Anaemia

Reading Time12 minutes

Difficulty- Beginner

Last Reviewed- July 2026

At a Glance

Anaemia happens when your blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen around your body. As a result, your body receives less oxygen than it needs, leaving you feeling tired, weak, short of breath, or unable to concentrate.

It is one of the most common health conditions affecting women worldwide, especially women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and adolescent girls. Although anaemia is often caused by iron deficiency, it can also result from vitamin deficiencies, inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, infections, chronic illnesses, or heavy menstrual bleeding.

The good news is that many forms of anaemia can be prevented, detected early, and successfully treated with the right medical care and lifestyle support.

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition where your blood cannot carry enough oxygen around your body.

Think of haemoglobin as tiny delivery vehicles carrying oxygen from your lungs to every organ.

When there are too few healthy red blood cells—or not enough haemoglobin—your body has to work much harder, leading to fatigue and other symptoms.

Why Anaemia Matters for Black African Women

Anaemia is especially important for Black African women because several factors increase the risk:

• Iron deficiency due to poor dietary intake

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Fibroids

• Malaria in some African countries

• Sickle cell disease

• Limited access to routine health screening

• Food insecurity

• Chronic infections

For many women, anaemia develops gradually and may go unnoticed until it becomes severe.

Early recognition can significantly improve quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

✓ Constant tiredness

✓ Weakness

✓ Pale skin

✓ Dizziness

✓ Headaches

✓ Fast heartbeat

✓ Cold hands and feet

✓ Shortness of breath

✓ Difficulty concentrating

✓ Brittle nails

✓ Hair loss

✓ Craving non-food items such as ice or clay (known as pica)

Causes and Risk Factors

Iron deficiency

The most common cause worldwide.

Often linked to:

• Heavy periods

• Pregnancy

• Poor nutrition

• Blood loss

Vitamin deficiencies

• Low Vitamin B12

• Low folate

Chronic diseases

• Kidney disease

• Inflammatory conditions

• Cancer

Inherited blood disorders

• Sickle cell disease

• Thalassaemia

Infections

• Malaria

• Parasitic worms

• Chronic infections

The Impact

Physical Health

• Lower energy

• Reduced immunity

• Poor exercise tolerance

• Pregnancy complications

• Heart strain

Mental Wellbeing

• Poor concentration

• Brain fog

• Low mood

• Reduced confidence

Economic Impact

• Reduced productivity

• More sick days

• Healthcare costs

Family Impact

• Difficulty caring for children

• Reduced ability to work

• Fatigue affecting relationships

How AI Can Help

• Responsible AI can support women by:

• Explaining laboratory results

• Helping understand symptoms

• Tracking fatigue

• Monitoring nutrition goals

• Sending medication reminders

• Preparing questions before appointments

• Providing trusted education

How Sana Can Help

Sana can:

✓ Explain anaemia in plain language

✓ Track symptoms

✓ Remind you to take iron supplements

✓ Help prepare for clinic visits

✓ Suggest reliable educational resources

Sana cannot:

✗ Diagnose anaemia

✗ Prescribe treatment

✗ Replace healthcare professionals

What You Can Do

Eat iron-rich foods:

• Lean meat

• Fish

• Beans

• Lentils

• Spinach

• Pumpkin seeds

• Fortified cereals

Improve iron absorption by eating foods rich in Vitamin C such as oranges, tomatoes, peppers, and citrus fruits.

Avoid drinking tea or coffee immediately after meals if you have iron deficiency, as they can reduce iron absorption.

Attend regular health checks.

Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

When to Seek Professional Help

Arrange a medical appointment if you:

• Feel unusually tired for several weeks

• Experience heavy menstrual bleeding

• Become breathless with little activity

• Notice chest pain

• Feel dizzy or faint

• Are pregnant and concerned about fatigue

Seek urgent medical care if you experience severe shortness of breath, chest pain, collapse, or signs of significant blood loss.

Myth vs Fact

Myth: Anaemia only affects pregnant women.

Fact: It can affect girls, women, men and children.

Myth: Feeling tired is normal.

Fact: Persistent fatigue may indicate an underlying medical condition.

Myth: Iron supplements are safe for everyone.

Fact: Iron should only be taken after appropriate medical assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can anaemia be cured?

Many forms can be successfully treated once the underlying cause is identified.

Can heavy periods cause anaemia?

Yes. Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the leading causes.

Does anaemia affect pregnancy?

Yes. Untreated anaemia can increase risks for both mother and baby.

Can diet alone fix anaemia?

Sometimes, but many women require medical treatment or supplements.

Trusted Resources

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• NHS

• NICE

• African CDC

• UNICEF

• UNFPA

Related Learning Hub Articles

• Iron Deficiency

• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

• Fibroids

• Nutrition for Women's Health

• Pregnancy Essentials

• Sickle Cell Disease

Take the Next Step

Understanding anaemia is the first step toward better health. If these symptoms sound familiar, speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Small changes—such as improving your diet, attending routine health checks, and seeking advice early—can make a significant difference.

Medical knowledge continues to evolve. We regularly review and update our Learning Hub to reflect current evidence and clinical guidance. If you notice information that may need updating, please let us know.