease.

Anemia can also be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid in the body.

What is responsible for low hemoglobin?

Iron deficiency anemia - The main symptoms are fatigue and lethargy, resulting in a lack of energy, and other symptoms include difficulty breathing or changes in vision (such as a pale complexion and dry nails). If the cause is slow blood loss, there may be no symptoms.

Also, as you know, iron is part of many other enzymes, without which our body is not able to function normally.

Risk factors

These factors increase the risk of developing anemia:

  • Lack of vitamins in the daily diet. You are constantly eating foods low content iron, vitamin B-12 and folic acid, which can develop low hemoglobin.
  • You suffer from intestinal disorders. Permanent intestinal disorders, as well as celiac disease and Crohn's disease can affect the normal absorption of all the nutrients that enter your small intestine from the food you eat.
  • Menstruation. In general, women who have not experienced menopause have a greater risk of iron deficiency anemia. Continuous menstruation leads to blood loss, and as a result to the disease.
  • Pregnancy. Pregnant women are quite often at risk of becoming anemic. Therefore, it is imperative to monitor nutrition and lifestyle during pregnancy.
  • various chronic diseases. you suffer from kidney failure, cancer or other chronic disease, you may also be at risk of getting sick. Chronic, slow blood loss from any ulcer or other source in your body can deplete iron stores very quickly, leading to iron deficiency anemia.
  • History of your family. If your relatives have suffered from hereditary anemia, namely sickle cell anemia, you may also be at an increased risk of the disease.
  • Other factors. Infections, blood disease and autoimmune disorders, alcoholism, exposure to toxic chemical substances and the use of certain medications can affect the body's production of blood, resulting in a decrease in hemoglobin
  • Age. People over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of developing anemia.

What is the norm of hemoglobin in the blood

The normal concentration of hemoglobin in the blood in women is 12 to 16 g/dl

Causes of anemia in women

It occurs when the blood does not contain enough red blood cells. This may happen if:

  1. Your body does not produce enough red blood cells.
  2. Bleeding that results in the loss of red blood cells faster than they can be replaced.
  3. Your body destroys red blood cells.

Different types of anemia and their causes include:

  1. Iron deficiency. This Anemia occurs when iron (found in meat, nuts, and some vegetables) is not enough in the body. If the disease is left untreated, it can make the patient more susceptible to illness and infection, as iron deficiency affects the immune system. rapid heartbeat) and heart failure.
    The pregnant woman also has more high risk development of complications before and after childbirth.
  2. Vitamin. The human body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals, including folic acid and vitamin B-12. If your body is deficient in these two components, then your diet is deficient in these and other key nutrients, and can lead to decreased production of red blood cells. In addition, some people consume sufficient amounts of vitamin B-12, but their body is simply not able to process this vitamin. With this type of disease, pernicious anemia can develop.
  3. Active bleeding Blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding or injury can cause disease.
  4. Cancer. Colon cancer and gastrointestinal ulcers can also lead to anemia.
  5. chronic diseases- any long-term disease or abnormality can lead to anemia, and besides, the exact mechanism of this process is still unknown, so any medical condition, cancer, or chronic infection can lead to anemia.
  6. kidney disease produce the hormone erythropoietin, which helps the bone marrow produce red blood cells. This hormone is reduced in people with chronic disease kidneys or last stage kidney disease and reduces the production of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
  7. Pregnancy- weight gain due to fluid and water, during pregnancy weakens the blood, can be reflected as anemia.
  8. Poor nutrition / Vegetarianism, raw food diet Iron is also needed for the proper production of hemoglobin. Poor nutrition is one of the main causes of low levels of folic acid and vitamin B12. Strict vegetarians who do not get enough vitamins are also at risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency.
  9. Anemia with fatal - a problem in the stomach or intestines can lead to impaired absorption of vitamin B12, and this can lead to anemia.
  10. sickle cell anemia- may be associated with the production of abnormal hemoglobin molecules, which can cause problems in the integrity of the structure of red blood cells. Sickle cell anemia can be very serious illness and is usually inherited.

