• 17 February, 2026
• By Admin

Anaemia In Women: Symptoms, Causes & Diagnosis

unusual hair loss or pale skin? Many women ignore these signs, thinking they're just part of a busy schedule. In fact, they could be symptoms of anaemia.

Anaemia in women is more common than most people think, especially in India. From teenage girls to working professionals, from pregnant women to elderly mothers, this condition affects women at every stage of life. The good news is that it can be managed and, if detected early, is often completely curable.

This article explains the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of anaemia in women clearly and practically. It also explains when anaemia testing is necessary and how timely testing at a trusted lab like UniQ Pathlab, considered one of the best pathology labs in Delhi NCR, can really make a difference.

What Is Anaemia and Why Are Women at Higher Risk?

Anaemia is a medical condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or adequate haemoglobin to carry oxygen efficiently. Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

When haemoglobin levels drop, the body’s tissues do not receive sufficient oxygen. This leads to fatigue, weakness, and several other symptoms that often interfere with daily life.

Why are women more vulnerable?

Women are at a higher risk of anaemia due to:

• Menstrual blood loss every month
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding, which increase iron requirements
• Poor dietary intake of iron and essential nutrients
• Hormonal changes that may affect absorption
• Frequent dieting or restrictive eating patterns

For example, a young woman with heavy menstrual periods may gradually lose more iron than her body can replace. Over time, she may begin to feel constantly tired but may not connect it to anaemia. This is why awareness is important.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Anaemia in Women?

The symptoms of anaemia can be mild at first and may develop slowly. Many women adapt to feeling tired and assume it is normal. However, the following signs should not be ignored:

1. Persistent Fatigue

This is the most common symptom. Even simple tasks like cooking, walking short distances, or concentrating at work may feel exhausting.

2. Pale Skin and Lips

Low haemoglobin levels can cause paleness, especially noticeable on the face, inner eyelids, and nails.

3. Shortness of Breath

Feeling breathless after mild physical activity can indicate reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood.

4. Dizziness or Headaches

Reduced oxygen supply to the brain may lead to frequent headaches or lightheadedness.

5. Hair Fall and Brittle Nails

Iron deficiency can affect hair and nail health. Some women notice increased hair shedding or spoon-shaped nails.

6. Irregular Heartbeat

In severe cases, the heart may beat faster to compensate for low oxygen levels.

7. Craving Non-Food Items (Pica)

Some women develop unusual cravings for substances like ice, clay, or chalk. This is often associated with iron deficiency anaemia.

If these symptoms persist, an Anaemia Test is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine its severity.

What Causes Anaemia in Women?

Anaemia is not a disease on its own but a result of an underlying issue. Understanding the cause is essential for proper treatment.

1. Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia in women. Iron is required to produce haemoglobin. Without enough iron, the body cannot make adequate red blood cells.

Common reasons include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Poor dietary intake
• Pregnancy
• Blood loss due to medical conditions

A woman who skips iron-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, and fortified cereals may slowly develop deficiency over time.

2. Vitamin Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin B12 or folic acid can lead to anaemia. These nutrients are essential for red blood cell production. Vegetarian women who do not consume enough dairy or fortified foods may be at risk of B12 deficiency.

3. Chronic Diseases

Conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or chronic infections can interfere with red blood cell production.

4. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly. If iron intake is insufficient, anaemia can develop quickly. This is why routine screening is part of antenatal care.

5. Genetic Conditions

Inherited disorders like thalassemia can also cause anaemia. In such cases, specialized testing is required.

Identifying the root cause is crucial. A detailed Anaemia Test panel helps doctors understand whether the issue is iron deficiency, vitamin deficiency, or another medical condition.

How Is Anaemia Diagnosed?

Anaemia cannot be confirmed based on symptoms alone. Laboratory testing is essential.

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A CBC measures haemoglobin levels, red blood cell count, and other important parameters. It is usually the first step in diagnosing anaemia.

2. Iron Studies

If iron deficiency is suspected, additional tests measure serum iron, ferritin, and total iron-binding capacity.

3. Vitamin B12 and Folate Levels

These tests help detect vitamin-related anaemia.

4. Peripheral Smear

This test examines the shape and size of red blood cells under a microscope, which can provide valuable clues about the cause.

