Kolkata, Jan 13: Anemia has quietly become one of the most common yet neglected health problems among women today. Due to busy lifestyles, lack of awareness, and the tendency to ignore early symptoms, many women continue to live with low energy, weakness, and poor health without knowing the real cause. Timely blood tests can help detect anemia early, prevent complications, and significantly improve a woman’s overall well-being.
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. As a result, the body feels tired and weak, even after routine activities. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type seen in women. Anemia in women is often caused by iron deficiency due to poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, repeated pregnancies, blood loss, or poor absorption of nutrients. Chronic illnesses, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, and certain medical conditions can also contribute to anemia. Women with anemia may experience constant tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headaches, pale skin, shortness of breath, hair loss, and difficulty concentrating. Since these symptoms develop gradually, many women tend to ignore them. If anemia is not detected and treated on time, it can lead to severe fatigue, reduced immunity, heart strain, complications during pregnancy, delayed recovery from illness, and poor quality of life. Long-term untreated anemia can increase the risk of serious health problems.
Dr Abhik Banerjee, Zonal Technical Chief East Zone, Apollo Diagnostic Kolkata said,
Alarmingly, close to 70% of women aged 35-55 do not opt for routine blood tests, allowing anemia to go undiagnosed and untreated for years. Nearly 40% of women who are tested show signs of anemia and are advised to take appropriate treatment. They often normalize fatigue and weakness, unaware that untreated anemia can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, immunity, and reproductive health. Early testing can prevent years of unnecessary suffering. Simple blood tests can make a huge difference. Women who should regularly test include adolescents, women with heavy menstrual cycles, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, working women with constant fatigue, and those following restrictive diets. Early detection through blood tests allows us to manage anemia effectively with diet changes, supplements, and treatment, restoring energy and improving daily life.”
Dr Abhik further added,
“Key tests women should take for anemia are the hemoglobin test to measure the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood and confirm anemia. Iron Studies (Serum Iron, Ferritin, TIBC) help identify iron deficiency and iron stores in the body. Complete Blood Count (CBC) provides overall information about red blood cells and anemia severity. Vitamin B12 and Folate Tests allow for the detection of nutritional deficiencies causing anemia. So, understand that anemia is easy to detect and treat if addressed early. Management includes an iron-rich diet, supplements, treating the underlying cause, and regular follow-up tests. Despite this, there is still a significant lack of awareness, and many women continue to ignore testing. Women shouldn’t dismiss persistent tiredness and to prioritize routine blood tests for a healthier, more active life.”
Anemia should not be accepted as a “normal” part of a woman’s life. Regular blood tests are the key to early detection, prevention of complications, and long-term health. Awareness, timely testing, and proper treatment can help women regain strength, confidence, and quality of life.
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