Symptoms of anemia in women

Signs of iron deficiency:

  • constant weakness
  • increased fatigue under normal load
  • a sharp decline in your ability to work
  • pale skin
  • disturbance, perversion, or lack of appetite
  • craving for food products(a piece of chalk)
  • depression and stress
  • persistent bad mood
  • tired look
  • dry skin
  • brittle, dull hair and nails

The insidiousness of anemia in women is that the symptoms can increase gradually and imperceptibly. A woman partially adapts to them, finds an explanation for her condition by other reasons.

The level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells can drop catastrophically before she gets to see a doctor.

How to treat low hemoglobin and anemia in women

  1. It is imperative to diagnose the entire body so that the doctor can understand the causes that led to anemia. Only after the causes are eliminated is a cure possible.
  2. If the decrease in hemoglobin resulted from a lack of iron, then you just need to change your diet (eat organic lamb and beef meat, fresh liver, cottage cheese, apples, pomegranates, berries, eggs, honey, meat, beans, pumpkin seeds, a lot of greens, such as spinach, sorrel, nettle, raisins and other dried fruits, iron-fortified cereals).
  3. In severe cases, it is necessary to do a blood or red blood cell transfusion, and even iron preparations are administered intramuscularly. Personally, I have not yet met anyone who was able to recover with the help of a transfusion from a severe form of anemia.
  4. To prevent iron deficiency, you need to improve your diet. I am against iron tablets and capsules.

It is important that your body does not receive additional toxicity during the recovery process, so a few tips:

  • Don't use artificial sweeteners.
  • Avoid high fructose syrup.
  • Don't drink carbonated drinks.
  • Avoid fast foods.
  • Avoid all canned food.
  • Eliminate conventional store-bought dairy products.
  • Avoid regular beef. The best beef of those animals - which were fed only organic grass.

aromatherapy

- Peppermint oil - refreshes and strengthens, has a strong piercing aroma that helps to disinfect the air in the body and relieve pain..

- Honey with lemon - has a natural healing smell, refreshes and helps with anemia.

Hello!

Today I want to talk a little about why anemia occurs in women, what reasons contribute to this and what symptoms are manifested.

What threatens low hemoglobin in women and how to deal with it.

From this article you will learn:

Anemia in women and how to deal with it

Anemia (Greek αναιμία - anemia) or anemia is a group of clinical and hematological syndromes, the common point for which is a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood, more often with a simultaneous decrease in the number of erythrocytes (or the total volume of erythrocytes). The term "anemia" without specification does not define a specific disease, that is, anemia should be considered one of the symptoms of various pathological conditions. wiki

What underlies anemia?

Iron is an essential element internal environment organism. It is part of the hemoglobin protein, which is the main component of the erythrocyte, the oxygen-carrying cell. It is iron, which is part of the heme, that determines the red color of the blood.

In addition, iron is part of many enzymes, without which the normal functioning of the body is impossible. With a lack of iron, the body begins to suffer from anemia or anemia.

The norm of hemoglobin in the blood

The normal concentration of hemoglobin in the blood in women is 12 to 16 g/dl

Signs of iron deficiency:

  • weakness
  • fatigue
  • drastic decline in performance
  • pallor of the skin
  • disturbance and perversion of appetite
  • propensity to consume non-food products (chalk)
  • depression
  • Bad mood
  • haggard look
  • dry skin changes
  • trophic changes
  • fragility, dullness of hair and nails

The insidiousness of anemia in women is that the symptoms can increase gradually and imperceptibly. A woman partially adapts to them, finds an explanation for her condition by other reasons.

The level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells can drop catastrophically before she gets to see a doctor.

How to treat low hemoglobin and anemia in women

  1. Diagnosis of the cause that led to anemia is mandatory. Only after its elimination is it possible to cure anemia.
  2. Treatment of anemia resulting from a lack of iron in the body includes dietary measures (eating meat, liver, apples, pomegranates, berries, eggs, buckwheat)
  3. Long-term intake of iron preparations (several months until the body's depot is saturated with iron). For more information about which foods increase hemoglobin, read and
  4. In severe cases, blood or red blood cell transfusions, iron preparations are used intramuscularly.
  5. To prevent iron deficiency, you can take vitamins with iron.

You can buy high-quality vitamin complexes with iron in chelate forms here