An Anaemia Test at a reliable laboratory ensures accurate and timely results. At UniQ Pathlab, advanced diagnostic equipment and strict quality protocols help provide precise reports that support correct medical decisions.

Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin before complications develop.

When Should a Woman Get an Anaemia Test?

Routine screening is advisable in several situations:

• Persistent fatigue without a clear reason
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual cycles
• During pregnancy or pre-pregnancy planning
• After childbirth
• In teenage girls with poor dietary intake
• In women with chronic medical conditions

Even women who feel “normal” may benefit from periodic screening, especially in high-risk groups. A simple blood test can prevent long-term health issues.

For women in Delhi NCR, getting an Anaemia Test at UniQ Pathlab offers convenience, accurate reporting, and professional guidance. Timely testing supports better health planning and peace of mind.

How Does Anaemia Affect Daily Life?

Anaemia is not just about feeling tired. It can affect productivity, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

• A working professional may struggle to focus during meetings.
• A mother may feel too weak to manage daily household responsibilities.
• A student may experience poor concentration and reduced academic performance.
• During pregnancy, untreated anaemia can increase the risk of complications for both mother and baby.

Many women blame stress or age for these changes, when in fact the underlying issue is low haemoglobin. Identifying and treating anaemia often leads to noticeable improvement within weeks.

Treatment and Prevention: What Can Be Done?

Treatment depends on the cause.

1. Iron Supplements

For iron deficiency anaemia, doctors typically prescribe oral iron supplements. In severe cases, intravenous iron may be recommended.

2. Dietary Changes

Including iron-rich foods such as:

• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Lentils and beans
• Jaggery
• Nuts and seeds
• Lean meats and eggs

Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges and lemons help improve iron absorption.

3. Vitamin Supplements

If B12 or folate deficiency is identified, supplementation corrects the imbalance.

4. Managing Underlying Conditions

If anaemia is caused by a chronic disease, treating the primary condition is essential.

Regular follow-up and repeat testing ensure that haemoglobin levels return to normal and remain stable.

Why Choose a Trusted Pathlab for Anaemia Testing?

Accurate diagnosis begins with reliable laboratory services. Errors in reporting can delay treatment or lead to incorrect medication.

UniQ Pathlab, recognized as one of the best pathlabs in Delhi NCR, offers:

• Advanced diagnostic technology
• Experienced laboratory professionals
• Strict quality control
• Timely and easy-to-understand reports
• Convenient sample collection options

A professionally conducted Anaemia Test provides clarity and confidence, allowing doctors to design the right treatment plan.

Conclusion

Anaemia in women is common, but it should never be considered normal. Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, pale skin, and frequent headaches are warning signs that deserve attention. Early testing, proper diagnosis, and timely treatment can restore energy levels and prevent serious complications.

Every woman deserves to feel strong, active, and healthy. If there are symptoms suggestive of low haemoglobin or if routine screening is due, scheduling an Anaemia Test is a practical and responsible step.

For accurate diagnosis and dependable service, UniQ Pathlab in Delhi NCR offers trusted testing solutions designed to support women’s health at every stage of life. Taking action today can prevent bigger health concerns tomorrow.

FAQs

1. What is a healthy haemoglobin level for women?

A: In most adult women, haemoglobin levels between 12 and 15.5 g/dL are considered normal. If the level drops below this, it may point to anaemia and should be checked with a blood test.

2. What are the first signs of anaemia?

A: Anaemia often starts quietly. Common early signs include feeling tired all the time, pale skin, shortness of breath, headaches, and hair fall. These symptoms are often mistaken for stress or overwork.

3. When should women get tested for anaemia?

A: Testing is recommended if you feel unusually tired, have heavy periods, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or notice symptoms like dizziness or hair loss. Many doctors also suggest routine testing for teenage girls and older women.

4. How is anaemia diagnosed?

A: Anaemia is confirmed through blood tests. The most common test is a Complete Blood Count (CBC). Depending on the results, iron levels or vitamin tests may also be advised to find the exact cause.

5. Which foods help increase haemoglobin?

A: Foods that support healthy haemoglobin levels include leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, jaggery, nuts, eggs, and lean meats. Eating fruits rich in vitamin C helps the body absorb iron better.