“It is very important to know the symptoms of anemia in women. Such as fatigue, headaches and chest pain which can be fatal signs.
Symptoms of anemia in women are actually not too different from men. Starting from fatigue, chest pain, to headaches. Anemia is a condition when the number of red blood cells in the body is too low.
Someone has anemia if their hemoglobin or hematocrit is low. Hemoglobin is the main protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen, and delivers it throughout the body. If the level is low, the body's tissues or organs may not be getting enough oxygen.
Symptoms of Anemia in Women
Signs of anemia can include anything. Here are some symptoms of anemia in women:
1. Fatigue
When you experience fatigue, it is difficult to carry out daily activities. Feeling tired or weak is one of the most common symptoms of anemia. However, feeling constantly tired does not automatically mean you have anemia.
Many other conditions and lifestyle habits can cause fatigue. These include anxiety, depression, diabetes, low levels of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits. Therefore, you need to undergo an examination to make sure.
2. Chest Pain
When it doesn't have enough red blood cells, the heart has to work hard to move oxygen through the blood. Chest pain or shortness of breath is usually a symptom of anemia in women that is getting worse.
If you experience it, talk to your doctor immediately. This is a warning sign there may be life-threatening complications of anemia. If left untreated, the symptoms of anemia can lead to more serious conditions such as arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and heart failure.
3. Skin and Nail Changes
If nails are brittle or hair becomes dry or falls out, it could be a sign of anemia. This is because iron deficiency can make hair and nails do not get enough supplies to keep them healthy.
Nails can also become weak, curling at the edges and causing the center to look like it was being pulled out with a spoon. The skin may also turn pale or become paler (yellow).
4. Appetite changes
Another symptom of anemia in women that you need to watch out for is a change in appetite. In some cases, sufferers may crave cold drinks, ice cubes, or non-food items, such as paper. This condition is called picophagia or pica.
A vegetarian or vegan diet can put you at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia. Because you don't get iron from red meat, fish, or poultry.
5. Restless Feet
If you have anemia, your feet and hands may feel cold, or your feet may feel uncomfortable when you try to sleep. Restless legs syndrome occurs when you have a strong, almost irresistible urge to move your legs even though you don't want to.
6. Headaches
Another symptom of anemia in women is headaches. When there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, less oxygen reaches the brain.
Nearby arteries swell, causing headaches. If you have anemia, you may also feel dizzy or have trouble concentrating.